The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-03-02
RUSSIA AND THE UNITED ' GTATHH "seff ~

Russia Is angry because the comman der of the vicksburg would not join tn commanders of eitain European war ships at ChemuIpo in warning away thu Japanese fleet gathered there to destro, two Russian naval vessels. Russia il showing her displsasure by trying tt break up her trade with the United States and we are reminded on top ci this that our manners are very bad con sidering what the Czars did for the North during our Civil War.
 Why should tho commander of tine vicksburs interfere with Japan? Che mulpo was not Russian port, nor Jap anese. It was eithe. neutral or not nsu- tral. Looked at from any point of view. the Japanese had a perfect right to do- mand that the Russian commander should come cut into the open and fight. This might have happened just as we'll at Hong Kong, at Kiel or Brest. An armed vessel cannot shelter itself indef- initeIy under neutral fortresses and gunE. The variag- and her companion were fairly caught and suffered the logical fate of war when they encountered a superior enemy. It was the loss. not the injustice of the loss, that has emoii- tered the Russians. that makes them vail and denounce the United States. We can afford to dispense with Russian trade if Japan succeeds in opening Korea and Manchuria to the commerce of the world. On the commercial side it is the certain fate of Korea and Manchuria. once in the power of Russia. that makes one ground for the great trading English speaking nations to sympathize with Ja- pan. There will be closed door through out the Orient If Russia could have her way.
 As to Russla's friendly countenance turned upon the United States during OUT Civil War, the South of course cannot even now look on this as any reeason why they should love Russia. We do not care to speak of Russia's conduct at that time, however, other than as Americans.
 Secretary Stewards son has recently said that the Russian fleet was cajoisd by his father into the timely demonstra- tion they made. The better opinion seems to be, however. that their ships anchored at New York and San Francisco as a d. rec. menace to England and France should they interfere in behalf of the South. Napoleon H., we knew then and we know now. was anxious to intervene, and there was a powerful sentiment in England, both in official and private Albert, 1t is understood, was the main influence in constraining the English to keep hands off and 1t does not appear that Russia's threatening attitude had anything whatever to do with his con- duct in the premises.
 The real question is with what motive Russia directed her admirals 10 repor t for orders to President Lincoln in event England and France intervened. Was it a hatred of slavery? She had a widely prevalent system of serfdom then and later. Was it her admiration for free in- stitutions: She had none then and re- mains today in fer Government not only the most barbaric great power in the world. but one Of the most barbarfoa any, where on the globe. The only reason sie could have had was to strike a blow at the prestige of England and secondar!ly that of France. Of course since that time champagne has inspired many kind ly speeches aboard ship about the etar- nal friendship between two nations, one a great free republic and the other the darkest and most backward tyranny of modern times. There has in fact been no feeling of attachment on either side and 1t only needed just such a fact as the outbreak of hostillties between Rus sia and Japan to disclose and develop the natural hatred every true American must feel in contemplating the revolting char. acter of the Slav's progress in the world so far. Japan stands for civilization and light; Russia for oppression and dalk- ness. We choose our friends accordingly.