New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-30
qualifications At NEW-CHKAyG

There are those who speak Of Russia's bellig-
orent acts at New-Chwang as causing compll-
cations We regard them rather as simpli1ca-
tons. No doubt an unpleasant impression is at
/ first touch produced by the lowering Of Ameri-
can and other foreign flags, and by the forci-
be suspension 81 the privileges Of neutrals I'm
a treaty port But the case IS one that should
be discussed without shrillness Of tone and GER
tainly without malevolence Of spirit IL will
scarcely be becoming in those who yesterday
were railing at our government for alleged
lack Of sympathy with Russia. "our traditional
friend" 10 grow hot to-day over what they call
the tearing down OF the American flag by Cos
sacks" Above al. gentlemen not too much
zeal 1T least not until we have considered tho
facts.
Now, these are. the facts: New hwanC IS Il
treaty port. and we therefore have rights there
To keep our gunboat there. 10 maintain our con-
sular service and officially 20 fly our flag. But
for some years past Russia has occupied. pos
sessed garrisoned and governed Il, ms though
II were st Petersburg itself and. though She
has repeatedly promised to evacuatc Il, she has.
in fact, never done so. but has remained I'm fun
possession down 10 the present time. America
has not specifically approved DusSi1's posses
sion Of the place, but neither has 70 taken any
specific steps 20 compel h.r withdrawal from
it And while tccit acgui.-.ancc IN or Mt least
patient liberation OF, U-sia's occupation OF
the place Is in no wise 10 be regarded as
remuneration or surrender Of our treaty rights
It may we'll be asked 81. having for so long IN
time OF peace. endured that occupation, Il would
be reasonable or fitting 10 demand its cessation
now. IN time OF war
In existing circumstances there can DO no
question that Russia must either evacuate New
ChWanS altogether or adopt some such course
rs that which j. now announced II IS not 10
Dc expected that She viii evacuutc 10, seeing the
enormous strategic Importance Of the pace.
But II she does not evacuate it. the place can
not remain neutral. It must become involved In
the scene Of war. and IL must therefore be sub
iect 10 the martial law of whichever belligcrent
is in possession Of it. Tl5lt may mean hard
ship 10 Americans. 1t IS usually hardship 10
neutrals TO be involved In the affairs Of n bel
liCerent territory. But that IS one OF the inev-
liable circumstances OF war. New-Chwaug IS
I'm that part 81 China which IS generally recog-
niZcd as not neutral, but as the necessary and
proper theatre Of this war, and &c must share
the fate of the rest Of that region.
We have said this Russian action supplies
matters. 1t does away with all uncertainty CON
corning the status OF ew-Chwang and OF neu-
trails there. II removes all ground for dispute
rs 10 the rights Of tho japanese, for II the Rus
SLAMS have Il right 10 do what they are now
doing, the japanese have an equal right 70 be
siege attack and conquer NewChwang, II they
can, just as they would Port Arthur or vladl-
vostOk. VIC may add that It makes clear, too.
the results, II not the purpose, OF Russia's per-
sistent and prolonged occupation Of tho place.
Had she fulfilled her promises Of years ago, and
withdrawn from Ncw-Chwang that place might
now be rs neutral as Tientsin or Shanghai.
But she did not withdraw from It, and I'm the
light Of present conditions we must be permit
ted 70 doubt If she ever intended so to do.