Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-10
NEUTRALITY TO CHINA
U. S. Proposals to Powers Regarded an
Able Move and Acceptable.

BERLIN, February 10-Secretary Hays
note to the powers concerning the neu-
trality and integrity of China was de-
lvered to the German government yes
terday by Foreign Secretary Won RIGHT
hofen. The Associated Press understands
the latter has already conveyed an inti-
nation to Secretary Hay that his pro-
posals are likely to be acceptable to Ger
many, because they tend to localize the
war and avoid fresh subjects of inter-
national dispute. The step taken by the
United States is regarded by the foreign
Office here as being an able move.
The Cologne Gazette, which 50 frequently
takes the foreign office view of different
questions. says the plan suggested on the
American initiative will certainly be well
received IN Germany, as the naturalization
of China is SO entirely in it's general in
terest. and adds that the proposal is cal
culated to prevent hostilities against for
eigners again breaking out in China.
Will Declare Neutrality Tomorrow.
LONDON. February 10.-It was an
nounced in the house Of commons today
that proclamation Of British neutrality
will be drawn up at a special cabinet
meeting tomorrow, ana that 1t will be
published shortly afterward.
LONDON, February 1O.-The necessary
instructions will Immediately be issued to
the authorities at the British ports, includ-
Ing those Of the self-governing colonies,
prescribing their conduct towarI belliger-
ent warshfps.
Home Secretary Akers-Douglas said in
the house OF commons today that the in
structions would be similar to those issued
IN the case OF previous wars, covering sup
pies OF coal and restricting vessels stay
In port to twenty-four hours, except owing
TO stress OF weather or necessary repairs
Widespread Attention in Paris.
PARIS. February 1o.-The overtures of
the United States government to the powers
for preserving the neutrality and integrity
OF China during and after the hostilties
between Russia and Japan are attracting
widespread attention. United States Am
bassador Porter conferred lengthily with
Foreign Minister Delcasse yesterday and
again loday. Ihe results have not been
made public, but the general situation Is as
follows:
1t does not appear probable that an ac-
c0rd OF the powers can be reached at the
present time owing to G..ferences Of views
and the concentration of attention upon
the actual events of the war 1t is practi-
cally certain that France will not take any
action which could possibly be construed as
embarrassing to Russia or as seeking to
coerce her concerning the integrity Of
China.
Anxious for Chinese Declaration.
The French authorities appear quite will
Ing and even anxious to have China declare
her neutrality. They desire to have the
least possible interruption in international
shipping at far eastern ports. and also
will seek individually and collectively to
confine the area Of hostilities so as to re-
duce the chance of general spread of the
confia grationA
But relative to the integrity Of China, it
is not likely that any step will be taken If
the term China" Is intended to include
Manchuria. It is held that this Is con-
sistent with the past French attitude con-
cerning the integrity of China. which was
construed to be entirely distinct from the
provinces OF the Chinese empire, including
Manchuria, Thibet and Mongolia.
However, the foregoing Il only the general
tendency. the negotiations being still open.
Continued on Thissenth Paeel