Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-03-02
Through Their Ministers at Washington
Russia Sore on the
United States.
RUSSIA'S STATEMENT.

Washington, March An important
conference lasting more than an hour
occurred, today, between Secretary
Hay and Count Cassni, the Russian
ambassador. The growing of ill-feel-
ing in Russia against Americans and
the continued attacks of certain parts
of the American press against Russia
was TIE main subject discussed. Count
. Cassini also formally inquired about
the reports that the Commercial Gable
Co. had applied for landing privileges
at Guam for cable from that island
to Japan. He was assured by Mr.. Hay
that this government at present was
considering no such application. The
ambassador did not give any intima-
ton as to what the attitude of his gov
en.nent would be in this matter. The
Associated Press dispatches from ST.
Petersburg, however, have stated that
the Russian government would view
asHance the granting of such privi-
leges by this government during the
present war. 1t is assumed that this
government has declined for the pres
ont formally TO consider such an appli-
| cation.
To correspondent of The Associated
Press. the count said that the Russian
people long since had learned to regard
the people OF this country as their fast
friends and that it had been bitter
disappointment to them to find Amcri-
can newspapers attacking the Russian
government. the Russian people and
Russian politics. He said the first feel
ing of his people had been one of pain
full surprise, but that this is now crys-
taliiZing into /; deplOrable feeling of
unfricndliness.
The tone of Russian newspapers.
said the arnba SSador. las Il consequence
of the tone of many American news
ia rers, is beginning to take a very
painful direction in their references to
the United States. and in my opinion
ii Is in the interests of both countries
that some measures shall be taken to
check this before II is too late.
fortunately the relations of the two
governments continue, as always, alb
solutely friendly, and for this reason
! am hopeful that the present unfricnd-
illness or the part of the press of the
two countries will not be lasting. the
fricndliness of the American and Rus
sian governments. 1t is my firm belief.
furnishes the basis for the restoration
and preservation of the traditional
friendship of their two peoples.
What is the cause of the present I'M
friendly policy Of the Russian press
toward this Country?" the ambassador
was asked.
The ambassador Responded: 1T is the
constant unfriendly feeling expressed
in many American newspapers agains.
Russia. l am sure that when these at
lacks, which so far as Russia can see
are without cause. the relations OF
Russia and the United States will no
longer be cloudcd.
MY people naturally cannot under
stand. these attacks upon them and
have asked in all seriousness the rea-
son for them. For example. one reason
which mas been advanced is that this
country is displeased that Russia was
unable to evacuate Manchuria, last
October. 1t was the earnest hope of
my government that it would be posi-
be to withdraw it's troops from Man.
c!luria at that time. The necessity OF
safeguarding our peculiar and pre-
dominant position there, a position
which has been recognized by all the
powers made it impossible for the evac-
uation to take place with safety
The Russian people, however,
knowing the situation in Manchuria,
knowing, Furthermore that the avowed,
prime and sole interest of the United
States in that province is commercial
and that the government of Russia has
given to all the powers. including the
United States. the most positive assur-
ances that their commercial rights will
be protected and safeguarded, what
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