Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-09
Asked if They Will Main
tain China's Integrity.
MANCHURIA'S FUTURE
FAVORABLE REPLIES EXPECTED
BY STATE DEPARTMENT.
Great Sensation Created in Diplomatic
cussed by Presidents Cabinet.

Secretary Hay sent a circular note to the
European powers suggesting that they CO.
operate with the United States in notifying
both Russia and Japan that the neutrality
of China must be respected during the war
and hereafter
Details of the note are not obtainaoie in
advance of the receipt of replies from the
powers addressed. 1t is known that ex-
changes taking place between tneSe powers
and the United States before the dispatch
of the note justified the State Department
In expecting a favorable reception OF the
proposition. The move has caused pro-
found sensation in diplomatic circles mere
1t Is futher learned that the proposition
of the United States contempiates re-
striction of hostilities and the consequent
hardshps OF war to the smallest possible
area. Just what this means Is not maze
clear to the public. but the deternina ion
may have the greatest effect upon the
struggle between Russia and Japan.
1t is almost certain that neither Will De
allowed China proper, meaning by that
that they may not with hostile intent go
southwark below Shan-hai-kwan, on the
border line between Pechiii and Manchuria
1t is a grave question whether or not II
will apply also to Korea, which is striving
despera tely to preserve neutrality and pre-
vent invasion, but the general opinion -
that it is too late in that case To do more
than seek to preserve Korean Independence
after the war.
Manchuria itself. already the scene of the
first battle Off Port Arthur. IS, being part
of China, regarded as being "lthln the
scope of the proposition, but here, as IN the
case of Korea, II is believed that the deter
mination will not be reached before the
close of the war
In Progress for Weeks.
The exchanges referred to, as preliminary
to the issue of the note. have been going
on for several weeks in anticipation of an
outbreak of hostilities. 1t was at first sup
posed that the intention was to do no more
than maintain the open door In Manchuria,
but IT is apparent that there is a deeper
purpose, and that from the original thought
the proposition has grown into one mat
will conserve the territorial integrity OF
China.
1t is pointed out that some such outcome
followed the Chino-Japanese war. SO that.
after all, the present action is within the
line of precedence.
At the State Department 1t was learned
that Secretary Hay upon the request of
the Japanese government, has inquired OF
the Russian foreign office whether 1t would
object to the assumption by the United
States diplomatic and consular officers Of
the care of Japanese interests during the
war in Russia
St Petersburg assented, and Ambassador
Mccormick has been accordingly instruct
ed. He will act for the Japanese in Russia,
as did General Washburne for the govern
ment OF Prussia In Paris during the FranCO-
Prussian war, and as the British ministry
in Spain did for the United States in the
war with Spain.
There is no present intention of issuing
a declaration of neutrality, according to
the State Department officials
1t is held that no other nation has the
right to ask for the issue of such a procla-
nation by the United States, as 1t IL purely
internal matter. 1t will issue only in
case the President believes that Americans
are likely to participate in the war. and
is nothing more than a warning with them
that by so doing they forfeit the protection
of their own government.
Discussed by the Cabinet.
AT meeting Of the Presidents cabinet
of over two hours today the conflict be-
tween Russia and Japan was one of the
principal things discussed, although not
with the idea in view that the interests of
this government may become Immediately
or in the near future involved. The press
dispatches announcing a naval engagement
at Port Arthur were all the information the
administration had. An official dispatch
from Mr.. Allen. the American minister at
Seoul, received today did not give any facts
regarding battle. but this in no way dis
credits the newspaper dispatches.
The cabinet again concluded that the only
safe and becoming policy on the part of
this government is that of absolute nell
trallty between the batantS, and this
pOHCy VIII De observed Win great care. A
proclamation of neutrality will be issued
as soon as the government receives official
information that war has begun.
Secretary Hay was present at the cabinet
meeting today for the first time in several
weeks He appeared to be greatly improv-
ed in health. His colleagues of the cabinet
greeted him with demonstration of warm
fellowship that was appreciated.
Orders to Admiral Evans.
Orders will be cabled today to Rear Adj
miral Evans to send his cruiser squadron,
consisting of the Albany. New Orleans. Ra-
leigh and Cincinnati, from Subig bay to
some point in Chinese waters yet to be de-
termined. for the purpose of observing the
naval operations. 1t is expected that tie
squadron can coal and get under way with
In two days. Admiral Evans is expected to
keep the battle ship squadron in Phil ppine
waters throughout the period of hostlites
between Russia and Up This dec SIGN
was reached at the cabinet meeting today
after long consideration. 1t has been defi-
nitely settled that the cruiser squadron will
not go to Port Arthur.