The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-03-02
N. CASSINI
 IS FRETFUL DeplOreS Criticism of
 Russia. HE SAYS ITS OUR FAULT Papers Have Tweaked the
 Tail of the Bear. Declares That Russia Would Have Evacuated Manchuria in October Except for the "PecuIiaro
 Conditions Existing.

cured today between Secretary Hay and Count Cassini, the Russian Ambassador. The growing ill-feeling in Russia against Americans and the continued attacks of certain parts of the American press against Russia was the main subject discussed.
 Count Cassint also informally inquired about the report that the Commercial Gable Company had applied for landing at Guam of the cable to Japan. He was assured by MT. Hay that this Govern ment at present was considering no such application. The Ambassador did not give any intimation as to what the atti- tude of his Government would be in this matter. The Associated Press dis patches from St. Petersburg. however. have stated that the Russian Government would view asiEance tine granting of such privileges by this Government during the present war. It is assumed that this Government has declined for the present formally to consider such an application.
 Cassini Talks.
 To a correspondent of the Associated Press. Count Cassini said that the Rus Sian people long since had learned to regard the people of this country as their fast friends, and that 1t had been bitter disappointment to them to ind American nGWSpbpGFS dllACkAHH tAc Ah0@SteaA MY ernment. the Russian people and Russian policies. He said the first feeling of his people had been one of painful surprise. but that this is now crystafizing into q deplorabie feeling of unfriendliness.
 sa,The tone of the Russian newspapers, said the Ambassador, "consequence of the tone of many American newspapers, is berfnnilg to take very painful diFec- ton in their references to the United States, and, fin my opinion. it Is in the interests of both countries that some measures shall be taken to check rnls before 1t 1t too late. ~ ;;
 'Fortunately. the relations sof tns Swo R6yernYnesits continue. as always, anso- I,ttelv friendly. and for this reason I am hopeful that the present unfriendiiness on the part of the press of the two coun- tries will not be long. The friendliness of the American and Russian govern ments. 1t is my firm belief, furnishes the basis for the restoration and preserva- tion of the traditional friendship of their two peoples and hope some means may be found for the latter to reach a better 
 Reason for Unfriendliness.
 ''what is the cause of the present un- friendly policy of the press of Russia to- ward this countryf' the Ambassador was asked.
 The Ambassador replied: Tt Is the constant unfriendly feeling expressed in many Amekican newspapers against Rus sia. I am sure that when these attacks which so far as Russia can see are with o,,t cause and the relations of Russia and the United States will no longer be clouded.
 'I am convinced of this because care full analysis of the criticism expressed in Not kA ahnyv real ground for the bad feeling which evident ly prompts them. My people naturally cannot understand these attacks upon them and have asked In all seriousness fine reason for them. For example one reason which has been advanced is that this country Is displeased that Russia was unable to evacuate Manchuria last October.
 "It was the earnest hope of my gov ernment that 1t would be possible to with draw it's troops from Manchuria at that time. The necessity of safeguarding our peculiar and predominant position there' a position which has been recognized oy all the powers, made 1t impossible for the evacuation to take place with salety' This fin plain words Is the reason why IL has been impossible for the evacuation to take place. s,
 "It is a tradition in Russia to feel friendly to America. Hundreds Of Amer jeans returning from Russia have told me of the marked kindliness with whicn tf1ey have been received in all parts or my country and of the friendship or which they saw evidence on every side for the United States.
 Tales of Travellers.
 These travellers who have had the op- portlrnity to study the situation on the spot are deeply impressed with the sun cerity of this feeling, not only on the part of the people of Russia, but the Govern ment as well.
 "It is but natural that feeling of dis appointment has swept over Russia when American newspapers have arrived the e. attacking the Government and the peo- pie in a bitter manner.
 "I have the best assurances that this Government will observe complete nei- tralIty in the Far Eastern war. Indeed, its attitude has in this respect been all that either beIligerent could desire and Russia has no doubt that it will con tinue correct.
 "Russia does not expect. now that war ia on that this country shall be any thing than neutral. My country does rot ask that you should be pro- o-Russlan ana not pro-Japanese. but that you should be pro-American. She expects, and l can but hope that she VIII receive fair treatment at the hands of the Amer ican press-as you say In this country a fair showing. One of the reasons for inc present unfortunate situation is the large number of absolutely false repoS.s u,b,ch have been sent to Russia from tne Tinted States about matters affect ;ng the Far Eastern situation. These re- noTts have contributed much in arOusing sentiment against the United States.
 True. they have been corrected. but un- fortunately a correction never reaches as many people as does the original report.
 "I have spoken with you frankly in the hope that something might be ac- complished towards clearing the situa- tor"
 Miss Clara Barton. President of the
 American Red Cross called at the Ras- sian Embassy and offered the services of the Society to the Russian Government.
 The Ambassador expressed the thanks of bis Government for the kindly offer, but
 explained that outside aid would not be