New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-10
ANGLO-RUSSIAN AMlTY.
KING EDWARDS OFFER.
II Chance for Treaty Covering AH
Grounds of Dispute.

Jondon An-,I Q-The Associated Press learns
that the status of the much forecasted Anglo
Russian understanding is as follows;
After King Edward had given his personal as
surances to Emperor Nicholas that the anti
Russian comments in the British press did not
rep-esent The feeling of his government the
Foreign Secretary Lord Lansdowne, INFORMED
the Russian Ambassador, Count Benckendoru,
that he would be glad to reopen the negotiations
looking to a settlement of all matters now IN as
pute between Russia and Great Britain. Loro
L.ansdowne did not stipulate any basis or enter
into any details. Count Benckendorn expressed
his pleasure at the offer and transmitted II TO
ST. Petersburg where Lord Transformers action
is understood to have been taken as material
expression of King Edwards personal messages
There for the moment, the matter stands
Negotiations beyond Lord Transformers oner
have not been opened. and are not likely TO as
sumo any definite phase in the near future. NO
great hope was felt here that a conclusion salts
factory to both countries could be reached
though in view Of the Anglo-FTench agreement
even the most pessmistic are unwilling to be
too dognatic on this point
QUEEN ALEXANDRA's INFLUENCE
Both King Edwards personal action and the
step taken by his Foreign Secretary are due IN
great degree to the untirfng solicitation %
Queen Alexandra, who has been greatly dis
II
Russian relatives and Great Britain's ally.
DIPLOMATS accredited to the Court OF ST.
James express surprise at the fact that LORD
Lansdowne has gone so far. 1t was believed
especially in German quarters. that the sus-
gested negotiations lived only IN the imagination
OF the press, and that the authorities at 81
Petersburg and London tacitly sanctioned the
falacy of the hope of reconcilng the British
and Russian pubIics. That Lord Lansdowne has
| .tav flo
still at war with Russia is regarded as being a
bold and unexpected move, the more so because
It is understood here that all the Russians at
St Petersburg still studiously avoid visiting the
British Embassy. One Of the members OF the
diplomatic corps here learning what Lord
/ Iansdowne had done said: That is olive
branch with vengeance"
/ FORMER NEGOTIATIONS BROKEN OFF
! The Associated Press learns that Russia and
Great Britain secretly opened negotiations to the
| same end eighteen months ago, but the attempt
| to draw up agreement came to an abrupt
! end when Lord Lansdowne announced in the
| House OF Lords that under no consideration
would a port on the Persian Gulf be granted to
Russia. Since then that question has been re-
garded as a deadlock. Under the changed con-
dltions and with the good offices Of the French
government secured through the recent agree
! ment Lord Lansdowne Is said genuinely to
| entertain the hope OF eventual settlement by
/ which the AngIo-Russian spheres Of influence
through the world may be determined and the
/ ceaseless and costly rivalry between the two
/ nations ended forever. He is also actuated by q
strong desire to cement the Anglo-French
understanding. which, The Westminster Ga
Eette' points out. only be made immutable
/ by a complete understanding with Russia 1t
. says:
II in a moment of great difficulty Russia ap-
peHled for assistance to France on the pain OF
I transferring her affections 20 Germany, no con-
/ sideration for US would prevent France from re
I spending 10 the appeal. since an alliance be
/ tween Germany and Russia would be a catas-
/ trophe for which no understanding with Great
/ Britain could compensate her
on all sides here It is pointed out that an
agreement on outstanding matters with Russia
is far more difficult than the recent arrange
ment with Francs The paramount questions
are the delimitaton Of the Afghan frontier &C
cess to the Persian Gulf and the sphere OF in
nuenoo in Persia. Charles Hardinge. the new
/ British Ambassador. who goes to St Peters
burg at the beginning of May. has been selected
for his expert knowledge Of the Persian ques-
ton.
POSSIBLE TERMS OF TREATY.
It is surmised in we'll Informed quarters that
Great Britain is willing to cede to Russia a
sphere Of influence in Northern Persia II Rus
STA agrees not 10 interfere in Southern Persia
Il is thought that Russla's request FOR port
on the Persian Gulf never VIII be granted. but
The Associated Press learns that Russia lately
has exhibited n keen desire to acquire interests
in Abyssinia, so as to gain access TO the Red
Sea This might be arranged IN lieu OF a port
on the Persian Gulf. Emperor Menelik. it Is
reported here, has been Informed OF the Rus
sian designs, and his amiability in opening his
country 30 American enterprise is attributed
here to his desire TO secure American support
against any possible intention on the part of
/ Russia.
The delirnitation Of the Afghan frontier Is not
/ believed to present insurmountable difficulties,
providing Russia is willing to renounce the de
signs always accredited to her in Great Britain
on the Indian Empire.
The questions OF the Far East and the Balkans
are not thought likely to enter into the pending
negotiations though Russia doubtless Will en-
( deavor to secure British influence toward re-
scinding the provision OF the Berlin treaty
which closes the Dardaneles to the passage OF
Russian fleets.
MURDER OF THE REV MR.. LABAREE