The San Francisco call., 1904-08-23
NEUTRALITY AT SHANGHAI.

| VI the greatest seaport the Chinese coast is
Shanghai 1t is Chinese territory, under the juris-
dction of that empire 1t therefore within that admin
istratve entity" of China which Secretary Hay declared
the beginning of the must be respected by both
belgerents When the Port Arthur feet quit hghting
and cover the cruiser Askold and gunboat ran
into Shanghai The Chinese officers ordered them to
leave within the neutral limit of twcntyfour hours or
else dsarm. and stav there until the end of the war
They the 18th of August and were there yet
on the a1st Not only did they refuse to respect Chi
neutrality by leaving but they proceeded to make
Shanghai Russian naval base by repairing, rehtting
coang and making other preparations to equip them to
go out at favorable opportunity and resume fighting
China has power to enforce the order to leave or
to protect her own neutrality. Under such crcum-
stances if is the undoubted right of Japan send her
fee: and destroy capture the two Russian ships
But here another question of importance intervenes
The harbor is full OF merchant ships belonging to many
neutral nations, and their nationals have vast property
on the docks and in the godowns which would be inn
pcred if a naval battle occur in the harbor In this
emergency Admiral Sterling, with eight American war
ships sailed into the harbor to prevent conflict that
would destroy American and other neutral property
He followed Japanese torpedo-boat and placed an
American gunboat between her and the Russian ships
This act of discretion on his part without orders
from Washington, but in accordance with the
policy of his Government.
lie is reinforced by warships OF Great Britain, France
and Germany, and the worlds interest in the siege o
Port Arthur is almost entirely diverted to the exciting
situation at Shanghai. There is reason for believing
that the Foreign Consuls there, led by Mr.. Goodnow
Consul General have demanded that the Russian
ships Immediately disarm leave the port. But th
Russian Consul General, with all the shfy character
iscs Of his Government. refuses disarm the ships
send them of port The Japanese feet lies out
.Le tlr dNr lie
as they appear Admiral Sterling has offered to escort
them out to their fate but they refuse 60 The enc
may before this printed and be reached il
only one OF two ways; the ships disarm leave
the port. The United States will submit other
solution, and the other nations will follow our lead.
1t brings sharply in issue the question of Chinese neu
raity China has navy that protect her neutral
position The great foresight of Secretary Hay Is
shown in his procuring the agreement of the nations
that Chinese neutrality must be respected Russia re
fusng do puts first upon and then upon all the
acoeptors of Secretary Hays the duty of doing what
China cannot do. II Secretary Hay had not foreseer
events at this moment every Chinese port would be
Russian naval base Russia has earned punishment fo
her conduct at and near Chefoo. Chefoo faces Port
Arthur and near there Chinese ground, Russia has
a wireless telegraph station by which communicate
with Port Arthur.
That is a violation of neutral rights She also per
sisted in using Chefoo a naval base until the Japa
clear OF their rights, went IN and cap
tured a Russian warship. The Importance of the mat
ter appears when the prospective plight OF the Baltic
squadron is considered That fleet is supposed to bt
on its way TO the scene Of the conflict When arrives
it will find it impossible 20 enter Russian port Por
Arthur will probably be in possession of the japanese
and Vadvostok will be isolated There will be nc
coalng station harbor of refuge available, and the
feet will go the way of destruction and capture taker
by its predecessors.
If however, the nations permit such violation O
Chinese neutrality Russia attempts Shanghai China
simply becomes military convenience for the and
service of Russia. If the Russian Consul continue hi.
Dor it will be entirely within his duty for Admiral Ster
ling order them dsarm them if they refuse
go If they resist him and show fight it that tc
protect American property he, being at close quarters
can torpedo and sink them both. Whatever his duty
is within the limits of international law public senti
ment at home will applau his fearless performance O
it. Our commerce has already suffered loss of mil
lions by Russias attempt make the law of the sea
and our people will have patience with her attemp
to rewrte the rules of neutrality by violating them wher
it is her interest to do
Japan is not only waiting outside of Shanghai for The
Asold and her consort but is picking off every Russia
man-of-war she finds ahoat The destruction of tn,
Novik while she was attempting sneak Vladvostok
has in it certain satisfaction for Cafornians. Th,
Japanese cruiser Chtose which took part in that &C
ton wit. Prince Yorhito second in command was bull
here at the Union Iron Works. She has proved
stanch ship and good fighter