New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-11
RUSSIA'S POSITION.
Not Hostile to This Country an the
Far East.

Washington Jan. lo.-An authority conversant
with Russia's position In the Far East, and her
attitude toward American interests, made to-day
the following statement:
I'm view Of the wide circulation given reports
without basis In fact charging Russia with hos
tlty to American interests in the Far East IT
seems expedient that the attitude OF Russia should
be again defined.
Russia has repeatedly expressed her intention
of assisting the development or commercial inter-
ests in Manchuria, knowing that the Chinese
policy of the United States government Is guided
merely by aim to develop trade and not by
political ambition. Russia has shown her good faith
by refraining from any action which would en-
danger the conclusion OF the American-Chnese
commercial treaty signed on October 8. That
treaty has been ratified by the throne at PekinS.
and thus. through the medium of the United states
the important ports OF Moukden and Antuns In
Manchuria are opened TO the commerce OF the
world This is the open door which has been
part Of American and Russian policy since the
Boxer outrages. which necessitated the interview
ton of the powers, and which materially changed
conditions in Manchuria-
Russia will certainly not submit to dictation al
the hands of any power to the protection OF her
legitimate interest In Manchurta- Negotiations are
IN progress between st. Petersburg ana PeKihS III
the effort to reach agreement adeouateiy pro-
tecting the special or predominant influence exer-
cised by Russia In Manchura. and which has been
recognized by all the powers sisnatory to the peace
protocol verbally or in writing
AT the time Of the signing of that convention IL
was Russa's hope that she could with safety with
draw her forces from Manchuria last October. and
leave the protection of her interests to CHINA In
the mean time, however, il was clearly demon
strated that the guarantees offered by China were
Russian government TO ask for additional guar
antees Until these have been arranged for tne
Russian government cannot be expected to with
draw from Manchuria, and thus menace the many
Russian lives and forfeit the s2oooO0.0oo which has
been spent there in the civilization and Development
of that province.
Russia Is ready and anxious to stimulate the de-
veIopment of foreign commerce in Manchuria. The
growth of trade means the success OF the siberian
railway Russia believes. however, that this COM
lishment of spheres Of political influence in the
open ports Russias political influences IN this ter
ritory which lies on her borders, is and must be
considered predominant and It's effectiveness would
be impaired by the creation of any form OF foreign
political influence in the shape OF extra-territortal
certain districts within these ports similar 10
conditions such for example. exist at Shanghai
But no trouble is anticipated this score, az the
American Chinese commercial treaty. providing for
the setting aside of certain districts in Moukden
and Antung places OF international residences
and trade and the provision for their regulation, Is
not considered tending toward the establishment
of system Ike that surrounding foreign interests
at Shanghai
Russia does not propose to discuss the nesotia:
that she Is awaiting herself of every reasonable
means to reach agreement by diplomacy.
will be interesting bit OF information to the
Russian government TO know that the primary OBJ
ject OF the Toxic negotiations so far as Japan Is
concerned Is the protection of American and Eng
lish interests In the Far East Russia had supposed
that Japan influenced by less unselhsh mo-
tves."