Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-02-08

ment several days ago Indicated that this
would be the case. the Empress Dowager
Is already showing signs or nervousness
over the situation.
Cabiegrams received at a European en-
bassy say that the light of the court is
well nigh certain, and that this may precf-
pitate a dangerous condition OF unrest
throughout China. 1t WI leave the govern
ment without head dt Picking, and Will
practically close every door of eommunica-
ton from the powers to the Peking govern
ment. Several European powers are ex-
tremeIy anxious that this menace to Tor
egners in China may be averted- ana are
inclined to bring pressure to bear throueh
their representatives at Peking 10 prevent
this AT the State Department this morning
officials declined to say how far the oniteo
States had gone or would go In this drec-
ton. but il is known to be the desire OF TINS
government that the Empress DowaSer re-
main in Picking Whether it will be possible
for foreign powers to guaranty the neutral
ty of China as an inr1ucement to the En-
press DoWa ger to abandon her flight cannot
be definitely stated al this juncture.
A Diplomats View.
Regarding The flight of the court and Its
consequences a European diplomat, whose
knowledge of the Chinese situation enables
him to spe,k with authority, said today:
''OnIy those who have been in China can
appreciate the serious results which may
follow the flight of the empress dowaaer
"A
between Russia and japan. In my opn-
ion it will be the signal for another series
of disturbances in various part OF emma
which will endanger the lives and property
of the missionaries and other foreign resi-
dents. For this reason there is an earnest
desire on the part of neutral powers TO
prevent this contingency. Indeed certain
lowers would he inclined to go so far as
to guarantee the integrity of China But
the d fficulty lies In the close relations of
all the European powers. either TO Russia
or Japan. The neutral European powers.
in my opinion. would gladly see the United
States take the initiative In this matter.
guaranty of the neutrality of China would
be long step in the direction of presery-
ing the integrity of China, the policy OF
Secretary Hay which. with one exception,
all the powers have adopted as their own"
''Can you say how far the United States
has gone toward prevailing on the en-
press dowager to remain in Picking and
save the situation?" this diplomat was
asked
II can only say that the question has for
several days been receiving the attention
of the highest officials of your government.
l do not think the limits to which this
country go in the matter have yet
been communicated to the powers. but
understand that Minister Conger. at Pc
king, is doing what he can to quiet the
feelings of the Chinese dignataries"
The State Department has been informed
by the American embassy in st. Petersburg
and the American legation at Tokyo that
Mr. kurino, the Japanese minister to Rus
STA and Baron Rosen. the Russian rcic!-.~-
to Japan. have taken icaye OF the govern
r,ent3 10 which they are accredited. thus
marking the formal severance of diplomatic
relations between the two countries.
1t Is said at the State Department that
this government sees no reason why the
Chinese court should leave Picking in the
event of war. and the hope is expressed
that the empress dOwager will yet decide
to remain. 1t is believed Minister Conger
has been instructed to communicate this
view to Picking.
Attitude of This Country.
Regarding the attitude of the United
States. Mr. Loornis reiterated to the Rus
sian ambassador during the latter's call
yesterday that the United States would OBJ
serve complete neutrality. No declaration
of neutrality will be made until actual hos
tilities commence or war is declared The
official belief here is that the next news will
tell OF a sea fight between the Russian and
japanese warships.
The Japanese minister was greatly de-
pressed over the situation. which, he thinks.
offers no hope of peace The minister
brought no further advices from his govern
ment. 1t is said a statement of the Japa-
nese position will probably be issued here
shortly.
Early Departure of Consuls.
The State Department is pushing prepara-
tions for the early dispatch to their posts
in Manchuria of United States Consuls
Cheshire. Davidson and Morgan who are
to be posted, respectively. at Moukden
Antung and Dalny. This is regardless of
the impending outbreak of war. and it is
said that there is no reason to apprehend
that actual hoStiliteS would be allowed to
prevent a consul of a friendly nation from
going TO his post.
The consular supplies. securely packed in
boxes strong enough to stand the heavy
landings encountered on this long trip, are
to be sent to United States Consul General
Fowler at Cheefoo. who will forward them
on Some OF the small river boats to the
three ConsulateS Mr.. Fowler who has
been in this country on leave of absence
has departed in haste for Cheefoo. which
In the event of hostiIities is expected to
be point of the greatest importance for
the collection of news and rendezvous Of
merchant shipping, being the nearest great
neutral port 10 the prospective seat of war.
No Attaches With Fleets.
The Navy Department has decided that it
will make no effort to place United States
naval attaches on either of the Russian or
japanese fleets. 1t is believed that consent
could not be had from either party il appIi-
cation could be made, and as in refusing.
Russia and Japan would simply be follow
ing the example set by the United States In
the Spanish war of course our department
has no grounds to complain.
In answer to an inquiry to the inten-
ton of the United States government re-
specting the Issuance of neutrality procla-
nation 1t was said at the State Department
To-Day that probably such proclama ton
would be issued until there had been
formal declaration of war between Russia
and Japan. No other nation has a right to
ieok to the United States to issue any such
proclamation. for such action is taken only
10 protect and warn our own citizens.