The daily palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1904-1905, 1904-02-11


proclamation has been prepared and
approved by the cabinet
Washington, Feb. 1.-THE president
has issued a proclamation of neutrality
in the far Eastern situation. The proc
lamation is in stereotype form and
simply recites and deplores the ex-
istance of hostilities between Japan
and Russia and enjoins upon citizens
of the United States strict regard and
observance of the neutrality laws
Secretary Hay last night sent the draft
of the declaration of our neutrality to
the president for his signature and
it was issued from the state depart
ment today. Having received enough
favorable replies to insure the con
current action of European powers in
his endeaVor to localize within as
small an area as possible the hostili-
ties in the far East and to insure over
as much of China as possible her neu-
trality, Secretary Hay has addressed
notes to Russia and Japan inviting
their cooperation in this endeavor
and announcing that the United States
stood stalwartly for this principle It
was known in advance that both the
combatant powers desire the loca1iza
Iion Of the war
In the present period of the negotia
lions state Development officials find
it inexpedie1t to discuss the various
steps which led I'D to ne issuance Of
the note, but from a diplomat whose
government while entirely neutral is
A.
this statement was obtained today:
'To Secretary Hay undoubtedly be-
longs the full credit for the initiation
of this policy. which is the boldest
step yet taken by any country for the
preservation of the integrity OF China
The Washington government, however,
awaited a suggestion from another
power tctora issuing the circular note.
Germany called TIE attention of the
United States to the desirability of
limiting the hostil.ties to the two com
Blatant pow 2rs. Among my conferees
the belief is general that Germany act
ed with the knowledge of Russia, but
of of this | am not certain. In this
connection it should be remembered
that both Russia and Japan are most
anxious to confine hostilities to them
selves, and in this they undoubtedly
have the support of my government
and all the powers. 1t was impossible
for Great Britain to make the sug
gestion and hope for it's serious con-
sideration by Russia. France would
have been disposed to regard with
suspicion any such proposition coming
from Germany and Japan would have
hesitated to acquiesce in a like sug-
gestion emanating from France. The
United States was the only power that
could take the initiative.
Not only, however, has the secreta-
ry suggested the limiting of the zone
of hostilities. but he has improved the
opportunity to make another step to-
ward preserving Chinas integrity. Elk
animation of his note will show no
reference whatever to the integrity of
China, but certainly the naturalization
OF that country must contribute pow
erfully to the preservation OF China's
integrity and the maintenance of its
administrative control TIE note is
general in character and therein lies
it's greatest strength. Germany was
the first to respond favorably. In the
case of France it was necessary for
that government to assure itself that
there was nothing in the suggestion to
which Russia might take exception"
After addressing Germany, Great
Britain and France, Secretary Hay
sent the same note to the other pow
ers signatory to the peace protocol of
1900 including Austria-Hungary, Italy
Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, and
finally he addressed the combatants.
Russia and Japan, inviting their CO.
operation in the support of the priIl-
ciple for which this government stood
In diplomatic circles the feeling is
strong that Russia will acquiesce j.