The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1904-02-13
TO LOCALIZE WAR
LAWS PLAN GIVES PROMISE OF
BEARING FRUIT.
,o,an and Russia Invited to Lend
Their Assistance to the End That
Results May Be Minfmized--Dip-
,omats Give Credit to Secretary
of State.

Washington, Feb. 11.-Having re-
.o;ved enough favorable replies to in
.o the concurrent action of European
So,rors in his endeavors to localize
p,,,;tbin as small an area as possible the
hostilities in the far East and to insure
nvor AZ much of China as possible her
ueutrality, Secretary Hay has address
ID notes to Russia and Japan inviting
tbo;r cooperation in this endeavor and
announcing that the United States
Glands stalwartly for this principle.
In the present period of the negotia-
lions state department officials find it
inexpedient to discuss the various steps
which led up to the issuance of the
note. but from a diplomat whose gov
eminent, while entirely neutral, is
conversant with the progress of events,
this statement was obtained.
Credit Belongs to Hay.
sTo Secretary Hay undoubtedly be-
longs the full credit for the initiation
of this policy, which is the boldest step
vet taken by any country for the pres
ervation C the integrity of China. The
Washington government, however,
awaited a suggestion from another
power before issuing the circular note
Germany called the attention of the
United States to the desirability of
limiting the hostilities to the two COM
Blatant powers. Among my confreres
the belief is general that Germany act
ed within the knowledge of Russia, but
of this | am not certain.
'In this connection it should be
rememb ered that both Russia and ia
pan are most anxious to confine hos
tilities to themselves, and in this they
undoubtedly have the support of my
government and all the powers. 1t
was impossible for Great Britain to
make the suggestion and hope for its
serious consideration by Russia.
France would have been disposed to
regard with suspicion any such propo-
sition coming from Germany, and jap
an would have hesitated to acquiesce
in like suggestion emanating from
France. This fact was called to the
attention of the secretary during a call
of the German ambassador ON Monday
morning last, shortly before Baron
Sternberg left for New York.
Limits Field of War.
Not only, however, has the secre-
tary suggested the limiting of the
zone of hostilities, but he has improved
nf 70 10 ofo
toward preserving China's integrity
Examination of his note will show no
reference whatsoever to the integrity
of China, but certainly the neutraliza-
ton of that country must contribute
powerfully to the preservation of Chi
mas integrity and the maintenance of
It's administrative control. The note
Is general in character, and therein
lies Its 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
winch Russia might take exception
After addressing Germany, Great
Britain and France, Secretary Hay sent
the note to the other powers signatory
to the peace protocol of 1900, includ-
ing Austro-Hungary, Italy, Neither
lands, Belgium and Spain, and finally
he addressed the combatants, Russia
and Japan, inviting their cooperation
in the support of the principle for
which this government stood.
Diplomats in Conference.
NJ Jusserand, the French ambassa-
dor, had long conference with Count
Cassini, the Russian ambassador, yes
terday. The note of Secretary Hay
was discussed, and in the personal
opinion of the two diplomats its hu-
name purpose was approved.
In diplomatic circles the feeling is
strong that Russia will acquiesce in
the suggestion both as to the limiting
OF hostilities and the neutralizing OF
china when she has assured herself
mat no Interior purpose is involved.
On the authority of high admins
trative official it can be stated that
this government has no intention OF
suggesting anything about Korea. 1t
IL recognized that Korea is the natural
oattle ground, and it is useless even to
discuss the naturalization Of that coun-
try.