The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-02-11
HAYS NOTE
 IS ENDORSED
European Nations Agree
 to Request LOcalizatiOn : OfHostilitieSin East.

Wdsnlngton, FeD. 1O.-husSfa tooay ins vited of the United States a declaration of her neutrality in the Far East situ- ation. 5s -ss,... 4.,.-t... Secretary Hay tonight sent the draft. of the declaration of our neutrality to the President for his signature and it will be issued from the State Department to- morrow. e Having received enough favorable re- plies to insure the concurrent action of European powers in his endeavor to ''lo- csllze within as small area as possible the hostiiities in the Far East and to insure over as much of China as pos sIble her neutrality" Secretary HaY to- night addressed notes to Russia and Ja- pan inviting thoir cooperation in this endeavor. and announcing that the United States stood stalwartly for this printi- pla. It, was known in advance that the combatant powers desire the localizatIon of the war.
 A Diplomat Talks.
 Tn the present period of negotiations. the State Department finds it inexpedfent to discuss the various steps which led to the issuance of the note, but from diplomat whose Government, while en- tirely neutral Is conversant with the pro- gress of events, this statement was ma6e tonight:
 gro Secretary Hay undoubtedly, belongs the full credit for the initiating of this policy which Is the boldest step yet taksn for the preservation of the integrity of China
 "The washington Government. how ever awaited a suggestion from another power before issuing the circular note. Germany called the attention of the United States to the desirabilityi of Him. iting the hostifittes to the two combatant powers. Among my conferes the belief is general that Germany acted with tho knowledge of Russia, but of this I am not certain.
 Desired by the Combatants.
 ''In this connection it should be remem- bered that both Russia and Japah are most anxious to confine hostilities to themselves, and in this they undoubl- edly have tho support of my Government and all the powers. It was impossible for Great Britain to make the suggestion and hope for its serious corieiderat ton by Russla. Fraxaces would 4lfExe heen dis
 sS io aId &Iikl m irsba aii$ such hsb11 Ia oonljng from 9ar1i el1s and 5apAm mEliiz 4s M lzgzitkts6 Ss 1uisSe3 m like suggestion enanating frstn France" N that could take the initiative. This fact was called to the attention of the Secre- tary during a can of the German Am- bassador Monday morning last. , Mot only, however, has the Secretary suggested the limiting of tho hostilities, but he has improved the opportunity to make another step toward preserving note will show no reference whatever to the integrity of China. but certainly the naturalization of that country must con | tribute powerfully to the preservation or Chinas integrity and the maintenance of its administrative control.
 'SThe note is general in character, and therein lies It's greatest strength. Germany First to Answer. Germany was the first to respond fla vorably. In the case of France, it was necessary for that Government to assure Itself that there was nothing in the proj- ect to which Russia might take excep- tion."
 After addressing Germany, Great Brit ain and France, Secretary Hay sent the note to the other powers signatory to the peace conference, including Austria, It. ally, The Netherlands. Belgium and Spain, and finally he addressed the combatants. Russia and Japan, inviting their cooper alton in the support of the principle for whhch this Government stood.
 M. Jusserand, the French Ambassador, had long conference with Count Cas-
  note of Secretary Hay was discussed and the personal opinion of the two diplomats on its humanitarian purpose was approv. ed. In diplomatic circles, the feeling is strong that Russia will acquiesce 1 ntha suggestion, both as to the limiting of hostilities and the naturalization of Chi na when she has assured herself that there is no ulterior purpose involved.
 In the authority of high administra- tive official, it can be stated that this Government has no intention of suggest ing anything about Korea.
 Korea the Battle Ground.
 It is recognized that Korea Is the na- tural battle ground. and it is useless even to discuss the naturalization of that country.
 It was decided today that the cruiser squadron of the Asiatic fleet with propri- ety could go as far north as Shanghai, and orders to that effect have been sent. From there one of the vessels will be sent northward to Chemulpo. Korea, to main tain communication with the American legation at Seoul. Probably the vessels of the cruiser squadron will take turn about at 4his duty.
 It is possible that several naval at- taches may be sent to Manchuria. It has been suggested that a naval officer at Dalny and one at Mulxden or Antung could be of assistance to the consuls of this Government.
 Pittsbur1 Coal Stockholders.