Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-02-10
THE UNITED STATES TAKES A
HAND.

If the United States has her way and
receives the support of Europe, Russia,
win or lose, will not have control over
Mauchuria or any part Of China. This
fact was made evident yesterday, by
note addressed by Secretary ofState Hay
to all of the neutral powers.
In this note. which will not be made
public verbatim until il has been re-
ceived by all the powers, Secretary Hay
asks corporation with the United States
to preserve the neutrality of the Chinese
Empire and to limit the zone of hostlll-
ties between Russia and Japan. 1t is
held that the neutrality of the Chinese
Empire means that no troops OF either
of the belligerents will be allowed on
Chinese territory, and, therefore, means
the preservation of the territorial integ-
-ity OF China.
1t was announced at the State De-
partment that the United States, at the
request of Japan, would look after the
Japanese interests in Russia and all her
possessions. Immediately after receiving
The request from Japan Secretary ofState
HAY directed United States Ambassador
Mccormick, at St. Petersburg toinquire
Of the Russian foreign Office if there was
any objection to the assumption by this
country of the care Of Japan's interests
during the present war. No objection
being made, Ambassador Mccormick has
been definitely instructed by the State
Department to act for Japan and to IS
sue like instructions to the United States
diplomatic and consular agents in Rus
sia.
The United States has determined to
take an active part in the affairs Of the
far East This was decided at the
Cabinet meeting yesterday morning,
when Secretary OF State Hay urged the
sending of the circular note to all the
neutral powers, calling upon them to
co-operate with the United States in
preserving the neutrality Of the Chinese
Empire. At the request of Secretary
Hav. orders were issued to rear-Ad-
miral r. d. Evans, commanding the
United States feet in Asiaiic waters, to
send the cruiser squadron, consisting OF
the Albany, Raleigh, Cincinnati and
New Orleans, to point on the Chinese
coast about five days sail from Manila
The squadron. goes. either to Shanghai OF
to Hongkoug.
1t is held that neither Russia nor
Japan can object to the presence OF au
American squadron at a port belonging
to a neutral country, such as China
constructively is held to be, aud even Il
such objections we're made it would be
ignored by the United States. Admiral
Evans has further been ordered to keeT
his battleshp squadron at Subig bay
Philippines, ready for any emergency.
1t developed that negotiations have
been in progress between the United
States and the various neutral powers
for several weeks looking to the pres
eryation of the neutrality of China II
the event of war. Intimations have
been received from the various power
which insure the favorable reception o
Secretary Hays note.
The State Department is as yet IN
willing to announce whether Mapchurli
is included in the terms of the note
1t is strongly intimated, however, thai
this is the only logical construction
which can be given to the note. II
other words, the United States intend
that Russia shall not annex Manchurla
and thus destroy the territorial integrlt
of China.
1t is realized that this is a seriou
step that has been taken by the Unite
States. and, although it is not expecte
:. that this country will become involve
in the war, every precaution is beln
;; taken TO see that the American interest
in the far East are safeguarded.
/. The presence of the American cruiser
e in Chinese waters may be fgreat use
! other ways. There is strong reason Il
. the fear which now exists that there wi
he serious internal disturbances in Chm
AZ a result of the war between Russia an
, .Japan. In fact, the Chinese minister
; this country has officially informed Il
! State Department that outbreaks again
. foreigners may be looked for at ar
! time. With this prospect, it may
!. necessary to use the American nav
forces in the various navigable rive
running through the prospective dlstur
4 ed district.
4 Just what Secretary Hay means
d his note by "limiting the zone OF hosti
ties is not stated at the State Depa
nent 1t is believed, however, that
has laid down certain geographical lin
in which he proposes that the neutl
- powers shall allow the war to be ioug
1g aud that he proposes that both belllg
u. ~ ents be made to keep within those stat
y limits. This action is without precedel
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