The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-02-12
RUSSIA HESITATES.
Seems Slow to Take Up with
Secretary Hays Proposal.

st. Petersburg, Feb. 12-Secretary
Hays note to the powers has attracted
much attention in diplomatic circles
here. Any movement having for its
purpose the limiting of the scene of
hostilities. is received with sympathy
but in certain quarters the practicable
ity of the action suggested is question
ed. A prominent diplomat expressed
surprise today that the preservation of
Korea was not included in the note.
The wishes of the United States have
been communicated to the Russian
government and presumably also to
Japan. At the foreign office the Asso-
ciated Press learned that no responses
had been made and it was considered
extremely doubtful whether Russia
felt herself in a position to make any
declarations now, as these might ham,
per her military operation. The ques-
ton was said to be one for the mill
tary authorities to decide and the rep
reservations of the United States
which are understood to be couched in
the most courteous terms probably will
be referred to Viceroy Aiexieff.
Newspapers here do no, fully under
stand the purport of the note and re-
gard it as an attempt at mediation, the
bare suggestion of which, while the
country is smarting under the sting of
QSl6als CIedl0S liI1ldI
The Vedomosti points out that the
United States should have initiated a
joint action a fortnight ago to restrain
Japan, and that it is now too late. Fur
Their more, Russia after her experience
at Berlin, has had enough of interna-
tiolla1 congresses.
The following clause in Secretary
Hay note is considered here to be i'm
portant:
''- proposing joint representa-
lions to Russia and Japan to prevail
upon them to circumscribe the war OPP
eratiOnS as far as possible with a view
to preventing disorders in China which
might tfleraten international trade and
to the preserving of the integrity of
China
The prompt declaration of the neu-
trality of the United States although
expected as a matter of course has
made good impression here. The bit
terness against Great Britain already
great during the negotiations between
Russian and Japan is assuming most
alarming proportions. The supposition
that Great Britain evacuated Wei Hal
Wei to give Japan base has called
out the deepest indignation, which has
been still further inflamed by the pub
book on Thibet containing the often
siye Language of Lord DanSdOwne.
Even in less stirring times this would
have caused a public sensation.
Washington, Feb. 12.-Regarding the
criticism of Baron Hayashi on Secre-
tary Hays note to the powers, it can
be stated that the word Manchuria is
not used in the note nor has the state
department authorized Interpretation
of the note so as to specifically include
that province though the state depart
ment will not be led into discussion
of details at this stage of negotiations.
BY high official it was said the pow
ers agreed to preserve the integrity of
China in 1900, and that it was not speci-
fed how much of China was included
in the general term. Secretary Hays
note merely follows the lines of the
principle then enuneiated.
THE BRITISH VIEW.
London, Feb. 12.-With regard to
Secretary Hays note to the powers on
the neutrality and integrity of China,
the British government foreign office
says it sees no reason why the PROPOSE
ton regarding China proper should not
be Joined in by all the powers but the
government shares the views of
Baron Hayashi, the Japanese minister