The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-27
AMERICAN NEUTRALITY AND TRADE

Since the removal of the Russian censor
ship of outside news the dispatches from
St. Petersburg have taken on a tone Of
distinct friendliness for Russia. 1t looks
a little as IL there had been a pledge that
IL the censorship were removed the dis
patches should be made entirely unob-
jectionabIe. At present they seem to be
pushing the game too hard
Just now it is represented that there is
great irritation against the United States
on account of it's supposed unfriendly at
titude towards Russia and that American
trade is in danger of suffering severe in
jury on that account. 1t is said that large
orders for American goods have been coun-
fernandez, and that unless measures are
taken to allay the irritation great damage
may ensue to American trade.
The only reason assigned for this irri-
tation of the Russians is the alleged ac-
ton of the captain of the American gun
boat Vicksburg in refusing to unite with
the commanders of other foreign warships
at Chemulpo in protesting against the fight
ing which resulted i'm the loss of two Rus
sian warships, and in refusing TO take on
board survivors of the Russian ships.
There has been no official report of the
transaction yet, and when the facts are
known the case may appear in very diff
ferent light. As to the first part Of the
charge. that of refusing to join in the pro-
test made by the other ships, ii is not
clear that there was good ground for the
protest or that the American captain was
under any obligation to join in it. 1t is true
Chemulpo was a neutral harbor, but he was
not there to enforce neutrality. 1t is true
also that the japanese ships were in large
~ superior force. but that was their good
luck or good management. Does any one
doubt that the Russians would have at
tackled japanese ships if the situation had
been reversed? Assuredly not They would
have flung their idea of neutrality to the
winds and attacked the Japanese ships
over all the protests that could have been
made.
As to the charge that the captain of the
vicksburg refused to take drowning Rus
SLAMS aboard after their ships had been
the wrong. But. it is not true. a cable
gram from the captain received by the
Navy Department yesterday afternoon
states that he was among the first TO offer
assistance to the Russian sailors. This dis
poses of that part of the charge and sus-
tains the established reputation of Amer
lean naval officers for humanity. 1t may
turn out that the charge relative to the
joint protest is equally groundless. The
case is too much in doubt to justify the
formation Of an opinion. The Washington
authorities are probably awaiting an Off
ciaI report of the facts before taking any
action.
This is the only act of a public or Off
cial nature. if it ever occurred. that the
Russian government or people have right
to be irritated over. This government was
very prompt in issuing a proclamation of
neutrality and has adhered to it very strict
ly. With the expressions of the press or
with popular opinion in this country the
Russian government has nothing to do.
The American people expect the govern
ment to maintain an attitude of strict neu-
trality in the war, but their individual
sympathies are quite another matter. The
apprehended danger to American trade is
no doubt largely imaginary. but even if it
were real it would not change the situation.
IL the war should last long the United
States will probably have opportunity
Of showing Russia that a pledge of neu-
trality by this government means some
thing