New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-18
RUSSIAN VIEWS OF AMERICA


Russian comments uron the Presidents neu-
trality proclamation afford IN interesting IN
sight into tie Russian mind and its attitude
toward America They show. likewise. the con-
trast between Russia and Japan IN their sensi-
4 tiveness 10 the attitudes Of other nations. From
the beginning Of the present unhappy conflict
4 the japanese have shown not any disregard for
but at least an Independence OF other lands.
They have shown no resentment or irritation
at the pro-Russian expressions which have been
so freely made In some quarters nor eXultatOn
At the nro-JaDancse sentiments which have been
manifested elsewhere The mercurial, nervous,
sensitive japanese have been so selfreliant and
serene as almost "a appear stod. on the other
hand. as this latest news again shows, the Rus
SLAMS, who have been supposed 10 be self-re-
liant almost 10 stOlidity, have shown extraordi-
nary sensitiveness 10 every wind that has
blown, whether favorable or adverse. We shnll
not presume 10 say which Is the more admirable
disposition There IS much 10 be said in favor
OF and much against each. On the one hand,
self-reance may indicate confidence IN the
righteousness Of the cause OF a cynical con,
tempt for the moral Eense Of the world; and, on
the other. scnsitiveness may indicate nervous
apprehension Of defeat and a consciousness Of
being I'm q wrong position. or q scrupulous de-
sire To be I'm accord with the best moral tone Of
mankind. We may pass this phase OF the case
with the assumption that in each Of the present
Instances the more agreeable Interpretation f.
the true ono.
II is impossible 20 avoid remarling however,
upon the Interpretation which Russian organs
o. Official and popular opinion put upon the
Presidents proclamation. The Official Gazette"
U.s. OF course. quite right in saying ct IS q com
plete answer 10 the charges that the American
government is hostile 10 Russia. But there Is
no warrant for what 10 adds-that the proclama-
ton marks n change in American sentiment
and that the American government has taken A
friendly attitude toward Russian aims and poll
cies in the Far East There has been no change
IN American sentiment and there is no need OF
any FOR the complete fuldlment If the Presl-
dents proclamation. That IS not a proclama-
/ ton OF partisan friendship for Russia. but Of
neutrality, and this country has from the outset
been officially and publicly neutral In this war
! Neither IS America committing itself 70 the
support OF Russian aims and policies. II enters
into no such foreign entanglements" Il re-
mains steadfast IN its own policies OF the open
/ door and tho maintenance Of Chinese integrity.
and il is friendly 20 the aims and policies Of
! such countries as coincide with !ts own aims
! and policies. Again, the ST Petersburg 'Iour-
/ nal" says the proclamation leaves no further
doubt that the United States has firm inten-
| ''ti0n TO observe strict neutrality" That IS
quite true. II is also quite superfuous. for
/ there never has been any ground for doubling
l that such WAS the intention Of the United
States.
What IS extraordinary IS that our Russian
/ friends should Doe 50 Crcdulous OF cock-and-buU
! stories about America and should need 50 muclr
| assurance that kindly feeling toward Jauan
| does not necessarily mean immediate dcclara.
! ton OF war acainst Russia. Early in the quarrel
| NC pointed out that Japan was contoudin, for
/ an open door policy identical with our own
/ IhereupOn some Russian papers. with more zeal
/ than discretion, screamed out that America was
/ the real enemy OF Russia and was standing he
| hind japan, pushing her into the war for sordid
| Yankees sake. There could have been nothing
more groundless or more unjust Again. there
/ was wild yarn thar American troops were he
| Ing distributed all over C0rea TO prevent fight
| inc in any place where Americans had intar-
ests; and Russians believed il and ragged against
/ 81. OF course, there vas not n word OF truth
in st. Then there was that monstrous tale
| about American inhumsnity ana hostility 20
Russia at Chemulpho. Russians swallowed it
/ and RACED over 81. only 10 ind the exact reverse
OF il was the truth. Then there was a crazy
rumor that America WAS going to insist ,lpon
The immediate reception OF consuls at some
places within the actual scene Of war which
RULED Russian suscepubities. T. too was de-
void OF foundation. Fiually-let Us hope. even II
We can scarcely expect. that il Will he the last
came the rumor that America would send a
feet and army, 81 necessary, 10 maintain the
neutrality OF New-ChwanC. already occupied by
Russia as n beLgerent base That. too has
been exploded, and today the Russians really
seem 70 understand that America IS not unduly
moddling IN this war and does not mean TO do so
] Il is gratifying 10 know that Russia has