The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-11
CH|NA'S INTEGRITY WILL
Be ASSURED BY ACTION
Of THE UNITED STATES
Diplomatic Move of the Utmost
Importance to the Civilized
World.
SECRETARY HAYS PLAN
Declaration of American Neutral
ity to Be Made To-Day-All
Powers United.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1O.-Russia to-day
invited of the United States a decdara-
ton of her neutrality in the far Eastern
situation. 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.
Having received enough favorable replies
to insure the concurrent action of European
powers in his endeavor to localize within as
small an area as possible the hostilities
in the far East and to insure over as much
of China as possible her neutrality, Secre-
tary Hay tonight addressed notes to Rus
sia and Japan inviting their cooperation in
this endeavor and announcing that the
United States stood stalwartly for this prin-
ciple. 1t was known in advance that both
the combatant powers desire the localization
of the war.
In the present period of the negotiations
State Department officials find it inexpedi-
ent TO discuss the various steps which led up
to the issuance of the note, but from a diplo-
mat whose government, while entirely neu-
trail, is conversant with the progress of
events, this statement was obtained to-
night
ITO Secretary Hay undoubtedly belongs
icy. which is the boldest step yet taken
hv fry ba
integrity of China. The Washington gov
ernment. however, awaited a suggestion
from another power before issuing the cir
cular note. Germany called the attention
of the United States to the desirabiity of
limiting the hostilities to the two combat
ant powers. Among my confreres the belief
is general that Germany acted with the
knowledge of Russia, but of this / am not
certain
ATTITUDE OF COMBATANTS.
"In this connection it should be remem-
bered both Russia and Japan are most anx-
| ious to confine hostilities to themselves,
and in this they undoubtedly have the sup
port of my government and all the powers.
1t was impossible for Great Britain to make
the suggestion and hope for it's serious con-
sideration by Russia. France would have
been disposed to regard with suspicion any
such proposition coming from Germany and
Japan would have hesitated to acquiesce in
like suggestion emanatng from France
The United States was the only power that
could take the initiative. This fact was
called to the attention of the secretary dur
ing a call of the German ambassador on
Monday morning last, shortly before Baron
Sternburg left for New York.
Not only, however, has the secretary
suggested the limiting of the zone of hos
tilities but he has improved the opportu-
nifty to take another step toward preserv-
ing China's integrity. Examination of his
note will show no reference whatsoever TO
the integrity of China, but certainly the
naturalization of that country must con-
tribute powerfully to the preservation of
Chinas integrity and the maintenance of
its administrative control. The note is
general in character, and therein lies its
greatest strength. Germany was the first
| TO respond favoraby. In the case of France
il was necessary for that government to
assure itself that there was nothing in the
suggestion TO which Russia might take ex-
cepuon.
NOTE SENT TO ALL POWERS.
After addressing Germany, Great Britain
and France Secretary Hay sent the same
note to other powers signatory to the peace
protocol OF 1900. including Austria Hungary,
| Italy, Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, and
finally he addressed the combatants, Rus
sia and Japan, inviting their cooperation
! in the support of the principle for which
/ this government stood.
M Jusserand the French ambassador
had a long conference with Count Cassini.
| the Russian ambassador, to-day The note
| of Secretary Hay was discussed. and in the
| personal opinion of the two diplomats its
| humanitarian purpose was approved.
In diplomatic circles the feeling is strong
| that Russia will acquiesce in the sugges-
| ton both as TO the limiting OF hostilities
| and the naturalization OF China when She
| has assured herself that there Is no ulterior
| purpose involved. On the authority of a
| high administration official IL can be stated