Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-05-10
NEUTRALITY OF CHINA.
Said That Gar Asked Us to Pre-
serve 1t.

Washington, May "a signal proof
CT the fimsincSs Of tho Russian news
paper assertions that this country I'M
duly favors Japan IS found in the en-
dcavor of the United States to keen
China neutral. This the United States
did ut the request of Russia.
1t should nc understood that this
government docs not share Russia s
fears about the neutrality of China.
The state department has taken eX-
traOrdinlry pains to kecr Informed
about this matter. and all its adviccs
nave heen convincing that China's
neutrality WAS absolutely assured.
Russia, however. is badly frightened
about China, ana hcr fears were not
set at rest by the assurances given by
the United States. Count C"sSini, at
the dirtC ion of his government, APP
p"a!el to the United States, as Il neu-
trIl power, whose kinIlii!osS toward
China hal hccn attcstrl, and who pos
%csscd China's good VIII, to use her
Influence with the emiire toward pre-
serving neutrality.
Two weeks ago, acting upon Count
'Issini's request. Secretary Hay Iii
rccted Minister CCnG"r to corfcr with
the Chinese government. At the Sarle
time Mr.. Hay made it plain 10 Count
rassni that he Gid not in the least
share RuSsia's fears and that he did
think it Mt all necessary.
Mir. Conger accordingly conveyed to
Prince Ching the desire Of the United
states that everything possible be done
to prevent the slightest infraction of
neutrality. The assurances which
Prince Ching were unusually strong
ana definite, ana of such 4 character
as to fortify tho state department in
its conviction that al was going well
in China. and to reaSsure somewhat
the RCGsian government
At the same time it is probably true
that Russia has requested the other
neutral nations to take action similar
to that of the United States. If so, they
are merely following this country's ex-
ample, for no nation had taken such
action at the time the United States
did. fortnight ago.
The Russian fear is based on the
presence Of Gen, Mas army west of the
Lao river on Gen. Kuropatkin's flank.
Minister COnger, at the direction of the
state department, made inquiries about
this. and has satisfied the government
that Gen. Mas army is under excep-
tionally good discipline. The reports
that this army is showing uneasiness
and disposition to break loose are
utterly unfounded, according to high
authority here.
Russia also believes that Mas army
is differed by Japanese soldiers, who
Will use any and every opportunity to
work their men up to point of rebel
lion. Count Cassini is quite sure that
this is the fact, and it is an article of
faith at st. Petersburg. Mr.. Hay di-
rccted Mr. Conger to make careful in
CURRY about this, and the minister re-
ported that the only japanese in Mas
army We're a few drill sergeants, and
that there was not q single commits
stoned officer who hailed from Japan.
n strong reason for the state depart
ment's confidence in Chinese neutrality
and self-control is its knowledge of
Yuan-Shi-khi, the Viceroy Dele-chi-li
Yuan is said by the state department
officials to be man of extraordinarily
strong character and he possesses the
departments fullest confidence. Gen.
Ma. according to the depagtment, is a
man of the same type ana in addition