Arizona republican., 1904-02-11
Hay Asks for Preservation
 of Her Integrity
Ills NEUTRALITY NOTE
The United States the Only One of the Powers Which Could Issue It.. Localization of the War Agreed to by Europe and the Combatants.

Washington, Feb. 10.-Russia today invited of the United States a declara- tion of her neutrality in the far east ern war. Secretary Hay tonight sent the draft of the declaration of our neutrality to the president for his sig nature, and it will be issued from the department tomorrow.
 Having received enough faYorabl replies to insure the concurrent action of the European powers in his endeav- or to locate within as small an area as possible the hostilities of the far east and to insure as much to China as possible of her neutrality, Secretary Hay tonight addressed notes to Russia and Japan inviting their cooperation in this endeavor and announcing that the United States stood stalwartly for this principle. It was known in ad- vance that both the combatants desire the localization of the war.
 In the present stage of the negoti~ ations the state department officials find it inexpedient to discuss the vari- ous steps which led up to the issuance of the note, but from a diplomat whose government while entirely neutral is conversant with the progress of events, this statement was obtained to- night:
 'To Secretary Hay undoubtedly be- longs the full credit for the initiation of this policy, which is the bOldest step yet taken by any country for the pres ervation of the integrity of China. The Washington government, however, awaited a suggestion from another power before issuing the circular note. Germany called the attention of the United States to the desirability of limiting hostilities to tho two com batants.
 Among my confereees the belief is general that Germany acted with the knowledge of Russia, but of this I am not certain. Tn this connection it should be remembered that both Rus sia and Japan are most anxious to confine the hostilities to themselves, and in this they undoubtedly have the support of my government and all the powers. It was impossible for Great Britain to make the suggestion and hope for its serious consideration by Russia. France would have been dis posed to regard with suspicion any proposition coming from Germany, and Japan would have hesitated to acqui- FSNt III d llhE SuBSeSllOH eInd l from France. The United States was the only power that could take the in ! itiative. This fact was called to the attention e. the secretary during a | call of the German ambassador on Monday morning last, shortly before Baron Steinberg left for New York
 Not only, however, has the secre- tary suggested the limiting of the zone l of hOStilifiag hut ha ba | opportunity to make another step to- ward preserving China's integrity Ex- animation of his note will show no reference whatsoever to the integrity of China. but certainly the neutraliza- l tion of that country must contribute powerfully to the preservation of Chi mas integrity and the maintenance of | its administrative control"
 'The note is general in character and therein lies its greatest strength. Ger many was the first to respond favor ably. In the case of France it was necessary for that government to as- sure itself that there was nothing in the suggestion to which Russia might take exception
 After addressing Germany, Great Britain and France. Secretary Hay sent the same note to the other powers signatory to the peace protocol of 1900, including Austria Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands. Belgium and Spain. and finally he addressed the combatants, Russia and Japan, inviting their CO., operation in the support of the prin- ciple for which this government stood.
 M. Jusserand. the French ambassa- dor, had long conference with Count Cassini, the Russian ambassador, to- day.
 The note of Secretary Hay was dis cussed. and in the personal opinion of the two diplomats its humane purpose was approved
 In diplomatic circles the feeling is