The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-02-11
hay IS GIVEN
FULL CREDIT.
Nobody Else Could Have Done
What He Did
Toward Restricting the Sphere
of HOstilities.
GERMAN SUGGESTION.
But France Would Not Have
Listened to Berlin.
Indications Now Point to Sue.
cess of the Plan.

Washington, Feb. 11.-Having receiv-
ed enough favorable replies to insure
the concurrent action of European
powers in his endeavor to localize with
in as small an area as possible the hos
tilities in the far east and to insure
over as much of China as possible her
neutrality, Secretary Hay has address,
ed notes to Russia and Japan inviting
their cooperation in this endeavor and
announcing that the United States
stood stalwartly for this principle. 1t
was known in advance that both the
combatants desire the localization of
the war. In the present period of ne
gotiation the state department officials
find it inexpedient to discuss the vari-
Gus 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:
ITO 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 pre-
servation 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 linn
iting the hostilities to the two com
batant powers. Among my conferees
the belief is general that Germany act
ed with the knowledge of Russia, but
of this I am not certain. In this con-
nection it should be remembered that
both Russia and Japan are most anxi-
Gus to confine 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
such proposition coming from Germany
and Japan would have hesitated to ac-
quiesce in a like suggestion emanating
from France. The United States was
the only power that could take the ini-
tiative. This fact was called to the at
tention of the secretary during call
of the German ambassador on Monday
morning last, shortly before Baron
Sternberg left for New York.
Not only however, has the secretary
suggested the limiting of the zone OF
hostilities, but he has improved the OPP
portunity to make another step toward
preserving China'S integrity. Examina-
Whatsoever to the integrity of China,
but certainly the naturalization of that
country must contribute powerfully TO
the preservation of China'S integrity
and the maintenance of It's admlnlStra-
tive control The note is general IN
character and therein lies its greatest
strength Germany was the first to re-
spond favorably. In the case OF France
lit was necessary for that government
to assure itself that there was nothing
in the suggestion to which Russia might
take exceptions.
After addressing Germany, Great
Britain and France, Secretary Hay sent
the same note to the otheH powers
signatory to the peace protocol of 1900.
including Austria-H Hungary, Italy, Meth
erlands Belgium and Spain, and finally
he addressed the combatantS, Russia
and Japan, inviting their cooperation
in the support of the principle Tor when
this government stood
M. Jusserand, the French ambassador,
had a long conference with Count Cas-
sini. the Russian ambassador. The note
of Secretary Hay was discussed and in
| the personal opinion of the two diplomats
it's humane purpose was approved.
In diplomatic circles the feeling is
strong that Russia will acouiesce in
| the suggestion both as to the limiting
of hostilities and the naturalization of
! China when she has assured herself
that no ulterior purpose is involved
| On the authority of high admin
istration official it can be stated this
government has no intention of Sug-
gesting anything about Korea. 1t is
recognized that Korea is the natural
battle ground. and it is useless even
to discuss the naturalization of that
| country. 1t was decided that the
cruiser squadron of the Asiatic fleet
with propriety could go as far north
as Shanghai. and orders to that effect
have bsen sent. From there one of
the vessels will be sent northward to
| Chemulpo Korea
To maintain communication with the
| American legation at Seoul probably
the vessels of the cruiser squadron will
! take turns about at this duty. Tt is
possible that several naval attaches
may be sent to Manchuria. 1t has been
suggested that naval officer at Dalny
and one at Mukden or Antung could be
of assistance to the consuls this gov
| ernment is sending there.
Admiral Uria of the Japanese feet
was graduated from the naval acad-
emy at Annapolis in 1882.