The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-02-22
Unc0ntIrmed Rum0ry Of BatfleS
Ashore Come from the Far East

CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE)
course of a conversation with "a represent
alive of the Associated Press at the en-
bassy tonight. The ambassador spoke IN
general on the far Eastern SITUATION Al
though the negotiations on the neutrality
proposition have been carried on almost
entirely between the several foreign gov
ernments addressed and the American en-
vows accredited 10 them. the weight OF the
word OF the Russian ambassador at WASH
ingtOn in the cOunsels OF his Majesty was
strongly influential in the shaping or Rus
sia's reply.
As soon as the Russian note was ad-
dressed 10 the Russian government Count
Cassini was advised Of the fac by Secre-
tary Hay, and long and earnest CONVEX
satiOn followed on the motives OF the WASH
ingtOn government in initiating this move,
unique in diplomacy. To the rrankness OF
TINS conversation - largely due, II Is SAID,
the prompt response OF the Russian gov
eminent. which is naturally concerned with
many matters of the gravest Importance,
and some demanding the most speedy at
tentiOn, such as war measures
1T is fortunate continued the amDas-
sador, that whatever may be the Ieenhs
here and there in the United States or sym
patty for Japan, the traditional ana, so Idr
as" Russia is concerned, the highly prized
friendly relations between the Washington
and St Petersburg governments an no way
have been interfered with. Every man
brings TO the embassy some fifty TO one
hundred contradictions, in the form OF OF
ferS of assistance, medical and military, OF
the statement that Russia is without
friends in this country. Ii is so In TINS
country, as in every other, that the smaller
nation in the struggle can count on GER
tain amount of sympathy, arising solely
from the fact of its minority, but IL Is
tribute to the fairness Of your government
that the official conduct of your govern
ment certainly has been all that either bel
ligerent could expect in the preservation
of the strict neutrality which the PRESIDENT
directed shall be observed by his people.
so numerous have these offers or med
ical and other aid become that L have felt
il my duty TO bring them to the attention
of my government. 1t is possible that IN
recognition Of the kindly spirit of humanity
and friendliness which IS evidenced by
the American physicians Offering their as
sistance that my government may md a
way to accept some or them, ana that
American physicians and nurses may aid
us in caring for the wounded in the far
Eastern war. l am daily expecting an an
swer from St. Petersburg on this point.
"In the earnest hope that peace might be
preserved with Japan, my government was
giving more attention TO the Methods Dy
which a diplomatic settlement might be
reached other than to preparations for the
recourse to arms which We are now con-
WINGED Japan had determined on at the
outset of the negotiations. For this rea-
son, the first chapter in the far Eastern
war has not been characterized by Russian
victories.
1.-THE truth. however, has been made pub
lie as rapidly as Admiral AleXieffs dis
patches have been reported to his Majesty.
In this first chapter. however, is contained
a picture, which, as was TO be expected, the
fair spirit of Americans was quick to APP
preciate and applaud. 1 refer to the noble
conduct of the captain of the Variag, who,
after refusing to surrender his ship, went
out of the harbor of Chemupo TO face an
overwhelming force of Japanese warships,
to whose fire he replied as effectively as ne
could and then blew up his own ship that
she might not fall into the hands of the
enemy. The contribution of such page to
Russian history more than compensates for
any losses sustained by our navy as a re-
suit of Japan attacking us before a declara-
ton of war and while her envoy at st.
Petersburg was still enjoying the courtesy
and protection Of the Russian government
'.In the interests of the worlds humanity
am confident all nations will hope for the
success of Secretary Hays effort to limit
the deplorable war to the belligerents now
engaged