New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-20

The question Of Chinese neutrality appears 20
be somewhat Ucutely raised again IN connec-
ton with the employment OF Chinese troops for
1,oIfra purposes outside Of the Great Wall II IS
reported that Mr.. Iessar, the Russian Minister
10 China. has warned the Chinese government
that the use OF its troops outside Of the wall
may be regarded 10y Russia a breach OF neu-
trality in favor Of Japan. Il is also said thar
the Russians are expecting the japanese 10
make a landing somewhere IN the neutral"
territory west u the Lao River, and that they
win regard that rs an improper invasion Of
Chinese neutrality.
Now. Mr. Lessar. who was FOR some tine con-
nected with the Russian Embassy IN London IS
q particularly shrevd and forceful diplomat
and VIII undoubtedly leave nothing undone 20
aid the Russian cause at Picking and 20 put
s7Okes into the wheel" OF Japan But II may be
doubted whether he has taken, n serious ear
nest. quite so extreme a step as that indicated'
for 10 confne Chinese troops within the Great
Wan would be to abandon 70 war or 10 an
archy not only the whole Of Mongolia and, OF
course. AIanchuria- which latter is regarded as
not neutral hut beligerent territory. but also
the northern half Of Pe-Chi-Ih itself down 10
within a few miles Of Picking. To demand that
would be 10 put a most extreme Interpretation
upon the phrase Chinese neutrality" It would
be 70 menace the very suburbs Of Picking with
anarchy.
As 10 the neutral territory" west OF The Lao
River, which the Russians fear the japanese
VIII violate 81 must De regarded as non-eTist-
ent. save within the Great Wall. Mr.. Lessar's
reported words would make It SO, FOR. Of course,
u the Chinese army must stay on neutral
ground within the wall all ground outside OF
the wall IS not neutral and IL would be no viola
ton OF neutrality for the japanese 10 invade Il.
Moreover, the actual boundaries make Il so, for
the Great Wall begins at Shan-Hai-Kwan, and
marks at that point the boundary between Pc
Chilli, which is China proper and therefore
/ neutral and Nauchuria. which IS not neutral.
Il is quite legitimate. then, for the japanese to
land. 81 they please. anywhere on the north or
/ west shore Of the Gulf 81 LsO-Tung west OF
the Lao River down % Shan-Hai- Kwan. which
IS more than half way from Ying-Kov 70 Tlen-
tsin, and in doing so they would not be invading
/ neutral" territory at all
Il Is earnestly 10 be hoped that there will be
no misunderstanding between China and Rus
STA over the matter for Il would be q deplor-
able thing 20 have China dragged into the war
such a complication would vastly increase the
danger OF other European powers being also IN
/ volved. There are rumors that Russia might
deliberately provoke extension Of the war 10
China in the hope that such conjunction OF
Japan and China would arouse fears OF The
| yellow peril and move all Christendon 20 toin
hands with Russia IN opposing It. We cannot
/ for a moment credit such rumors. but the fact
that they are eXt8nt indicates the abhorrent
T possibilities that this war contains. We cannot
believe that Russia VIII yield 20 such counseIs
cf despair oE that Japan VIII for any reason
seek 10 enbro,l China In the war. The Ameri-
can policy IS the true one-for all the powers
10 recognize and respect the neutrality OF China
! excepting Of course, Manchuria, which IS the
/ actual scene Of war. II that IS done there can
Doe little doubt that China herself will observe
the duties and restrictions OF a neutral