New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1904-03-05
RUSSIAN SUSCEPTIBILITY,

According to the advices from
st. Petersburg, the people of the
Russian Capital, even those in gov,
ernmental circles, feel much exas-
perated because the people and
press Of the United States sympa-
thfze with the japanese in the ex-
listing war. They accuse this coun-
try of ingratitude and express
great establishment that Americans
should entertain any other than
feelings of partiality for Russia as
against Japan.
There is, Of course, no indication
that the Russian Government makes
any complaint at the official attitude
of the government at Washington,
which has maintained an entirely
proper relation Of strict neutrality
towards both belligerents. As far
as the sympathies of the masses
are concerned, as well as the opin.
ion of the principal papers, the
Russians show woeful ignorance Of
the American character, as well as
childish susceptibility to natu-
raj sympathy with Japan enter
tanned by the people Of this coun-
try, which neither aids Japan nor
Injuries Russia.
The secret Of the almost univer-
sal sympathy for Japan in this
country is not difficult to discover.
Japan is fighting for very existence,
and the American people have al
ways spmpathized strongly with
every small nation which has had
the courage to resist the encroach-
ments of a larger power.
The people of the United States
already enjoy considerable trade
with China, which they had no de-
sire to see curtailed by Russia or
any one else, and they insist upon
the utmost freedom of trade with |
the Far East for the future. As
Russia's traditional policy Of ex-
elusive trade rights within her ter
ritory is strongly opposed toi
trade interests in the
Far East, it is not at all surprising
that Russia meets with no sympa-
Thy in this country, whereas Japan,
which is fighting for the keeping
open OF Manchuria and the rest of
China to trade, represents the very
objects we ourselves desire to OBJ
ain, although our traditional pol
cy of abstention from foreign en-
;anglements prevents our taking
'ther steps than earnestly protest
ng against all attempts to shut
he door of the Far East to the
rade of the world.
Instead Of chatting at the syppa-
by shown by all the English speak
ng countries with Japan, Russia
houid be thoroughly satisfied that
uch sympathy has taken no other
orm than popular applause. That
here is any actual hatred towards
russia behind this sympathy, or a
pecial love for the Japanese, is alb
urd. The only interest that the ,
o-called Anglo-Saxon countries
ave in the fight is a trade interest ,
oupled with an inherent love Of
air play. There is, moreover, al
rays a natural disposition to ex-
ouse the cause of the weaker bel
gerent against the stronger, where q
nat stronger nation 10 we'll known
entertain sinister designs against
ne territory of the weaker people.
'espite that sympathy, however,
'hich cannot be prevented, Russia 4
eed have no fear that the Govern 8
tent Of the United States will pur- .
ne any other course than one Of
riot neutrality so long as the war
restricted to the present belliger- .
,ts.-N. O. Picaywme. d
Fewer Gallons; Wears Longer.
II