The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1905-01-19
hay NOTIFIES CHINA
Should Maintain Neutrality in In
terest of Worlds Peace.
RUSSIAN CHARGES RECEIVED
Gar Threatens TO Consider Chlna's
Neutrality From the Standpoint OF
Russls's Interest Text Of the

l
Neutrality From the Standpoint Of
Russls's Interest - Text Of the
Charges.
Washington. Jan l7.-China's at
iention has again been indirectly IN
fited by the American government 10
The necessity for a faithful malnte-
nance OF her neutrality. not only IN
personal interest. but in the interest
OF the worlds peace. Secretary hay
on the receipt OF the full text OF Count
L.amsdorns note expressing Russia's
belief that China's neutrality had been
repeatedly violated. prepared instruc-
tions for the American charge al
Pekin. directing him 10 make inquiry
OF the Chinese government regarding
the situation.
II is specifically declared that this
action cannot in any way be construed
as Indicating that this government as
sumes responsibility for the charges
made by Russia This is the second
time Secretary Hay in friendly spirit
has urged on China the advantages
which a strict observance OF neutrality
holds not only for her people hut the
remainder OF the world.
The text OF the Russian noie is re
gardcd as confidential. and for this
reason the state department has not
made il public. The Associated Press
has obtained an approved synopsis OF
the note. which. without purporting TO
give the language. presents in accu-
rate sequence the subjects to when
Count Lamsdorl refers.
That the experience of the past II
months has made it evident that
China either is unable or does not
wish to adhere to her given pledges,
that without going further back than
the Rveshitelni incident at Chefoo, II
would be easy 10 state many cases IN
which the rules Of neutrality have
been violated by China to the adyan-
tage and profit OF Japan, that II has
been established many times that GER
tain bodies of Chinese mounted ban
dts have operated on neutral territory
and that they have been commanded
by japanese officers; also. that whole
detachments OF these bandits have
been enrolled in the Japanese army
and are receiving a regular remuner-
alton from the government at Toxic
in payment for their services, and
that japanese instructors have been
admitted ali along to the Chinese mill
tary service and accompany the Chi
nese troops stationed on the northern
border OF the province OF Chilli. pro
fessedly for the purpose OF maintain
ing neutrality.
That II has been ascertained after
careful inquiry that since the out
break OF the war the japanese have
used the islands Of Madao as a base
for their naval operations.
That to all the representations and
protestations OF the imperial govern
ment to the Pekin government re-
garding these Incidents. the Chinese
minister for foreign affairs gave vague
promises and eyasiye answers; that
reports recently received indicate that
the Chinese government, not content
with the violations OF neutrality OF this
kind. fragrant as they are. are now
preparing to take an active part In
the military operations; that an agita-
ton against all the whites without ex-
ception has taken hold on the people
and is being constantly stimulated.
That the imperial government de-
clares that in case the actual situation
In China. to which attention Is now
earnestly invited. shall continue Rus
sIa in consequence will find herself
Obliged to consider the neutrality OF
China from the standpoint Of Russia's
interest
In a conversation Mr.. Takahira. the
Japanese minister. reiterated that ia
pan desired and intended If possible
to adhere strictly to her agreement to
respect China's neutrality.
But" he added, III Russian gen.
erals invite them to Mongolia our
commanders under the circumstances
could hardly be expected to refuse
the invitation"
Caa0 Dismissed