The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-01-19
POWERS WILL STAND BY HAY.
MORE HOPEFUL FEELING OF
AVERTING CHINESE CRISIS.
Replies 10 Secretary of states Note Salts
faotory--Atutude OF Neutral Nations
Expected 20 Make Russia Abandon
Plan Of Aggressive Action in China.

hepncs 10 Feerethry OF SlhNes NOte Shtb'
factory OF Neutral Nations
Expected 20 Make Russia Abandon
Plan Of Aggressive Action In China.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 49, Assurances Of
such a satisfactory character have been
received by the State Department in re-
sponse TO Secretary Hays inquiries Of the
neutral Powers concerning Russia's charges
that China has violated neutrality that a
confident feeling exists throughout official
circles that the crisis in Chinese affairs
will have a favorable outcome from the
American point Of view. Mr.. Hays rep
reeentations were addressed only TO the
nations Of Europe which are maintaining
a neutral attitude in the war. Russia and
Japan we're not made parties to the eI-
changes, and China was addressed merely
with the object Of learning what defence
she had TO make to the Russian legations.
There is reason to believe that England
and Germany have come forward promptly
with assurances which will Offset any danger
OF an extension Of the field OF bellgereht
operations into parts Of China other than
Manohuria, and serve to check any desire
Russia may have to seize Chinese ports,
or to declare void the principle OF the open
door. While Russia's object in charging
China with having violated the neutrality
which she promised TO observe in return
for Russia's agreement TO respect her
administrative entity has not been dis
closed. and Ia, up TO this time, matter OF
mere conjecture, the suspicion is wide
spread that the Cars Government con-
templates the seizure of Pekin and adjacent
territory OF the province Of Chill and may
have brought forward its indictment Of
China as justification for future action OF
that character.
Such a proceeding on the part Of Russia
would agitate the capitals OF the great
neutral Powers but the significant question
Is asked here: Who would be willing TO
back up by force demand that Russia
undo this wrong? That japan would be
unwilling to do so is regarded az certain,
for she mas already enough to contend with
in the present zone Of military operations.
Ii is not doubted, however, that Japan
would appeal TO the neutral Powers to pre-
vent Russia from holding the Chinese
capital and surrounding country.
What these Powers. the United States
included. would do II brought face TO face
with Japan's insistence that they perform
their share in preventing political and
territorial dismemberment of China cannot,
Of course, be answered at this time, but
the prevailing opinion in governmental and
diplomatic quarters is that none of the
nations adore ssed would do more than
make vigorous protests TO Russia.
However, this Government at least.
does not intend TO cross that bridge until
II comes to it, and from what was learned
to-day a solution OF the present embar-
RAISING problems presented by Russia's
charges against China is in sight and will
mean that the danger of Russian advance
upon Pekin will be overcome Tor the time
being. az least.
distinctly hopeful feeling prevailed
to-day. Evidently the Government has
so.., news--as much was hinted-pointing
TO e general undel standing among the
neutral nations which will me Ike Russia
pause in any contemplated movement
against the Chinese.
Both Minister Takahira Of japan and
Minister Chentung LANG Cheng Of China
saw Secretary Hay to-day and reiterated
their denials of Chinese violation Of neu-
trality, either separately or in conjunction
with japan.