The Washington times., 1905-01-17
AMERICA MAY BALK
PLAN OF GAR To
SEIZE CHINA PORT
Hay Believed to Be Pre-
pairing Appeal to
Powers.
CHINA AGAIN WARNED
Note Alleging Breach of
Neutrality Thought to Veil
Warllke Purpose.
CHINA AGAIN WARNED

1t Is the belief In diplomatic circles
that Secretary Hay Is preparing a sec
ond note to the powers on the subject
of the preservation OF China neu-
traIity.
One cause .asesibed for Russia's pro-
test as to alleged violations of this neu-
trality is that 1t Is a deliberately manu-
factured excuse to give Russia a chance
to seize Chinese port In which the
Baltic fleet now on its way TO Japan
may seek shelter.
Diplomatic Conjecture.
The object of the Russian note OF
warning regarding Chinese neutrality Is
n matter of conjecture among officials
of the State Department and the Diulo-
matte Corps
While 1t is generally conceded tl.at
Russia primarily wants the covers of
the world to know that she intends TO
do her own viii In case China continues
the alleged violations 1t IS generally
thought there is a deeper motive than
this
First of all, it is believed russia wants
TO take some action against China. and
Is preparing the way for an attainment
of this object without mourning the dis
pressure oi liie otfler governments OF
breaking her agreement 10 preserve
Shinese neutrality. which resulted from
representations made by Secretary Hay
Motives Suggested
One idea suggested which is a cause of
concern is that Russia desires to en-
large the field of operations and carry
the war beyond Manchtrs1 Another is
that the note Is bat s.xy foresuaser Of
peeuniary and territorial claims AT the
end Of the war should Russia be sue
cessful.
The great need Of a base for Russian
feet IN the Far East suggests that Rus
STA wants to seize Chinese port and
use ii as base for the Baltic fleet and
the other fleet which may follow. Such
4 base is a necessity for Russia. and 1t
could easily be obtained If Russia disre-
sarded Caina's neutrality The an
nonncement in the recent note that she
would use a free hand in dealing with
China furnishes a basis for the CON
lectures which have peen made on this
score.
Something Behind 1t All.
While Russia would have il under
STOOD that the note Is for the purpose ol
calling the attention OF the world tc
the danger that exists of an alliance be
tween Japan and China, thereby giving
japan control of $4,000 600 people, it Is
believed here that there is something
behind IL all that has not been shown.
Out OF the discussion that the note ha:
brought has arisen the idea that Rus.
sia has placed herself In a peculiar posi-.
tioE by declaring that China is no
Neutral and at the same tine seekfus
protection for her ships By disarraa.
ment in Chefoo and other Chinese ports
II Russia suddenly decides that She i.
TO axe the free hand" II would bs
possible for her 70 get these ships reed
fof action and sally forth with them
Hay Warns China.
Secretary Hay has cabled to the Amer
lean legation at Pekin TO investigate IN.
charges contained in Russia's note 7,
the powers alleging Chinese violation O
neutrality.
This action means that the American
Government again warns China of IN,
necessity for faithful maintenance o
her neutrality. not only IN her persona
interest. but in the interest of tn,
world 5 peace.
It is declared that this step cannot II
any way be construed as indicating tha
this Government assumes responsibilit,
ior lhe charges made by Russia. In
deed. the State Department has receive,
no information through its legation a
Pckin or through the various America,
consulates in China that tho Chimes
are violating the rules of neutrals.
Nevertheless. in View of Russi:i's ex
pressed anxiety over the situation il
China. which her investigation dis
closes. the American Government 8
! ready to do what it can To save CHR;
and other :.eutrai powers from the far
! -"aching complications which IL - feare,
would follow An extension TO Chimes
1 Il - I,-c..r az L..