New-York tribune., 1908-04-05
POSITION OF RUSSIA.
( Possible Statement on Chinese
R;glfs-COmme enfs.

& PETERSBURG NrriI The Russian gov
e--r-a-r =- considering the issuance OF 2 state
--a-- -a---z--- recognizing China-s soVSr~isht'
-- --------r~f- as FAR IS : consistent with the
------ q r--7ia iSrra-ive rights of Russia in the
-zr--.E --ae This is thought 70 be the best
--- r-- - -sa FIa-bin difficulty. which mas
t-s- 1-a--rs 10 on -sTue hE the refusal OF T.
r Fisher. -t- American Consul at HarDln. 20
E-za tie Russian administration Of this
.s------ Ts-e=.au diplomacy is anxious at all
-s-s-.l - remove the impression. that the re-
-----.-.-z ,r The administration o. Harbin and
r-z-.- .-rrIyes further ercroachnents upon
ne -7-ae-i-r ar Eauchuria. and there i reason
t5 ra-.arz that Russia would be willing 10 re-
rs-a suggestions as 10 the wording Of state
-a-t ae-a--abIe 10 The TEi-ad states and the
l-ra- -.--r--z Interested Ehich while clearly de-
f-1c II. status quo under existing treaties
would permit Russia To institute necessary re-
forms ID the administration Of the railroad
z51e These reforms are EreroSatlFe OF Khs-
Es under The treaty ef 1896
From rer-ersaciors with Foreign Office off
Gals and others interested it would seem that
20 railroad administration rather than the
Fo-e5z- Office IS resPonsiDle for the new regu-
lsaerz which have been promulgated a. Har-
ar without fun appreciation Of the possibil-
LIS II International complications. These reg
u.s-ieas met general disfavor at Harbin, and
Pussisn residents were the first 70 protest
against them
TIE press comment Of to-day raises the pro-
te- q Consul Fisher TO an international Incl
1en- n me FIST rank and several Of the prom
saArt cevsuap pers Of the capital devote their
es6irg articles 20 the matter The "Novoe
'rernya' Saws that II is inconceivable that the
American protest can be directed against Rus
Ea1 privileges already recognized, md that il
must refer TO some new pretentions included
u the Russian scheme. the details OF which are
A11ertec-iy known here. The dissatisfaction
expressed even b. Russians shows concluslvely
nj The rev regulations must fail to satisfy
'1e needs a. the local population. Since Amer
'-s1 Interests are concentrated in the south and
Aq IL the n0->h Of Nanchuria, the paper con-
'1aes, This American protest really concerns
seEan rather than Russia The way OF Russia
Gear. Sic must not complicate her position
- lie Orient. but she must maintain the status
s' and avoid any step that would involve
'e'islon of the existing order OF things, which
~e guarantee OF Russia's friendly relation
IN China and Japan.
ne sIovo" regrets that the trouble is spread
g and fears that Russia and Japan can assert
-=f interests only al the cost Of establishing
'sTnsny and the United States in the first
'@ee Of Chinese sympathies.
-le secretary q the American Embassy here
-@g conferred with NJ. KOrotcvitz, who is in
efse u the Asatic Department Of the For
- ythoe. regarding the situation at Hardin
= ekcaange Of views was wholly informal
is have been no important developments,
- Is learned that Russia objects less 10
-@1sa Fishers official attitude than TO the
Nt expressed by him in private conversation
russian procedure in Manchurfa-
~ suggestion Of the issuance OF Russian
&snlent formally recognizing Chinese SOW
eh1y IN Manchuria is being earnestly dis
''eo IL diplomatic circles, where IL is thought
90 II viii be most difficult to find a satisfac-
- - solution II is pointed out that such
-sfaton, If made viii have an important
- n forcing japan 70 show her hand in
~-AeTn Nsnchuria for IL is thought that