The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-04-05
TO RECOGNIZE
 SOVEREIGNTY Russia May Give in to
 China. MANCHURIAN CONTROVERSY Harbin Affair Brought to Issue by
 American Consul. Japan is Considerably Exercised over situstion and Lays Blame on
 United states--TnternatiunsI
 Complications Looked For.


 government is considering the issuance of statement. formally recognizing Chinese sovereignty in Manchuria, in so far as is consistent with the public administrative rights of Russia in the railroad zone.
 This Is thought to be the best way out of the Harbin difficulty. which has been brought to an issue by the refusal of Fred D. Fisher, the American Consul at Harbin. to recognize the Russian ad- ministration of this territory. Russian diplomacy Is anxious at all hazards to remove the impression that the re- organizing of Harbin and Chailar tn- wolves further encroachment upon the integrity of Manchuris and there is reason to believe that Russia would be willing to receive suggestions as to the wording of a statement acceptable to the United States and the other powers interested which while clearly defining the status quo under existing treaties, would permit Russia to institute neces- sary reforms in the administration of the railroad zone. These reforms are a prerogative of Russia under the treaty of 1896.
 From conversations with foreign of-
 
 seem that the railroad administration rather than the foreign offices, Is responsible for the new regulations which have been promulgated at Har- bin without full appreciation of the possibilities of complications. This found disfavor' at Harbin. and the Rus sian resident were the first to protest today raises the protest of Consul Fisher to an incident of the first rank and several of the prominent news papers of the capital devote their lead- ing articles to the matter. The Novoe vremya, says it is inconceivable that the American protest can be directed against Russian privileges already recognized and that 1t must refer to some new pretentions including the Russian scheme. the detaits of & iaich are imperfectly known here.
 The dissatisfaction expressed even by Russians. shows conclusiveIys that the new regulations must fail to satisfy the needs of the local population. ln- asmuch as American interests are com centrated in the South and not in the North of Manchuria, the paper con finues, this American protest really concerns Japan rather than Russia. The way of Russia is clear. She must not complicate her position in the Orient but she must maintain the status quo and avoid any step that would in- volve revision of the existing order of tongs. which arc a guarantee of Russia's friendly relations with China and Japan.
 The Secretary of the American Em- hassy here today conferred with M. Korotovitz. who is in charge of the Asiatic Department of the foreign of flee. regarding the situation at Harbin. The exchange of views was wholly in- formal. There have heen no import ant developments. but it is learned that Russia objects less to Consul Fishers official attitude than to the views ex- pressed by him In private conversation on the Russian procedure in Manchuria.
 The suggestion of the issuance of Russian statement formally recognizing Chinese sovereignty in Manchuria, is being earnestly discussed in diplomatic circles, where 1t is thought that 1t will be most difficult to find a satisfactory solution. It is pointed out that such q declaration, if made. would have an im- portant effect in forcing Japan to show her hand in Southern Manchuria for 1t is thought that Japan would either have to follow Russia's example or ad- init designs on that territory. In let ter to the Reich, M. Brianchanioff. who a attended the Portsmouth conference and has followed the o-Japanese relations closely, maintains that Rus sIa and Japan are acting in Manchuria on inc basis of a secret clause of the noIttfcal treaty concluded between them fact July. -The Foreign office. how aver. denies the existence of such a clause.