Omaha daily bee., 1910-01-22
Note is Friendly in Tone, but Conclu-
sions Are Not Qualified.
BASIS OF RUSSIAN OPPOSITION
Proposition is Held to Be without
Intrinsic Merit.
AMERICANS ARE DISAPPOINTED
General Feeling that Adoption of
Scheme Would Have Had Effect
of MinimiEing Prospect
of War.

TOXIC, Jan. n.-The reply OF the Japa-
nese government to the United States pro-
posal for the naturalization Of the Man
churian railways was handed to American
Ambassador O'Brien this afternoon. 1t is
polite declination.
No intimation OF the contents of the
memorandum OF reply is given, but the
best information obtainable indicates that
the communication is brief and that the
declination to accept the naturalization
proposition is based on several grounds,
the chief of which are:
The American plan would be of no ad-
vantage whatever to Japan.
II would afford no advantage to China.
1t would not change the commercial sltua-
ton in Manchuria, where Japan is adher-
ing strictly to it's pledges of an open door
and eqSal opportunity.
1t is understood that the reply is couched
in terms of friendly appreciation of the
American purpose but it is not of an argu-
mentative character and it's conclusions
are not qualified.
Eussia Opposes Plan.
ST. PETERSBURG, Jan n.-Russia' $
reply to Secretary Knox's note proposing
the neutralizaion OF the Manchurian rail-
roads was delivered to Ambassador Rock
hill today.
The Russian communication rejects the
proposal for the naturalization of existing
railroads. 1t states also that the Russian
government considers the alternative prom
osition for its participation in an interna-
tionl syndicate for the construction of
the Chin Chow-Aign line acceptable in
principle, but because of the political and
strategical Importance OF the enterprise
and its bearing ON the East Chinese rail-
road Russia will defer final answer on
this subject pending the receipt of informa-
ton as to the principles of the American
project.
Russia reserves the right to pass upon
all such projects as affecting its political,
strategic and economic interests,
The note of reply Throughout Is in a
friendly tone and the American proposition
Is criticized strongly on it's intrinsic merits.
American Officials disappointed.
WASHINGTON, Jan. M.-Press telegrams
from Toxic and st. Petersburg received this
morning stated that the proposal OF the
United States for the naturalization of the
Manchurian railroads had been rejected
by both Japan and Russia, were read with
great interest at the State department.
There is no doubt that this result OF
secretary knox's effort to eliminate the
Manchurian railways from the policies OF
the far east, thus minimizing the danger
OF war, is keen disappointment to the
officials. Whether the matter will end
with the action of Japan and Russia, is
problematical.
1t Is believed to be quite possible that
with the rejection of the proposition to
neutralize the railroads in Manchuria
owned by Russia and Japan the United
states may urge its attention to the ques-
ton Of financing in conjunction with Great
britain and other European nations the con-
struction of the proposed railroad, which
WIN run from Chin Chow Flu to Tsitshar.
Thls road will tap the Russian Trans
siberian road at Tsitshar This PROPOSE
tion formed part Of Secretary Knox's
alternative naturalization plan and it seems
probable that all OF the powers. Including
Russia and Japan, may signify their will.
lngness to cooperate with the United
states In neutralizing this particular road.