New-York tribune., 1911-02-18
tFrom The Tribune Bureau. !


Washington. February II.
RUSSIA AND CHINA.-The Russo Chi
nese situation, which was considered at
length at the Cabinet meeting to-day, is
the occasion OF grave concern to the ad-
ninistraton. There is a more or less we'll
defined suspicion that Japan is a not unm-
portant factor IN the course which Russia
has adopted. 1t is recalled that relations
between Russia and japan have become pc
culiarly cordial OF late and that there are
those who construe the treaty negotiated
last summer by those powers as practically
an alliance. offensive and defensive, be-
tween them. There is every indication that
the United States has lost its advantageous
position Of great and good friend mediator
between Russia and Japan, and that these
nations, SO long enemies. are now prepared
10 act in concert on all questions In the
Far East. For the present no action will
be taken by this government. but Ambas-
sador Rockhill, at St Petersburg. has been
requested TO make Immediately as COM
plete a report on the situation as is possi-
HE. and similar instructions have been sent
IN Minister Calhoun, at Peking. There Is
also reason to believe that quiet exchange
Of views between the United states and
Great Britain. and possibly between this
country and France, will begin at once,
with a view TO determining the intent OF
Russia. the extent 10 which Japan Is
Marty 10 Russia's action and the possioillty
~ concerted action looking to the restraint
~ Russian ambitions, should that become
necessary. The situation is the more en-
barrassing 10 this country because the eN-
nira and what are popularly known as
negotiations, although the Department Oh
state defines them as merely pourparlers'
have already begun with view 10 com
nlsting a new treaty. an undertaking OF no
little delicacy because OF tie extreme seni
tiveness TO anything approaching ia''"'
discrimination Of the Japanese'
Mr. ROOTS POWER--That Mr. Koo'
mower for good in influencing the reia''ois
b.tusen the United States and the oou'h
American republics Is still potent seeHieu ~
hs strikingly proved by the reception "ilc"
tho former Secretary of War had from the
delegates 70 the n-American Commerclal
Conference this morning With that tear
,essness and breadth of view when are
among the most striking characteristics Oh
the Senator from New York he spoke most
n,ainlv Ia the delegates, his remarks oeing
di~ec+s6 esneciallv to the Americans pres
ont. He urged upon them realization OF
tho fact that difference from ourselves is
far from necessarily indicative of inferi-
ori,,, that because another nation speaks
q different language II must not be as
sun,ed to he less worthy of respect and ad-
u,ration. and he especially emphasized the
n dealing a
foreign people. While confining mis- re-
marks almost entirely to commercial reia-
tions. he pointed out that this country
could never hope to succeed by buildozihg
or even aggressive methods and urged the
cultivation of mutual respect ana regard d.
the inevitable foundation for closer rela-
tions of all kinds. taking occasion to pay
high tribute to the admirable qualities OF
the people Of South America. Mr. Root
remarks aroused the greatest enthusiasm OF
any which have been addressed 10 the con-
ference.
PRESIDENTS INDEPENDENCE. - As
was forecast in this column. the President
has rendered comprehensive decision re-
garding the sale OF liquor in Minnesota, a
decision purely judicial in It's character and
In no way Influenced by the fact that what
ever way he decided he would make polit-
| ical enemies The President has been be-
sought, as is we'll known, by the temper
| ance advocates 70 enforce the pronlp'ton
against the manufacture and sale OF liquors.
throughout the greater portion of the state
of Minnesota. which was provided for III
certain Indian treaties, which for many
years have been dead letter Those who
opposed- such enforcement also made repre-
sentations 10 the President, and his polit-
ical advisers besought him To delegate al
responsibility in the matter 10 Congress.