The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1916-01-10
RUSSIA LONGS
FOR PART Of
MANCHUR|A
Because of the Advantages to
Be Gained from the Trans
Serbian Railway.

THE HAGUE, Netherland, Jan. ~
Russia's desire to control that por-
ton of northern Manchuria through
which the Trans-Siberian railway
runs is uppermost in the minds OF
all Russians in this section. ana
they are constantly expressing the
hope that the European war will re-
suit in such a REIMBURSEMENT in the
affairs Of the far East that Russia
may gain actual possession OF the
territory through which its railway
passes.
Although Hardin has an immqose
Chinese population, it is almost as
Russian in its architecture and IN
the manners and customs Of Its peo-
pie as city in the very heart Oh
Russia. The other cities and towns
along the Trans-Siberian line IN
Manchuria are also practically Rus
sian in everything but name. The
Russian assumption Of authority. IN
fact is such that the German prison.
ers have escaped from Siberia are
frequently seized in Chinese terri
tory by Russian soldiers. The Rus
slams have even taken the escaped
German prisoners away from Chinese
soldiers who were protecting them
in Chinese territory. This has called
forth bitter complaints from Ger
mans in Manchuria.
Conditions in Mongolia, south OF
the Trans-Siberian railway, are very
much the same as in that part OF
Manchuria through which the rail
way actually runs. Russians have
practically all the trade in Mongolia
especially the northern part, and 1t
Is in effect Russian dependency
rather than Chinese territory.
The Kutuktu, the head OF the
Duddhists in Mongolia. who is resi-
dent at urga and who is the most
powerful leader in Central Asia, nego-
tiated an agreement last June by
which China's nominal control OF
Outer Mongolia was to be recognized.
but he has recently refused to carry
out terms of the agreement. AL
though Russia, as well as China
was party to the agreement, 1t IS
charged by some Chinese officials
that the Kutuktu has been influence
ed in some way by the Russians
who desired to create friction. The
Mon golian people, themselves. have
frequently endeavored to get Russia
to recognize them as an independ-
ent state and defend them against
China and Japan. Chinese officials
are endeavoring TO persuade the
Kutuktu to carry out his agreement,
but it is reported that Chen-lo, the
Chinese diplomat who is at Urga con-
Quoting the negotiations is held prac-
tlcally prisoner by the Buddhist
leader.
Outer Mongolia is now also in a
state OF ferment. Bandit companies
are operating all along the border of
China proper, and apparently have
recently gained much strength. With
an internal struggle on hand. the
Chinese army is not in position to
do much in Mongolia. Japanese
arms and ammunition have reached
the bandits in large quantities. Rep
reservations concerning this traffic
have been made to the Japanese gov
eminent whose reply has been that
Japan has no control of private ship
ments OF arms.
Manchuria has made very SLOW
progress in an agricultural way and
is far less prosperous than portions
Of Siberia where the Russians have
colonized. The Chinese farm with
little idea OF developing the country
permanently. Manchuria, however,
offers far better opportunities to the
Russians than Siberia, as the climate
is more favorable and markets are
better. 1t is comparatively short
haul from any point of Manchuria
to tidewater.