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Show INVITING A SNUB. The American note with regard to tho neutralization of I lie Manchtirian raHwa3-s seems to be receivod with suspicion and caution nniong the European powers. There is no question but that a deep-seated distrust exists in all those powers against the United States. This is caused first of all by a sentiment very cleverly and unceasingly un-ceasingly worked up, (hat the Americans Ameri-cans aro self-seeking and arc apt to be inconstant. This sentiment is emphasized em-phasized by the contrast between American dealings with China and tho dealings of European powers with Hint, ancient nation. When the Boxer indemnities in-demnities wore fixed, it was evident at tho time, and has been made even clearer siuoc, that, tho amounts fixed wero exorbitant and conscienceless. Tho United States was so thoroughly ashamed of tho extortion that it returned re-turned to China half of tho amount awarded. This fine example, however, was not followed by any other power. The European nations are still extorting extort-ing their "pound of flesh," and doing it with a conscious pride that is the life of international robbery. By reason of tho situation thus created, the invitation of the United States for tho leading powers of the world to join in demanding the neutralization neu-tralization of the Mano.hurian railroads, rail-roads, is not enthusiastically accepted. Russia would naturally be expected fo approve, and France will approve on the approval of Russia. Tho. subjects of Great Britain in Manchuria also approve, ap-prove, for trade reasons; but- Great Britain, as a nation, will probably not approve unless Japan can bo brought also into line. And here the close treaty between Great Britain and Japan may perhaps be of service. Japan naturally would not agree, and will not agree unless Great. Britain can bring her to that view. Tho natural disposition of Japan would be to administer ad-minister to this country a docided snub on this movo for the neutralization of the Mnnchurian railroads, as it is directed against the railroads under her supervision. And in general tho move can .justly be construed as one preliminary to the wrenching loose of tho Japanese grip upon the province of Manchuria In this view, also, Japanese would naturallv bo cxnoeted to ro.inia the note- altogether, and not in tho politest terms. The thing that will strike the public as the most singular of all is that the note seems to have been projected without an international "feeling out" to sec how the nations would take it; it appears to havo been sprung without any previous consultation. Honco the uncertainly. and caution with which it. is received by tho powers, Mr. Knox, has been supposed to be a very cool-headed, cautious, deliberate gentleman. Undoubtedly .'in his law practice he is so. But he :lppears to be altogether-' too impulsive and erratic in international affairs to make his actions ac-tions count for the best. His letter to'Zelaya's minister from Nicaragua was fine as a stiff and indignant roast, but as a diplomatic paper it was beyond all ' excuse. Jf it turns out, as now seems to be tho case, that he sent out a nolo of this importance which would naturally invite a savage snub from Japan, without previous consultation con-sultation with the powers interested, then this country is liablo to be involved in-volved in an unpleasant international war of words. |