The raid, however, assumes a certain importance in view of
Russia's recent action on this very question of Chinese neutrality. She has addressed a circular to the Powers com- plaining that Japan has violated China's neutrality with China's consent, and hinting that it may be necessary to throw over the agreement embodied in the American Note of last February, and extend indefinitely the area of hostilities. The suggestion has been unfavourably teceived in all the capitals, and Mr. Hay is said to have answered curtly that on this occasion Russia would be expected to abide by her agreements, and to have obtained from the Powers fresh assurances that no such step would be counte- nanced. A wholesale violation of Chinese neutrality might conceivably bring China into the struggle, and so increase the chance of European complications. This may be Russia's motive ; but it is jest as likely that her aim is purely strategical—as, indeed, is foreshadowed by General Mish- chenko's enterprise. and that. Kuropatkin contemplates the crossing of the Lau as part of the strategy of the second army under General Kaulbars. It seems to us a conceivable but a highly dangerous project, for if Russia leads the way, Japan will follow suit, and it is Japan who is the more likely to benefit.
