Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-07-28
This Corean Situation.

The report that war has been declared be-
tween China and Japan may prove prema-
ture, but the feeling of hostility between
these two countries is deep-seated, ripe for
revolt and the Corean difficulty affords ex-
cellent opportunity for settling the grudge
of long standing by bloodshed.
Naturally the first thought is of the re-
spective military strength of China and
japan. 1t is difficult to make an estimate
approaching accuracy on account of the diff
ference in the character of the people of
these countries, difference that is not full
ly understood. The japanese have made
rapid strides in civilization while the Chin
csc have done little. The Japanese have
the superior intelligence and by reason of
that alone will have great advantage.
China has nine times the population of
Japan. As regards the population equip
ped for military service, however,
there is not great disparity, all
things considered. China's nominal
military force is more than a million, but
not more than third of it is prepared for
war and of these the Glover" those drilled
in European tactics, number only 10000
Japan's forces, disciplined according to mod
ern methods, are equipped with modern
weapons. This country has the European
plan of compulsory service and has a stand
ing army of IS 900 in time of peace and
can be increased to an efficient service of
$50 600 Both countries have modern can
non but those of Japan are said to be su-
perior and to have been properly cared for.
| Chinas war fleet will cover much more
water area, hut of the relative efficiency of
the naval forces test can alone decide. The
Chinese have about 100 vessels this num-
Der including four ironclads, more than 40
cruisers and gunboats and about 80 torpedo
boats. Japan feels abundantly able to cope
with this, although having one ironclad,
about a dozen cruisers and as many gun
boats and school ships and about 25 torpedo
boats. There is reason to believe that the
Japanese sailors are the better trained.
Indeed if we go to history we find that
man for man the japanese are the
superior in warlike abilities. About FIVE
centuries ago Kublai Khan with 100 900 of
the best warriors at bis disposal. warriors
that had succeeded in overrunning good
part of Europe invaded Japan. They were
simply annihilated by the warriors of the
little mountainous country. This historic
display of proves doubtless led Taiko-
Sauna two centuries latter to attempt the con-
quest of Corea, then a part of China. Here
again Japanese proves was proved. Corea
was won; China was defeated. But here
the indomitable pertinatity, so eminently
characteristic of the Chinese people and
the resources in population, came into play.
China would not 'stay whipped" When
an opportunity presented itself the Japan
csc troops we're withdrawn as it was i'm
practicable to hold what had been won. In
this view of the situation it is doubtful
if Japan expects to get forcible possession
of Corea. Apparently what they do want
is to be allowed to peacefully continue their
business interests in the Coresn peninsula
as under treaty rights they were permitted
10 do. If successful in this it will not be
long before Japan will virtually dominate
the kingdom through having control of
its business. Already she controls the
minis of the country and has a
hand in its leading business interests.
There are indications that Japan has been
intriguing TO get Corean faction friendly
to Japan and hostile to China into control
of the Corean government. There has for
years been factional disturbances in the lit
tie kingdom and the preteN for landing
troops in Cores had its origin in these
disturbances. Kim-ok- kun, the Corean
minister to Japan, was very friendly to the
Japanese government. He tried to have
himself made dictator of Corea in 1884 and
failed. Japan supported the rebels and
China supported the government. China
was able to maintain its suzerainty over
Corea. Later Kim-ok- kun was lured to
Corea and assassinated by emissaries of the
government. Japan protested that he was
q resident of Japan at the time Of his assassi-