The Hawaiian gazette., 1894-09-28
THE MIKADO'S COUSIN.
&c Discusses the War With
China.

China.
Prince homatsu spent the morning
snd afternoon 81 yesterday, says the
San Francisco Chronicle Of September
Sd, in his apartments ST the Palace
Hotel, resting from his fatiguiug
Journey scross the continent. The
distinguished japanese visitor hiss
been out Of the hotel but seldom since
his arrival. and receives but few Wis
ltoTS- He Is 50 sngroSsei in the af-
fairs a. his Government, Snd the out
come Of the trouble into which his
country hiss been plunged, that he has
manifested little desire 10 see the
sights OF the city, or engage in any
form q recreation or amusement. His
sympathy Snd deep attachment for
his cousin, the Emperor Of japan, so
his chamberlain, y. :. NsgsSSki.
states, makes him snxious to get back
10 the japanese capital and shoulder
some Of the cares thSt have been
thrust upon the heads OF the imperial
Government
The Prince wSS sufficiently rested
when seen 70 discuss the affairs Of his
country. though, in view Of his posi-
ton, he deemed il very delicate sub
lect, snd talked gusr0edly. The cousin
Of the Miksdo is 3 most interesting
personSge. Like most Of his country
men, he is Of smsll stature and slen-
derby built \ pleasant face, with
regular features and dainty blsck
musISehe add 70 his general good
looks. His manner Of dress, which Is
in keeping with the latest Partisan
fashions, gives him s distinguished
sir. by which he could be singled out
in sn Sssemblsge of his eountrymeu
IS s person Of unusual note snd dis
iinction.
Japan mss IS large an army as is
needed for the purpose Of the present
Vsr, be said in snswer 10 question.
The same system is in vogue in Jap
Sn SIS in Germany. Every adult male
subject holds himself in readiness TO
be called into the regular service st
Sny time. Every man Is supposed TO
serve three yeSrs in the srmy. At
the expiration Of his term of service
he may pursue any calling or vocation
he chooses, but until he reaches the
Sge Of - years he is subject TO mill
tSry duty if the standing army needs
70 be REINFORCED. All Of those men
have now been drafted into the army.
japan is not wanting for troops"
Speaking Of the recent dispatches
from abroad which indicate a posi-
bility of England being drawn into
the fight between China and Japan,
Prince komatsu said he doubted their
authenticity.
/ do not believe that England will
permit herself to be drawn into the con-
troversy," he said. 1T would only
provoke international strife between
all the European Powers, and that is
10 be avoided. Considerable has been
said concerning the possibility of sn
attempt on the part of Russia 10 seize
3 port in Korea. 1 do not believe
Russis will do snything of the kind.
No one doubts RussiS's anxiety TO
have 3 port en- the Pacific which
would be open throughout the entire
year. but think of the opposition
RuSSis would encounter should il at
tempt such s move. England would
not tolerate il. England holds the key
70 the commercial situation in the
Orient st present through the two
ports which she now holds. She will
not willingly permit her position to
be jeopSTdiZed by such sn set on the
part Of RuSsis, and the prospect of a
dispute with England will cause Rus
sia TO hesitate 3 long time before at
tempting 10 find an outlet for her
commerce in Korea. l am convinced
that all the European powers will
maintain s neutral attitude through
out the existing strife between Japan
and China.
Prince kOmatsu is more interested
in naval affairs than in the military
sffairs Of Japan. He has been spend
ing year abroad studying the art of
naval warfare, and it is understood
that upon his return to japan he will
be placed in command Of the entire
naval forces of the Government or as
signed 10 8 naval post Of almost equal
The Prince himself was
very reluctant in speaking of the mat
ter. He says be is totally ignorant of |
the Emperors plans. He is subject |
to the Emperor's directions and must |
90 where he is sent. While in Europe
be gained much useful knowledge of |
naval affairs. He visited England,
France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, |
Norway and Sweden, and went as far |
east as COnstantinOple in the pursuit |
Of the mission on which be was sent 1
by the Emperor. He expects the /
knowledge and information he hiss |
acquired TO Become useful TO him be- Il