The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1894-08-15

negotiated by him February ~, 1876
throwing open the trade and com
merce, for the first time ia history,
the principal ports Of the Hermit
Kingdom. The most astonishing fea-
ture of the Kuroda-Japanese-Korean
convention was the voluntary reiin-
quishment of all claim TO Japanese
suZerainty over Korea and the distinct
recognition of her as a sovereign and
independent nation. Such terms TO
weak, defenseless enemy bespoke &
liberality and breadth OF statesman
ship such as is not generally credited
to Asiatic statesmen.
The suspected ambition OF Japan for
territorial conquest, her rising power
and influence, and her leaning toward
Western ideas have all excited eX-
treme jealousy in China, and as a
means of checkmating these designs
upon Korea, the Government at Pc
king has industriously employed it
self for years in putting forward its
claim to suZerainity over the king
dom, In the comfortable expectation,
no doubt, Of sooner or later complete
ly absorbing it.
Both countries are alike jealous,
with the mutual fear that the other
NAV get a hold upon Korea In their
blind jealousy OF each other they ap-
pear 10 entirely overlook the import
ant fact that their mutual safeguard
and only sure defense against the ag-
gressions of their dreaded and power
ful neighbOr, Russia, Is dependent Oh
u united purpose 10 uphold the SOW
ereign independence of a friendly in
tervening state.
1t is morally certain that neither OF
the cOntending powers would be able
..t,a Fs,vr
footing in Korea against Russia.
Within the last twenty-five years the
whole eastern seaboard Of Asia, from
the mouth of the AmoOr OH the north
to the borders of Korea in the south,
including the island of Saghalien, has
fallen into Russian possession. An
other step southwark and Russia be-
comes the undisturbed master OF the
maritime boundaries of both China
and Japan.
AS to the probable outcome of the
present struggle it is impossible 10
predict at the present time. II the
war turns out 10 be Of short duration,
the chances of success are greatly in
favor of Japan. In striking contrast
with other Asiatic nations, the Jap
anese are martial in spirit, easily
aroused, and in battle fierce and sam
culinary TO a degree. Twelve CEN
turies of civil wars, during the devel-
opment and consolidation of the en-
pire, served to create numerous and
powerful military class among them,
who have made war q profession and
in whom there has been developed
marked military genius. This lnfiu-
entiaI and powerful class, known as
the Samurai, Is the representative or
type of regenerated Japan. They are
at once the Drawn and brains, no less
than the patriotism, of the nation. IL
was they who swept away the feudal
system of Japan, overthrew the Ty-
coon and restored the Mikado to
power, and ii is they who are the
leading spirits in the present revClu-
tion IL Korea. Their numbers and
dominating influence in the rank and
file give the army and navy of Japan
an esprit du corps as marked and Wig
orous aS that of the modern armies OF
Europe.
The regular standing army of
Japan, consisting mainly of about
80, 600 infantry, i finely armed with
Murata breech. leaders and a compile
ment of field pieces In the opinion
of General Grant, which he frequently
expressed while he was visiting
Japan, the japanese IN its organiza-
ton, discipline and equipment, is
standards. Japan car, upon short
notice, throw an effective army Of
nearly l00,O 600 men into the field, and
within "A reasonable .ime she can
organize and equip the whole body o.
her laudwehr.
1t Is To be remembered that the
whole police organization OF Japan
is, in itself, a distinct, separate and
powerful military rc@uization.
The navy and naval armament ot
Japan are the special idols of the ma
ton, aud are fully equal, il not super
ior, 10 the army. The war vessels aud
guns are all OF the latest and most APP
proved European construction and
sign. In fact, Japan iS in possession
OF every modern appliance in the art
of naval warfare known 10 the nations
OF Europe. Her warships have all
been built IN Europe, and are we'll
supplied with modern armament,
guns OF large caliber, twin screws,
steel rams, etc.
With such "a naval outfit, backed by
competent and efficient army, once
in Korea, il will require all the ac-
l>nowlodgcd resources of China 10 dis
lodge them
Ii is highly probable that The treaty
powers, in the interest OF foreign COM
mprcc. may unite i'm demanding that
the seat 81 war be localized and strict
lv confined 10 Korean territory and
the adjacent seas, such action on
the part Of the Western powers, IL
taken. will have the effect of greatly
assisting Japau, i'm that it viii leave
her practically free to concentrate her
entire naval and military strength
upon n smaller number ot strateRjcal
Pc nts, and will have the further cf-
nf rNf tNf
thcr from the Chinese base ~ supply.
should the war continue for Suiii-
cieut period of time to thoroughly
arouse the iealOusies aud animOSitieS
~ the two nations, there Is great dam
ger that il may degenerate into a
deadly. faratical struggle, aud the
world may behold carnival of blood
shed. rapue and plnndor unknown e.
the nations of y esten Euope since
40