The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1894-09-27
THE MIKADO'S COUSIN.
He Discusses the War With
China.

OA1Ao.
Prince Komatsu spent the mornino
and afternoon OF yesterday. savs the
San Francisco Chronicle of Septemhsr
Sd, in his apartments at the Palace
. Hotel, resting from his fatiguiup
journey across the continent. The
distinguished japanese visitor has
been out OF the hotel but seldom since
his arrival, and receives but few Wis
itors. He is so engrossed i'm the at
fairs of his Government, and the out
come OF the trouble into which his
country has been plunged, that he has
manifested little desire to see the
sights OF the city, or engage in any
form OF recreation or amusement. His
sympathy and deep attachment for
his cousin, the Emperor of Japan, so
his chamberlain, y. :. Nagasaki,
states, makes him anxious to get back
to the japanese capital and shoulder
some of the cares that have been
thrust upon the heads of the imperial
Government.
The Prince was sufficiently rested
when seen to discuss the affairs of his
country, though, in view of his posi-
ton, he deemed it a very delicate sub
ject, and talked guarGedly. The cousin
of the Mikado is a most interesting
parsonage. Like most of his country
derby built. A pleasant face, with
regular features and a dainty black
Elustache add to his general good
looks. His manner of dress, which is
in keeping with the latest Partisan
fashions, gives him a distinguished
air, by which he could be singled out
in an assemblage of his countrymen
as person of unusual note and dis
tinction.
ia
needed for the purpose of the present
war;" he said in answer to question.
"The same system is in vogue In JAP
an as in Germany. Every adult male
subject holds himself in readiness to
be called into the regular service at
any time. Every man is supposed to
serve three years in the army. At
the expiration of his term of service
he may pursue any calling or vocation
he chooses, but until he reaches the
age of 40 years he is subject to mill
tary duty if the standing army needs
to 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 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
hermit herself to be drawn into the con"
troversy,'' he said. at would only
provoke international strife between
all the European Powers, and that Is
to be avoided. Considerable has been
said concerning the possibility or an
attempt on the part OF Russia 10 seize
mort in Korea. / do not believe
Russia will do anything of the kind
No one doubts Russia's anxiety tc
have a port on the Pacific which
would be open throughout the entire
wear. but think of the opposition
Russia would encounter should 1T at
tempt such a move. England woulC
not tolerate it. England holds the Key
the commercial situation In the
Orient at present through the Two
ports which she now holds. She vii
not willingly permit her position tC
he ieopardized by such an act on tn;
mart of Russia, and the prospect OF
dispute with England will cause Rus
STA to hesitate q long time before at
temntinp to find an outlet for he
commerce in Korea. L &m convince!
that all the European powers VII
maintain a neutral attitude through
out the existing strife between Japai
and China. ...o
Prince Komatsu is more interested
in naval affairs than in the mllitar.
affairs of Japan. He has been spend
ing a year abroad studying the art Q
naval warfare, and it is understoo,
that upon his return to Japan ne Wi
be plaeed in command or the enIlr
naval forces of the Government or as
signed to a naval post of almost equa
imnortance. The Prince himself wa
very reluctant in speaking of the mat
ter. He says he is totally Ignorant
the Emperor's plans. he is suU ~ ,,e
~o where he is sent. While in Europ
he gained much useful knowledge
naval affairs. He visited Englan1
France, Germany, Italy, Denmaf e.
Norway and Sweden, and went , as Is
east as Constantinople IN tne pun gu gu
nv the Emperor. He expects To
knowledge and information he h "a
acnuired to become useful to him b.
fore the existing struggle is over.