Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-04-28

4 Inc FQrsh0bt
/, Those who contended that the most
interesting phase Of the war In the East
would be the aftermath. ~ embraced IN
| the diplomatic play between Russia ana
Great Britain for coisns OF van'ase'
| were far from wrong. Hardly had 'ne
negotiations OF the peace p'en'po'eh-
tiaries been concluded ere the game COM
| menced. First we heard that the EURO
pean Powers would insist upon rev"ioh
of the treaty. Then came the more oe-
finite statement that Russia, France ana
Germany had combined In protest
| against the terms. That Russia was the
dominating party to this comoinauon
was manifest to every one familiar wiz"
her interest and designs In the iar
orient. Ever since the entente coroiaie
between Russia and France was reacneo
the latter has been the me too OF the
former In all OF Russia's dealings with
other powers. As for Germany, II was
apparent in the nature OF things that
her support Of Russia In this matter
could not at best be more tnan haii
hearted. and this view has been iuiiy
justified by the tone OF the German press.
Meanwhile. Great Britain has been
strangely. not TO say ominously, SILENT
as far as any official utterance regarding
the issue is concerned. 1t has, now
ever, leaked out that she is on the side
OF Japan, and there Is more than a faint
suspician afloat that she was cognizant
OF and approved Japan's demands De-
fore they were submitted to the Chinese
commissioners.
No authentic statement OF the exact
terms of the treaty has yet been made.
but II seems to be an open secret that
Japan Is to occupy permanently the Lao
Tung peninsula. This tells the whole
story. as far as Is involved the attitude
of Russia and Great Britain towards
the compact. The possession by Japan
Of the territory on the mainland above
mentioned means civilizing neighbor
on Russia's eastern frontier. The absorp-
ton by the Northern Colossus OF the ter
ritory Of q seml-barbarous people, such
as the Turcomans. the Afghans. or the
ManchurAns, Is one thing. but the an
ueAallOH OF OOIllildtOh Va >SN"s.s
controlled by the japanese Is quite
another. The buffer Japan will have
erected between the Russian sphere OF
influence and Korea will prove an
insurmountable obstacle to Russian
intrigue in the Hermit King
dom. and to Russlas securing a port
south of vladivostock. In short 1t Will
defeat in large measure one OF the prin-
cipal objects for which the great Trans
caspian railway was projected.
On the other hand Great Britain has
all to gain and nothing to lose by the
clause OF the treaty which is obnoxious
to Russia. Nowhere does the Lao-Tung
peninsula touch her Asiatlc possessions,
nor is It easy to see how a permanent
japanese Judgment there can interfere
with Englands prestige In the East. We
can, however, understand how the con-
summation OF Russia's hope OF posses
ing a. southern port in Korea would Sc
riously initiate against British CONNER
cial interests, both In Korea and China.
Furthermore, we can understand how
japanese domination In Manchuria would
present barrier against Russian ma
chinations in China, such as might
weaken materially Great Britain's hold
upon the Celestial empire. Touching
Russia's threat TO bring Great Britain
to terms by opening the Pamir question.
IL may be said that that threat Is hardly
worthy Of consideration in this connec-
ton. England now has the whip hand
in the Pamirs, and will hold it at all
hazards.
Before the situation in the East Is
finally adjusted there will probably be
a good deal Of very exciting diplomatic
news, coupled perhaps with Russian
threats and buster. but 1t is pretty safe
TO conclude that IL the terms Of the
treaty are satisfactory TO England they
will stand. and be acquiesced in eventu-
ally by the other European Powers.
AS for the proposition that this country
should have a voice in any conference OF
the European Powers regarding the treaty.
or should become the ally OF Great Brit
ain in supporting Japan, We think the
wise course would be to steer clear of
the whole business. We have no interest
at stake in the far East that would justify
us in becoming In any way involved in
the complication.