The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-05-30


craft. whether in Europe or America.
ind themselves at a loss when they un-
dcrtake TO forecaste the results and ui-
innate consequences of the recent con-
fict between China and Japan. To say
that the civilized world has been astound-
el at the complete and overwhelming
victories of the japanese troops and hu-
initiating and unbroken reverses OF her
larger and more prosperous rival, is only
TO utter truism. The energy. agrees
slveness. and military sagacity displayed
by the one was only paralieled by the
cowardice imbecility. and inehiciency OF
the other.
The conditions on which peace was Sc
cured by China, while onerous and hu-
initiating, are. on the whole, not unreas-
enable. nor in a culpable degree exact
ing. The principals In the struggle would
seem TO have effected a satisfactory So
luton of their difficulties, and. at a su-
perhcial view. 1t might be assumed that
no further complications were likely TO
arise
The progressive japanese will. Of course.
strive TO reap the full fruits OF their VIC
tory by securing the bulk of the trade
with the Chinese ports, and distance their
European and American rivals in the race
for commercial supremacy. That such
would be the almost necessary conse-
quence will readily be admitted, pro-
vlded no outside and Interior influences
should complicate the question.
But just here European diplomacy inter-
vencs Russia France. and Germany pro-
pose to have a hand in the final adjust
ment of the terms Of peace. and have
conformity addressed a remonstrance or
protest to Japan. hoping to retard or pre-
vent a final settlement. Contrary 10 ex-
pectation the japanese Government, In
stead OF ignoring or disregardng their
suggestions, have gracefully yielded on
some OF the most important points. and in
the most oonciliatOry manner sgni1ed
their willingness to modify their treaty
Of peace in the manner suggested by the
European pow We have our doubts
however, whether this will put period
TO European interventon Russia espe-
cially is determined to secure some last
ing and permanent advantages from the
imbrogio to add 10 her territories and
secure an eligible Pacific port, free from
all blockades, ana so situated as to COM
mand a portion Of the Chinese trade.
Germany and France each wish to share
in the lucrative traffic, while England,
with assumed indifference. pretends to
have no particular interest in the matter.
Whether Russia will succeed in secur-
ing any important territorial aggrandize-
ment, is yet doubtful question. The dis
membcrment Of the ancient Empire, I'M
der the combined influences of forcinle
foreign Intervention. and enervating ana
paralyzing domestic corruption, supple
mented by turbulence. anarchy, and mis-
rule. so universally prevalent, is certain
~ within the bound Of probabilities. but
the certainty that such procedure would
Of necessity so disturb and complicate
the balance of power amongst the nations
Of Europe. must perforce render dipio-
mats cautious and careful in dealing with
the matter. The indifference displayed
by England as to the settlement of the
terms of peace is more apparent than
real. She desires TO remain on friendly
terms with JAPAN. but she is none the
less determined to retain her existing SUI
b &c
end will increase. as may be necessary,
her fleets in those seas, as she is FUZZY
aware that Japan now proposes to be the
dominant power in the far East. japanese
rivalry. both political and commercial IS,
therefore, factor that Great Britain
fully recognizes. but it appears to be so
far a friendly recognition. and 1t is her in
terest, as it ought TO be her inclination,
TO cultivate and maintain friendly rela-
tons with the existing power. whose con-
duct of the late war has excited such
widespread and genuine admiration.
While Japan alone would be no match
for England in an unfriendly contest for
supremacy, yet England will never lose
sight Of the fact that European COM
plications may at any time arise when
the friendship of Japan would be Of the
greatest possible advantage to her. Jap
anese statesmen. too. are not unmindful
Of the actualties of the situation, and
while ready to take advantage of any
opportunity Of rational ACKNOWLEDGMENT
which the course of events may open 10
them, they are too astute to underestl-
mate the value of the friendship of Great
Britain. and will not willingly endanger
it,
Our own country. too. is admittedly
partial to Japan. and sympathizes fully
with her aspirations for political and COM
mercial position among the civilized ma
tions of the earth.
These facts will not fail TO have their
influence on European diplomacy. and
prompt them TO move cautiously in con-
cummating their purposes.
Russia. however, from time immemorial
has exhibited a persistence and tenacity
Of purpose in carrying out her schemes
OF territorial acquisition which should not
be lost sight Of In the present crisis.
nor should the fact be forgotten that she
at this time possesses greater advantages
than ever before for comprising her
wishes Her geographical position. lying