New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-10-12
JAPAN'S FOREIGN POLICY.
A CORRESPONDENT WHO DENIES THAT THE RE.
CENT GARNET CHANGES ARE THREAT
To pr.C.r


To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: An editorial article published In The Trb
une several days ago. under the caption "Japan's
New Minister" displays some misrepresentation re-
gardng the recent changes In the Japanese Cabinet
which trust you will allow me space to correct.
The article begins with the statement that 1.-The
Ministerial changes In Japan ominous. espe-
cially that in the Foreign Office. Count Okuma
who has succeeded Count Mutsu is of the ablest
men I'm the Empire. but also may prove TO be one
OF the most dangerous to the peace OF the world
This statement is apparently based upon the sup
position that because certain leaders OF the Progress
sionst party in Parliament criticised the action
OF the Ito Cabinet I'm withdrawing from COrea. and
in retrocedIng Lao Tung TO China Count Okuma.
ms the head OF that party. is committed to policy
which will embroil Japan with some foreign coun-
try. presumably with Russia.
II may be stated most positively that this Is
mistake. The foreign policy Of the Ito Cabinet
had no connection whatever with the recent Cabi-
net changes. Count Mursu resigned the Portfolio
OF Foreign Affairs In May last, solely account Of
impaired health. He had been seriously Ill for a
long time. and the latest advices from Japan un-
happily indicate that his present condition is pre-
carious. From any point OF view. therefore. he
cannot be said TO have been driven out OF office
because the foreign policy which he directed with
such ability during one of the most critical periods
OF Japanese history was not strong enough"
Nor on the other hand. Is there the slightest in
dicatiOn that Count Okuma intends TO reverse that
policy or to make II henceforth as aggressive as
il was conciliatory eight years ago Count Okuma
cordially supported the Cabinet during the war,
and whatever might have been said concerning It's
foreign policy by some of his followers In the heat
of political debate public utterance OF his has
been harshly critical. His high character and his
dsting uished public services forbid the idea that
there is anything in his political relations which
could induce him, Minister of Foreign Affairs 10
endangcr the good relations Of Japan with any
foreign country. - . a., $500. .,,.,.
changes in Japan were not In any sense the re-
narties The resignation Of Marquis Ito was en-
tireiy voluntary. and was not forced by hostile
ma iority nor indeed. by pressure OF any kind. The
general belief seems TO be that the Marquis was
5ctuated by purely personal reasons. probably by
the conviction that his long and arduous services
entitled him to n respite from the cares OF once.
counf Matsugata, who succeeds Marquis Ito as
Premier is not connected with the PROFESSIONALS
or any other political party His long career a :.
Minister OF Finance makes his assumption OF
thai office In addition to the premiership. es-
nnnca,lv appropriate at d time when the admin
istration OF the post Dcllum finances OF the En-
,ire demand experience and ability OF kind which
he possesses n signal degree. d. W. B.
Washington. Oct y. ISM
-