Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-18
Change in the Tone Of japanese Press
Opinions.
WHAT fHE LEANING PAPERS SAY
interest in the Protection of Seal
Life.
TARIFF AND THE ORIENT

There are no Developments In the Ha-
waiian-Japanese controversy, and no reply
has been received to Secretary Sherman's
latest communication. The press opinion of
Japan has become much more conciliatory,
and the arbitration negotiations between
Japan and Hawaii are regarded as dispos-
ing of the chances of trouble between the
United States and Japan.
The Japan Mail explains that the man-of-
| war Naniwa was rot dispatched to Homo
lulu for the purpose of making an armed
demonstration, but simply to secure the
orderly behavior of japanese subjects in
Hawaii. 1t adds that Japan is to be con-
graduated that arbitration, the only civil
lied exit from an international difficulty,
has been selected as means of settling a
mere question of compensation The Main
ischi Shimbun urges that the United States
should be complimented by being named as
arbitrator, rather than Norway and Swe-
den. 1t says that decision by the United
States could be relied upon as fair, and
III der existing circumstances. IL there were
al:y bias at all. 1t would probably be i'm
Japans favor. This suggestion has aroused
discussion in Japanese papers, and the
Japan Mail, while approving the plan says
the United States would rot be willing
from considerations of delcacy, to act as
arbitrator.
There are, however, some exceptions to
this cordial expression. The Hansei Zas-
shi. a high-class periodical, has an article
addressed: etc American citizens concern
| Ing the annexation of Hawaii" 1t has the
appearance of having been written by
japanese naval officer, as the writer speaks
OF being aboard Japanese man-of-war at
Samoa when Germany attempted to annex
that country. He says that as a result of
the Samoan incident, ENGLAND, France
Germany and Japan have the right to for
these powers shall proceed to act as is
reasonable
VIII Not Dare 10 Annex.
The writer argues also that there are
reasons why America will not dare to an
mex Hawaii, specifying the Monroe doc
Urine. the expense of a navy to guard Ha-
wall, and the competition of Hawaiian
! sugar with the cane product of Louisiana
ne says the ton of the Pilgrims Will
lam Penn and Washington will not in this
matter crafty their national vanity. and
thereby sacrifice the benefits Of the three
ia. OF the world, the kanakas. the yell
low and the white
Inc KIND sentiment in Japan for the
onteo states was shown recently when
ex-onited states Minister Dun took his
non-offcials saw him off. among them
Marquis Saigo. Count Okuma, Baron San
ncmtya. as well as the ministers from
itaiy, Great Britain, Spain, Holland and
AS to Mr.. Sherman's dispatch to the
British government on the seal question.
the Japan papers point out that the in
t o! OF the United States. Japan and
Russia are alike in protecting the fur seals
and sea offers. The Japan Mail adds:
Al all events Japan has to be consulted
ana. Iii view of recent events, some Tokyo
journals think she may not show any
strong inclination to entertain proposals
coming from the Mckinley government.
We should be surprised If such forecast
were warranted by events. Japan is con-
cerned in the preservation of the seals and
offers. and the discussion of measures to
that end ought to be quite independent of
| irrelevant matters like the Dingley tariff
bill and the annexation of Hawaii
Minister Hoshi of Japan has returned
from visit to Marquis Ito at New York
and after going over the last official mail
from Japan left for his summer cottage at
Berkeley Springs Mrs. Hoshi and her
children have utilized the hot season for a
| trip to Japan, and will return in the
autumn.
Minister HOshi on the Tariff
| The Tokyo chamber of commerce has re-
\ ceived from the japanese minister here,
| Mr.. Hoshi, reply to its telegram concern
ing the United States tariff act. In the
course of the reply the minister says:
IAN increased tariff was affirmed almost
simultaneously with the victory of the re-
publicans at the election of the new Pres-
dent in November last Conferences have
been frequently held by the republican
party since that time with regard 70 the
tariff question, ana nave from the outset
requested the authorities not to levy heavy
taxes upon the imports from Japan. More
over. after Congress met in special session.
/ openly approached the United States gov
erEment on the subject and presented a
memorial to both houses, pointing out the
gross injustice that the revised tariff would
infiict upon Japan: also intimating that
should the tariff be enacted, not only would
1t injuriously influence Japan's commerce
with America, but it would also bring about
lamentable consequences in the friendly
relations of the two countries. In fact, 1
did all in my power toward effectng the
curtailment of the tariff
The minister spoke with satisfaction on
the prospect of a recession of the increased
duties on tea and fancy mating.