Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-10-01
Jaunn's Unwfse Haste.

Growing out OF ner W1dely-adVertlSeu
plans for extensive armament, both on land
and sea, the question presents itself. Is not
Japan attempting too much? Is she not
moving too rapidly? Does her present posi-
ton, or do her early future prospects jus
tfy such enormous expenditures as are
said to be on her cards?
JapanS rise has been rapid, and she has
deservedly been much complimented upon
it. Her people are brave and skilful. and
if steered by sound sta.esmanship. they are
certain to become in time a great people.
But it will take time Even With the prom
Using start recorded, Japan further rise
must follow well defined lines. A forcing
process, If adhered to, will tend to set
backs and disaster.
Is Japan pushing for recognition imme-
diately as one of the leading powers OF the
earth? Is the orient too "pent up" Cor her?
Does she feel that it contracts her pow
ers." now that she 1as discovered her
powers? If such is her aim and ambition
one can understand her large orders for
heavy guns and fighting ships and all that
sort Of thing. The game, as played by the
leading powers, is for large stakes today
and it takes a big sum to come in, and
more to stay.
Can Japan afford a place at that table?
If she will study the gen eral situation she
will find much to instruct her. Great Bril-
tain and Russia spend large sums on their
war establishments. but they can afford it.
Germany is a great camp. but rich and
powerful as she is. the people complain of
the taxation necessary TO support 1t. Italy's
case is growing pathetic. She, too keeps
up large fighting establishment, but it Is
rapidly pushing her toward bankruptcy
no iC of her Il,
way, much better able to keep such COM
pany than Japan would be. The United
States is extending her naval establish
ment. and with ease and with every reason
Her commerce is steadily growing, her To-
sttion in the western hemisphere is para
mount. and the obligations growing cut of
1t are heavy and almost sacred. She must
be prepared to meet them a: any time and
as against any challenger
But Japan's place is not alongside of
these powers now. Her development is in
no degree to be measured by theirs She
Is Just beginning life as a nation. Her in
dustries are just starting Up. In a sense
therefore, she Is poor. In case of war
Win any OF the great powers she would be
at national Disadvantage Her people
are brave enough and love their country
we'll enough, but it takes more than that
successfully to prosecute war on an extern
siVe scale. Where would the money come
from, with her spare cash all Invested in
the mere implements for fighting? The pos
session merely of Dig fighting machine
does not make a nation Formidable or in
sure 1t success In time of peril. 1t Is an in
dispensable thing fog a great nation, but
other resources in abundance and a certain
development go with 1t where It Is effective
There Is more than suggestion that ia
pan Is forcing matters. Her plans appear
to be altogether too ambitious If she car
RES them out she will be obliged to bor-
row heavily. and then. to meet her obliga-
tons. to tax her people heavily for the
money lenders. Then her people, who, as
rule. are poor, will murmur and her devel-
opment accordingly will be hindered. The
United States is friend of Japan. She is
in fact. her sponsor in the realm of pro-
gress, and anything happening with a ten
dency to swerve Japan from her proper
course naturally attracts attention here
Less preparation for war and more for the
development of her Industries and re-
sources would be welcome sign to her
real friends. She cannot with reason hope
in her present stature to WELD ExcaIibur.