The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-10-07
JAPANS VIEWS
ON PHILIPPINES.
Expressions Of Distinguished officials
as 10 Their Retention.
WELCOME US AS NEIGHB0RS.
WouId Have Preferred for Things to
Remain as They Were, But Rcadi-
Iy Accept the New Conditions
No Complications foreseen.

The New York Heralfs European edL
ton OF yesterday publishes the following:
As Japan is certainly ono OF the most
important factors in the questions now
pending IN the FAR East. IL Is OF consid-
cradle interest TO know what opinions
and impressions prevail In japanese po-
lItical circles al a moment when the HIS
pano-Amcrican peace conference IS COM
moncing its labors In Paris.
1 had a conversation on the subject
with two distinguished JapanSe5 gentle
men. one OF whom occupied nigh ON
cial position, while the other one Is
leading representative of mis- country In
connection with the exhibition OF 1870. Tho
main points Of this conversation may be
summed up as follows:
"What are the impressions OF poltii-
clans in Japan in regard 10 the issue OF
the negotiations now going ON and tho
results OF the treaty Of peace which VIII
eventually be signed between the United
States and SPAIN
STATUS QUO PREFERRED.
so far there is only one question that
interests US directly that Of the Philip
pines We should certainly have prefer
red 90 soe tho status quo ante belium
maintained. but we must know how TO
make the most out OF events and OF tho
evoutions and political consequences
which they entail. Moreover. we do not
believe Spain VIII easily resign herself
TO the entire abandonment OF her coli
onlos In the Pacific
Yet II seems az though the Philippines
must under one form or another slD
from the sovereignty 81 Spain and pass
under the control OF the United States.
DO Americans seem 10 you 10 be more
troublesome neighbors, and DO you think
their establishment az various points In
the Pacific of Il nature 20 justify auN-
lefty on your part?'
"It is certain that ia this connection the
next century will see rise-and doubtless.
see the solution of-Quesuons. the eie-
ments Of which are already Indicated
We. who perhaps contributed more than
any one else 20 the raising Of these ques-
tions and 10 hasten the settlement or
some OF them in which an the Powers
wish % have their say. cannot be blind
10 this. and IL rs only no be expected that
the United States will be preparing 10
say lbs word. too; but this IS matter OF
the future"
For tho moment YOU DO not foresee
that the fate of the Philippines. whatever
the issue of tho present negotiations. Is
likely 10 cause fresh complications
COMPLICATIONS NOT EXPECTED.
There is no reason why We should ex-
meet any. We should be content win
keeping our eyes open and consolidating
the results Of our latest successes-ioF
example. i'm Formosa where we arc more
than firmly established. Besides. we are
continuing 10 develop our armaments ana
perfect our military organization
you have spent much money!
"'rhere you are touching on delicate
question. Even victory costs dearly 70
tbe vlctors. The United states can scarce
lv be ignorant OF this az the present mo-
nent. however rich they may be, hut X
We are i'm want OF money Wa shall ma ~
China found It all right
Eyes. with certain western guaran-
ties"
There As no reason-lndced. quite the
contrary-why we should not ind similar
assistance IL IS known that We are A
people who keep our engaeements.
"Then the talk of disarmament m mo
West finds no cho In Japan
1--WE are rather far away. Bsides me
quarter from which II started itnot per-
haps the point TO which we should have
sent for a political inspiration. But we
are getting away from the main point
let MS come back % it by saving that We
hone 10 maintain the best relations with
our nelghbors I'm the PHILIPPINES, who'
ever they may be go long as those
neighbors do not make life more diiii-
cult for as than did fh"~" whom they
have replaced"