The age-herald., 1898-01-09
THE SITUATION
 IN THE FAR EAST
By NED BRACE.

Count Ito is again prime minister of Japan. Ito was prime minister of Japan before and during the war with China two years ago. It was Ito who was robbed of one-half of the victory he had achieved ' in the war by the interference of Russia, the latter having formed an alliance with Franco and Germany against the Japan csc taking possession of Port Arthur, and drove the Japanese back. Ito was forced to surrender the victory because Japan was at that time in no condition to go to war with the combined European powers. The Japanese people were, however, aroused to such a fit of indignation and they so se- verely censured him that he resigned and his entire ministry with him. Other n1dn- isters having proven unsatisfactory, Ito has again been called to the helm and he now has an opportunity to retaliate upon Russia
 Only yesterday the press dispatches an- nounced that the entire Japanese navy had combined forces with the English fleet un- der an English admiral in Oriental waters, and was subject to- the orders of the Eng lishman. This means that the Japs are eager for a war with Russia alone or with Russia and Germany.
 England would settle this matter of the division of Chinese territory amicably if she could. England does not relish the idea of fighting over territory in China. It means much more to her than mere naval brush in the far east. It would mean a general war with Russia, Germany and France combined against her. It is true the Japanese navy would be helping Eng land. It is true that England and Japan would be victorious fin China. But war started in the east would soon become gen. eral and England would have much fight ing to do at home where she would not have the aid of Japan
 The English ministry realizes full well the dire effects of a general European war in these modern times.
 On the other hand, Japan would have all to gain, with but little to lose, by war in the east at this time, provided she was allied with England. This contest Is pure- ly one of trade. England and Germany are more deeply interested. Japan, by v1r- tue of her victory over China, should have acquired special trade facilities in China. The former did acquire such, but Germany and Russia interfered in such manner as almost to shut Japan out Now Russia and Germany have seized the best and wealthiest portions of the Chinese empire. If they hold it and govern it, the trade of other nations will be driven therefrom.
 England is jealous of her trade in the east. She gives it careful attention and pushes it vigorously. England has already protested Automatically against these &C., quisitions of territory the part of Rus- sia and Germany. England has refused to allow Russia to remove her majesty's sub- ject from the office of collector of customs for Korea. England is backing her diplo- matic negotiations with display of force. She has large fleet of vessels anchored just off Chemupo, in Korea. With the English fleet are many Japanese ships, under the command of an English admiral. The Japs want to fight. They are eager for battle. England has taken them under her wing because England would undoubt- edly be drawn into any war that might re- suit
 If it is possible for England to settle this matter by arbitration, it will be done. But she will have trouble in preventing the im- pulsive and brave Japs from precipitating a war.
 The only vessels the United States has now on the Asiatic stations are the Olym~ pia, the Boston, the Yorktown, the Mona- cacy, the Machias and the Petrel. Of the six, only five are available for any pur- pose The Monacacy is an old side-wheeler. These few vessels would amount to noth- ing as against the Asiatic squadrons or any of the other. nations. The United States is in great danger of being euchred out of her eastern trade, whether the matt ter is settled amicably or otherwise All the European nations are grasping, and un- less this government is firm, it will get nothing out of the shuttle, which must in- evitably take place, and at an early date.