The Honolulu republican. [volume] (Honolulu, T.H.) 1900-1902, 1900-07-17
PRESENT DUTY OF POWERS.
A JAPANESE OPINION on THE M
PoRTAST SUBJECT
ne Nations Mas. See :. oas WITH China
N0~, Even 70 tAs Bitter
End

The Japan Gazette Of July 5 has the
following eiit0zizIiy: In connsctioa
with the present crisis in China II S
unqussti0nahly vsry interesting 10 note
the various opinions expressed by the
principal journals OF the United States
previous 10 learning the real gravity
OF the whole affair. And. though thsy
are all pretty unanimous in recon-
mending that some steps should he
taken in defending the lives and prop
critics Of their own nations; yet. bs-
yond. this. there is a great diversity Of
opinion as TO how far the United States
should go, either alone in its actions.
or in conjunction with any or all the
other powers The most singular fac,
in regard to this difference II ideas is
10 be found in the attitude taken by
the Western and Pacific States papers.
which are almost as one in express
ing the view that America should not
interfere in any way, in any course OF
action which might lead TO complica-
tions and the necessity of engaging III
prolonged warfare with the ChineSs.
and should carefully avoid any appear
anee OF allying itself with or backing
up the action taken by any other pow
er, either Great Britain. Russia or
Japan. This, coming from the people
who are most intimately connected
with the trade OF the Orient. is Gu
rious anomaly, almost beyond explain
alton. Whilst, on the other hand,
many OF the leading papers in the East
urge united and vigorous action, either
alone or with others, in the work now
being and still TO be done in putting
an end TO the present state of misrule
and corruption which exists through
out the Chinese Empire, and in inaug-
urating q new system of government
III China, either under European pre-
lection or by distinct partition. There
is, however, one bugbear by which.
apparently, the whole of America is
influenced, and that is the definite idea
that war between Russia and Japan is
inevitable over the Corean question,
and that such state OF affairs in the
East is now nearer realization than
ever when Chinese matters have reach
ed their present stage of high tension.
That in the future complications may
arise or the actions of Russia neceSsi-
tate the armed Intervention of Japan
in Corea, is quite possible, but that
there is any likelihood of such hap
pening at present is not considered
probable by all those out here who
are best able to judge, and We were.
therefore, much astonished to see that
Admiral Freemantle, on his arrival at
the beginning of this month at Vaii-
couver, after his trip in China and
Japan, is stated to have given his opir-
ion TO an interviewer to the effect that
he thought Japan would never back
down. The feeling was so intense there
that no ministry could or would give
in to Russia. Corea, he said, should
belong to Japan. and the japanese
knew it and would fight for it When
questioned as to what part England
would take in the struggle, he said
that, being of duty" he could make
no statement whatever as TO England ;
probable course in the event of war,
but he said that Japan was in the
right; that she would fight, and that
she would win
Thus, rather foolishly, adding fuel
to the fire already existing. Whether
correct or not, this feeling in America
about the certainty of war between
Russia and Japan, and the advisability
of waiting for an opportunity, which
will then assuredly occur. in order to
render Americas chance of interfer-
ence in the Orient most effective. IS
undoubtedly very prevalent and infir
ences much the views taken up and
expressed by the political leaders, the
press and the general public alike.
Elsewhere we give extracts from many
OF the American journals on the sub
ject, but since the aspect of affairs in
Peking has become so much more Sc
rious, we shah doubtless see com
plete reversal of opinion in the whole
of the United States, and a decision
now arrived at, to see it out with
China. even 10 the bitter end, like the
other powers.