The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-11-04
special Correspondence Post-Inteilisencer

special Correspondence PoRf-InteiliGencer.
Toxic. Japan. October 4. 1900
A ministerial crisis has just come TO
Japan. the premier. Marquis Yamagata,
having rendered his resignation last
Wednesday afternoon. followed the next
day by that of Count Matsukata, min
lister Of finance. and several other menu
bers of the cabinet
1t has been known for . week or two
that Marquis Yamagata was very anxious
to be released from his arduous duties.
Loyal Japanese are criticising the mar
quis severely for abandoning his post at
this Juncture when questions of the most
serious Importance are pressing for i'm
mediate attention.
1t is explained that the premier thinks
this moment a favorable opportunity for
change OF the ministry, because the
military part OF the Chinese muddle hav-
ing been brought TO a conclusion. Japan
Is just now on the eve of the opening
OF a new scene which may be dealt with
by new cabinet without any inconveni-
ence or disadvantage.
All eyes in Japan are now turned upon
Marquis Ito as the next minister presi-
dent. for he has been ordered by the
emperor to form a new cabinet. I I'M
derstand that the unanimity Of the Jap
anese press is urging Ito to obey the i'm
perial call is remarkable. He seems to
be the only available man.
1HiS CdDiuet trisIS may nave some peuf-
ing upon the supposed diplomatic deals
Russia has been concentrating with
japan, as some political factions here be-
lieve. in connection with the Chinese crisis.
The retiring cabinet, 1t is said. was
friendly to Russia. and the position II has
placed Japan In may be one Of the rea-
sons why Ito has hesitated. Ito is pro-
British.
A new political party has just been
born in Japan and the discussions In the
native newspapers and among his Inn
perial Japanese majesty's subjects are
not unlike, In warmth the American
political campaign
The new party is called the Kokumin
Domei CNational Union), and was cre-
ated by some leading men from the Pro-
gressives and the Imperialists. the two
great political parties Of Japan. Among
the leaders in this new political move
ment is Prince Konoye.
The avowed purpose Of the National
Union party is to bring public opinion
into line with regard to the burning ques-
ton of the day in the far East. namely.
the Chinese question, and Japans inter-
ests connected Herewith. The new party
declares in its manifesto that the preser-
walton Of the integrity of China and
Korea must be made the first duty OF
Japan and that Japan must, with the CO.
operation Of the powers actually favor
able to this policy, push through on this
point with firm resolution; IL necessary,
Japan must take the stand alone.
The party seems to have taken deep
root among the people already. and tho
organs OF the old parties are placing
themselves on the defensive and appear
to be greatly concerned over this lusty
infant that has come into the empires
political arena.
Jimmin. leading Imperialist organ,
condemns the manifesto of the National
Union party as reckless. impracticable
and fraught with serious dangers.
Up to the time of the launching OF the
nav political party and the ministerial
crisis, the latter event following almost
Immediately the former, there was .
strong feeling In Japan that the impartial
government had allowed itself to be
drawn into q dangerous Irritation with
Russia on the Chinese and Korean ques-
lions. 1t is. now believed that this has
An alliance. between Russia and Japan
would mean that these two powers would
be in concert IN China ASainst the world.
terests in Manchuria, and Japan - just
as determined regarding her rights ~
Korea. Japan has impressed the world
with her army IN the allied campaign IN
China as no other power has, but Japan
would md 1t difficult 10 rAise money with
which to prosecute z icnf war. THIS.
CARDS Korea, has made II easy for Japan
to give ear 10 the wiles Of Ruasla-
But the diplomats q other powers IN
H Kassla "a was trying 70 ipcubats this pei
scheme, and now the danger which q
little while ago threatened TO be menace
bids ~ fair air 70 correct ttself By the strong
elements In opposition that are creeping
into Japanese domestic politica. Of course
Russia opposes the partition OF Sninas
for Russia wants X all neFeeH anu she
wants II intact
British residents OF China and Japan
are dazed at what they cali British In
activity in this Chinese situation
Has Great Britain taken. all her back
bone into South Africa? they ask.
door of China and Britishers are APP
paiied at the sudden loss OF trade at
that most important entrepot OF Man
OF course. the war has had an immedi-
ate effect on the loss Of trade there, ~
Il has throughout China, but u 10 nrmly
believed here that Newchang's trade 10
lost forever.
United states Minister Buck has worlxed
more sroeenss eyer ,.. .n: s Gh,
matte Official IN the service Of the gov
eminent. The great prominence and im-
por,anss O ,.psn II ths Sn:ss.ion h.:
IN TOXIC more arduous duties - pesform
probably than the diplomats IN AR ether
capital az the world have had. Il u con-
cedesi By the official classes IN Japan and
the .Snf,ie geperetls IN the far East, IN
Guiding army and navy -ofhccrs, that the
policy oI tne United States in dealing
with the Chinese question has been the
only consistent one
Foreigners give President McKinIey's
administration great credit for the back.
bone 81 has exhibited throughout the
whole trouble. They well understand
that President Mcklnleys position hAs
been a delicate one on account OF the
Presidential campaign but he has an
tainchlngiy outlined and pursued a policy
that has given the United States an adj
vantage In this most serious international
question the world has ever sean. I'M
e4uaied by any other nation.
Al the same time the United States
Eoveramen; has handled this most din
cult and delicate matter In all rs bear