The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-16

The MiI,ndo's Turn to Play.


The MiISndo's Turn TO Play.
Ever since the receipt of the Russian
Identical note at the various Foreign
Offices, we have been watching inter-
estedly for a return play by Japan. The
prompt announcement from Tokyo that
the Russian assurances were eminently
satisfactory, and that the japanese
Minister at Pekin had been instructed
to cooperate closely with the Russian
representative in expediting settle
ment of remaining questions. probably
did not impress the cognoscenti with
any idea that this was an end of the
Manchurian matter. We have not had
long to wait before enjoying an oppor-
tunity to witness a neat manifestation
of Oriental diplomacy quite as good,
one would say. as anything of which
our famous Muscovite friends are cap
able in the same line.
Japan is completely satisfied of Rus
sia's bona fides in Manchuria and that
the province is considered in fact as
well as in phrase by its temporary oc-
cupant as still Chinese territory. On
this conceded ground Japan recognizes
the hardship of compelling Russia to
suppress Chinese disturbances in Man
churia, when that duty logically and
agreeably to the law of nations ought
to be performed by China. In effect,
the principle laid down by Japan is
that. as long as Manchuria is Chinese
be preserved by the Chinese Govern
ment. Failure or inability to do so
would become the concern not of Rus
STA but of the allied Powers in common
The foregoing viii serve to explain the
Importance of the step taken by Japan
and reported in today's China news.
The japanese Minister. and the COM
mander of the Mikado's forces in China
have Jointly called upon Prince Ching
and upon Ii Hung Chang and informed
their excellencies that the immediate
return of the Emperor Kwang Hsu to
Pekin is desired; that he will receive
every possible courtesy at the hands of
the foreign troops. and that he should
bring twenty thousand well armed and
well drilled native soldiers with him.
II was explained to the commissioners
that the object of moving such force
toward the capital was not alone to
protect the Emperor on his journey. but
also to have them sent into Manchuria
to crush the revolt of Tuan and Tung
Fuh Sian. reported by Russian officials.
Should this force prove Inadequate to
the task, Mr. Yutaro and General
Yamaguchi assured Ching and Ii that
the Powers would despatch an inter
national column to its assistance.
They also notified the Chinese ENJOYS
that Kwang Hsu must make immediate
answer.
Their demands, it is unnecessary to
say are almost if not quite tantamount
To an ultimatum to the Chinese Govern
ment. 1t will have to decide whether
to openly ally itself with Russia
against the other Powers, or, by invad-
ing Manchuria, bring on an inevitable
war with its great northern neighbor
How far Japan may have the backing
of other States in delivering this bold
attack is a question; but there seems to
be little doubt from all We can gather
that. whether sure or hopeful of outside
support or not, the Island Empire is
not only preparing but is ready for war
1t is stated in dispatches from Tokyo
that the japanese Tieet is modified and
in condition to begin operations at once,
and that the army is not much behind
its sister service in point of readiness.
Both may be launched at Russia very
,hortly, should that Power omit TO
treat the latest development in the
diplomatic situation in spirit of con-
citation and concession to Japan.
1t would not be easy to predict the
answer OF the Chinese Court TO the Jap
anese demands. No doubt exists that
Ii Hung Chang is pro-Russiar to the
extent of being more the Cars man
than Kwang Hsu's, and 1t is reason
able to expect that his influence will be
thrown on the side of the formers in
terests. He has frequently said that
Russia, being a country of enormous
resources and military power, and Chi
mas nearest neighbor along a frontier
extending nearly across the continent,
was necessary to his country as
friend, while all the other European
nations were unimportant in eompari-
son. Prince Ching is understood to
agree with his colleague in this respect.
II is possible then that their united in
fiuence may be exerted to prevent the
Emperor from complying with the
wishes of Japan, and so force her hand.
What would follow perhaps may be
conjectured. but it is necessary TO wait
for what England, Germany, and
France may do or sa,' in the premises,
and for any counter-play Russia may
make, before jumping to conclusions.
1t is certain, however. that the pros
poets for the worlds peace apparently
re not improved by the present per-
mptory attitude of Japan.
Taking the Wrong Road.
The New York Tribune" calls at
tention to a fact which Is quite as OBJ
20 Ia