The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1901-03-26


London, March 25.--In the absence OF
the japanese minister in London, Baron
Hayashia, Mr.. Matsui, first secretary Of
the Japanese legation, who was inter-
viewed this afternoon by representa-
tive of the Associated Press, made a
comprehensive statement of the issues
involving Russia's aggressive policy in
the far east, especially regarding Man.
churia and Korea. He said:
"Russia's insistence, Chinas helpless
ness and the probable victory of Rus
sian diplomacy tomorrow will bring us
to the brink of a dangerous situation
In which none Of the powers Is so deep
ly concerned as Japan. Even If the se-
cret treaties have been modified, as al
legged, the changes are so trifling as to
make the documents thoroughly objec-
tionable to Japan. Assuming that Chi
ma signs the treaties, / suppose Great
Britain, Germany and the United. States
will protest to Russia. But that is
about as far as they will go and about
as much as they will get. With Japan
it is matter of fighting.
"The question is whether we are to
fight Russia now or to fight her later
on. She has no right to Manchuria, and
If she secures Manchura she will be on
the way to securing Korea. Our gov
ernment, I believe, are. seriously con-
f1ar ici hair ,r,fI do
open and they will not be driven to pre-
cipitate action by the jingoists Of ia
pan, who are openly clamoring for i'm
mediate war. Yet if they see that war
is unavoidable they will not hesitate to
strike.
Japan has no reason to be afraid as
to the result. Many reasons occur to
the average Japanese mind in favor of
forcing at the present moment a strug-
gle which must come eventually. The
chief reason against SO doing Is the fact
hat Japan is Just beginning new in
1ustrial era, which would be Temporal
lily killed should we endeavor by force
If arms to prevent Russian encroach-
nents.
"If we follow the lead of other powers
ze that we must sit down tamely and
ZEE any other nation step in to make
agreements similar to those which Chi
la seems on the verge Of signing with
russia. This would mean the partition |
f the Chinese empire and the end of |
he 'open door, If we opposed it we |
aturally think we would have the |
noral support Of the United States,
which has been the champion of these
rinciples and also of Great Britain and |
iermany."
The situation, the correspondent has
earned, is still more complicated owing
0 the fact, ascertained by a represen-
etive OF The Associated Press, that |
here are two secret treaties, one of
rhich is to be signed at st. Petersburg.
ealing with Russia'S military control
Manchuria and another to be signed
t Pekin, dealing with her civil powers.
The Chinese appeals for support have |
allied to produce any direct remon-
frances from Great Britain, or appar-
ntly. from any other power to St. Pet
rsburg, for Russia persistently adheres
her contention that the secret agree
lent concerns no one except herself
nd China. On this ground, Great Brit
ms request for copies of the agree
ent was abruptly declined.
1t is explained at the foreign office |
ere that it would be a dangerous and
5e1ess breach of diplomatic procedure |
endeavor to enter upon expostula- |
ons with Russia, which would only be
ased upon information supplied by the |
hinese.
arlier news of the Chinese situation will
be found on page 81