Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1901-04-05
RUSSIA AND JAPAN.

For the fourth time in the history of
Japan for the past three decades has the
mikado asserted the imperial will, and
for the fourth time, the nation has bowed
to 1t.
The country is undoubtedly facing a
crisis so that anything from authentic
sources relating to the condition of at
fairs in Japan is of especial interest at
this time. R. Van Bergen. who has re-
sided in the empire for thirty years, has
contributed to the New York Times some
results of his observations there He
makes 1t clear that Marquis Ito we'll
known in this country from his frequent
visits and long residence here, is really
the central figure in Japan, and that I'M
der his leadership, the government will
speedily force the issue with Russia. All
things considered, Mr.. Van Bergen thinks
that in the present instance, Ito will
maintain his reputation for selecting his
own time and opportunity. Japan's fleet
is mmeaSurably superior to that of Rus
STA in the Far East. Japan is near her
base Of supplies, while Russia is thous-
ands of miles away from it. She may,
indeed. have accumulated stores in Vlad-
ivostok and Port Arthur. but the supply
is, of necessity limited. 1t would be diff
ferent few years hence, when Russia,
by the occupation of Tien-Tsin. has Sc
cured the output of Ii Hung Changes kai
Ping and other coal mines.
Describing Russia's methods and policy
in the present dispute, Mr.. Van Bergen
says that power will certainly temporze
if it can do so without losing prestige.
but states that there is just as little
doubt that Ito aims blow at that very
same prestige, Russia's strongest point.
The interview with Prince konoye, re-
Gently published in the Japan Herald,
renders that fact clear beyond dispute.
Japan's fleet is mobilizing, not merely to
make a demonstration, but to propose and
enforce disagreeable ultimatum. Rus
STA is venturing a bluff upon Malsampo,
in Korea. Japan will call that bluff, and,
unless the Russian vessels steal away to
the protecting guns Of Port Arthur, an
accidental shot will precipitate the war.
Mr.. Van Bergen thinks the real question
is as to the attitude of the great powers.
That Of Germany is riddle, especially in
view of the emperor's nightmare on the
Yellow Peril. 1t is, however, more than
doubtful if he will allow himself to be
used again to fetch Russia's chestnuts
Out of the fire. He will probably main
tain neutrality as long as he can. Great
Britan's sympathies and interests are
with Japan, but can she risk war which
would naturally extend to Europe? Still
it is difficult to see how she could remain
neutral if, as is probable, France should
join the Russian fleet.
Ito, beyond a doubt, has considered al
these questions and could answer them
if he chose. The upshot must be strong
ly in favor of Japan, or the extraordln.
airy measures of recent days would have
been unnecessary.
In such a war Mr.. Van Bergen think:
American interests, as we'll as sympathie!
would lie with Japan. 1t is not only OF
account of the heroism displayed in en-
gagng such fearful odds, but becaus,
Japan has given ample evidence that sh
is strongly in sympathy with progress
while Russia's policy at home indicates
tendencies toward returning to mediaeva
conditions. The sentiment of historical
friendship toward the great northern
power is counterbalanced by the fact tina
the United States was the sponsor to Jap
ans entering into the comfy of nation.
and as such has every reason to be prou
Of its protege. But the American peopl
are gradually convinced that no rea
sym athy can exist between an autocrac
which suppresses every indication of fire
thought with whip and rifle bullet, and
republic whose very breath depends upo
the fee expression of thought.