The times., 1901-04-16
Circulation Statement.
The Mixndo,s Turn TO Play.

The Wiixndo's Turn 10 Play.
Ever since the receipt of the Russian
identical note at the various Forelgn
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 cognoscenu with
any idea that this was an end of the
Manchurian matter. We nave 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 fdes 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 10
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 a Chinese
possession. its peace and order musr
be preserved by the Chinese Govern
ment. Failure or inability TO do so
would become the concern not of Rus
sia 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
rnander 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
Pel,in is desired. that he viii 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 a 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 envoys
that Kwang Hsu must make immediate
answer
Their demands, it is unnecessary te
say. are almost if not quite tantamount
10 an ultimatuYn TO the Chinese Govern
ment. 1t viii 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 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
It is stated in dispatches from Tokyo
that the japanese teet is mobilized 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 a spirit Of con-
ciliatiOn and concession to Japan.
It 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-RussiaE to the
extent Of being more the Cars man
than Kwang Hsu's, and 1t is reason
able to expect that his influence viii 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 neighbqr along frontier
extending nearly across the continent,
was necessary to his country as a
friend, while all the other European
nations were unimportant in compari-
son. Prince Ching is understood 20
agree with his colleague IN this respect
II is possible then that their united in
nuence 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 sas' 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 fact which Is quite as OBJ
syfor4a here ae II eau he In New York