Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1903-12-24
Russia and Japan.

are in q state of extreme tension ana
the possibility that war may ensue puts
some check upon the behavior of Russia
towards the United States and other
powers. The map shows at a glance how
vital to Japanese interests is the control
of Korea, with which country Japan
has had intimate relations from time
immemorial. In the war with China,
Japan captured Port Arthur, but had
to give it up to Russia under pressure
from Russia. Germany and France,
which it would have been suicidal to
resist. Then Japan had only little
navy, which was managed with such
skill and courage as to defeat the Chi
nese navy Of much higher grade. but
which would have been impotent against
any European power. Since then Japan
has strained her resources to ostrengthen
her army and navy, and is now as rela-
lively powerful as she ever will be, 80
that it is now or meyer with her. Popu-
lar sentiment in Japan is 80 strong for
war that the nation chafes under the
delay of the pending negotiations be-
tween Russia and Japan. At the recent
meeting Of the Japanese parliament a
resolution of censure upon the ministry
was passed unanimously in the house OF
representatives. The government dis
solved parliament and its hands will not
be forced by the war spirit, but the tact
that an appeal to war will Ie enthusi-
astically approved by the nation will be
apt to etiffen its policy. 1t is worthy OF
special note that since the parliamenta-
ry demonstration it is reported that ia
pan has increased her demands. The
secrecy surrounding the negotiations
has never been penetrated, though it is
assumed that Japan will assent to the
Russian occupation of Manchuria if Jap
anese supremacy in Korea is conceded,
but this is simply an inference based
upon the supposition that it would be a
reasonable compromise. The probabil-
ity is that Russia is determined not to
allow Japan any foothold on the main
land and is seeking to make reservations
by which any concessions made now
can be practically annulled in the fu-
ture. The Japanese statesmen are, how
ever, too wary to be fooled, and hence
the protracted character of the negoti-
ATOMS.
While the prevailing opinion is that
an adjustment will be reached, some
well-informed observers think war will
be the outcome Such is the opinion of
the London Spectator, usually very ac-
curate in its forecasts. In that event
there will be very grave international
complications, which might very readi-
ly involve the United States. The treaty
of alliance between England and Japan
binds each to come to the aid of the
other if attacked by more than one
power. Thus, if Russia secures any aid
from Germany or France, as before.
England is bound to intervene. Such
struggle would involve the settlement
the United States is SO deeply interest
ed that it could not remain an impas-
give spectator. Doubtless if war breaks
out an effort will be made to confine it
to the two powers Immediately engag
ed, but the results will be of such far
reaching Importance that no one can
tell what complications will ensue or
what will be the final outcome.
With such vast interests at stake and
with the importance which attaches to
the policy of the United States. it is
easy to see why Russia should be repre-
sented at Washington by one of its
ablest diplomatists. Count Cassini, and
why Great Britain should have selected
Sir Mortimer Durand, experienced in
eastern affairs and in dealing with the
maneuvers of Russian diplomacy.-H.
j. Ford.