The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-10-05
Is a Collision Between Japan and
Russia Imminent?

Is Collision Between Japan and
Russia Imminent?
Two striking kilograms relating to the
situation in tho Far East have been re-
ceived within tho last few days. Ac-
cording to the first of these, Russian
soldiers are now occupying the southern
bank of the Yalu River, which forms the
northwestern boundary Of Corea. Ac-
cording to a second and later despatch,
a considerable body Of Japanese troops
has already been sent to Corea, and q
much larger force is in readiness to fol-
low. In order to appreciate the signid-
canoe of these incidents, we should con-
slider them in connection with the grave
doubt lately cast on Russia's fulf1lment
of the promise made to Secretary HAY,
that on Oct she would begin the evac-
uation of Manchuria.
To those who have kept in touch with
the movement Of Japanese public opin-
ion, as this is mirrored in the files of the
Japan Weekly Mail, it has been for some
time evident that there was a definite
limit beyond which the ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Of Russia in the Far East would not be
permitted by the Mikado'S subjects.
Japan would have preferred that the
Amur, and not the Yalu River, should be
the southern boundary OF the Russian
possessions. The desire might have
been fulfilled had Lord RosEBERY in 1906
declared that she ought to be allowed
to reap the fruit of her victory over
China and that the British feet would
support her in withstanding the demand
OF Russia, France and Germany for a
retrooession Of the Lao Tung penin-
sula.
q That was a crisis Of the utmost mo-
ment, not only to the Japanese. but to
the whole yellow race. England missed
the opportunity, however, of erecting
an insuperable bar to Russian progress
in Eastern Asia, and the Toxic Govern
ment has since renowned the hope Of a
gradual absorption of Manchuria.
For the very reason that she saw her.
self henceforth shut out from any chance
OF expansion in that region, 1t became
a matter Of vital import TO Japan that
Corea, at least, should be reserved for
her own sphere of influence For both
sociological and strategic reasons, in the
hermit kingdom alone can Japan find
hereafter an outlet for her surplus popu-
lation. Then, again, while it is dan
gerous enough for japan that a colossal
and aggressive Power like Russia should
be planted at points so near her as are
vladivostok and Port Arthur, II would
be positively fatal should that Power &C.
quire also foothold in the southeastern
angle Of Corea, within easy striking dis
lance OF the shores OF the island empire.
There is no doubt, therefore, that the
Japanese would fight to the death to make
good the ultimatum, Touch not Corea!
which their Government is believed to
have conveyed to Russia in unmistakable
terms.
1t is evident that Russia has touched
Corea, when, under the pretext Of utiliz-
ing a lease for lumber cutting. she has
occupied with soldiers the south bank OF
the Yalu River. 1t is possible, though
extremely improbable, that step 80
serious may have been ordered by a
local official or subordinate commander,
in which event the troops will be with
drawn and explanations will be offered.
Unless, however, the en6oachment is
disavowed without delay, we may expect
to see the inpour Of Japanese levies con-
tinued, until all the strategic positions
in C0rea shall have been occupied. II
would then, In all likelihood, provo too
late for diplomacy to avert q collision,
and tho long predicted war between
Japan and Russia would begin.
From the viewpoints Of both countries,
there are reasons for doubling the ex-
pediency Of postponing the conflict any
longer. It might have been better for
Japan could the trial Of strength have
taken place Immediately after the con-
clusion of the treaty by which Great
Britain bound herself to assist the Mkado
In case he should b attacked by moro
than one Power. 1t might have been