The sun., 1903-12-23
Revived Apprehension over the
Russo-Japanese Dispute.

Although the reply made by Russia
to Japans proposals has been received
with profound dissatisfaction at Toxic,
il was in no sense an ultimatum. and
there is room, therefore, to hope that
an understanding between the two coun-
tries NAV vet be reached. A favorable
feature of the situation is the dissolution
of the Japanese Parliament. which has
relieved the Mikado's advisers from the
violent pressure to which. otherwise, they
might have been subjected. The field is
still open for diplomatic negotiations,
and the influence of England on the one
hand and of France on the other is sure
to be exerted in behalf of peace.
There seems to be no doubt that the
draft OF Russia reply, originally framed
| at st, Petersburg, the substance of which
was twice telegraphed to this country,
was. at the last moment, seriously modl-
fed. the war party having recovered
| ascendancy at the Court, We were twice
! told that Russia would recognize Corea as
! living exclusively within Japan's sphere
! of influence, in return for an equiv
! alent concession on Japan's part with
/ reference to Manchuria. There was good
reason to believe that such a basis Of
agreement would have met with accept
ance at Toxic, though the japanese are
under no Illusions with regard TO lasting
| accommodation of Russian interests and
their own. With Corea assured to her,
however, the Island Empire might deem
| it expedient to defer trial Of strength
until it should prove less difficult to OBJ
tain in England or the United States the
loan which would be indispensable for
| the prosecution of protracted military
operations. A contest between Japan
and Russia would almost certainly be a
long one; and without financial assist
ance, the former Power might find itself
unable TO make head for years against
an opponent who begins with huge re-
serve of gold. 1t is, of course, the knowl-
edge of Japan's pecuniary necessities
that has led many Russians to think that
! in the end their country must win
through superior power of endurance.
! 1t is understood that Russia S reply in
the final form given to it by the war party
insists that Japan shall refrain from in
reference with Russia's assertion of
ascendancy in Manchuria, and goes on
to suggest that the two parties to the ne
gotiation shall enjoy equal rights in
Corea. As such equality of rights exists
to-day, it is obvious that Japan would
gain nothing by the maintenance of the
status quo in the peninsula. tits reported,
moreover, on what seems to be good
authority, that the proposal regarding
Corea was qualified by the declaration
that Russia must be permitted to occupy
and fortify Mssampho, the possession
of which Corean seaport would enable
her to safeguard maritime commune
cation between Vladivostok and Port
Arthur A glance at the map will show
that Russian occupation of Masampho
would be a grave menace to Japan, ard
would deprive the latter Power Of the
chief strategical advantage which her
fleet now has, that, namely, of manru-
wiring on interior lines.
1t is Incredible that the authors of
the Russian reply should have expected
it to prove acceptable at Toxic, and we
must assume that it was put forward
solely for delay. Far from being bar to
further negotiations, it is calculated to
invite them. 1t may have been neces-
sary for the peace party at st. Peters
burg to let the request for Masampho be