The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-01-06
haa haen furniahed 2 xith tha folloMlne

has been furnished with the following
 statement of the Japanese view of it's
 present contention with Russia by. ono
 who Is in constant communication with
 Tolxio. and whose knowledge of Japan
 est affairs and intimacy with the pron1i- 'nent Japanese give weight to his opir-
 ion: f
 s'aThN nesotia tons between Russia and
 Japan have reeched critical stage. all
 though an amicabies adjustment is still
 possible. Hrssia's reply to, Japau's latest
 representations will decide tbs issue.
 While neither Government has taken the
 public into It's confidence, 1t is not difd-
 cult Ito surmise the general tenor of the
 views which the Japanese Government
 would express.
 s"something in the nature of an agree
 ment between the two Governynents
 whereby they bind themselves to respect
 the independence and territorial integrity
 both of China and Corea would naturalls
 come first. Such an agreement probably
 would include also mutual recognition oi
 the especial interests of Russia in Man
 churia and of Japan In corea. coupled
 with an agreement based on the principles
 of equality of all nations as regards com.
 mercial opportunities in those countries
 neither contracting party shall Interfers
 with commercial rights of the other ac-
 quired by treaty with China or Corea.
 'In word. 1t probaly is fact that
 Japan has asked no moro of Russia thar confirmation by international compact oi
 declarations repeatedly and uneauivocaily
 made by Russia herself regarding the un- selfish nature of her motives with refer eslce to Manchuria. Russias reply evil dently has been q surprise and a disap- pointment to Japan. It is now generally understood that Russia has virtually re- fused to discuss the situation in Man. churia, and has proposed something In the nature of neutral zone in Northern Corea on the Manchurian frontier. ex- tending as far as Wongtan on the east and Ping-Yang on the west It Is. dafiicult to per- this proposal. To consent to the indefinite prolongation of Russia.s stay upon the borders of Corea and to the neutraliza- ton of nearly one-third of the iatter's ter ritory would be fatal menace to the Independence of Corea, which Japan must defend at all costs, as the safety of the peninsula, which is the outpost of her line of defense. is Indispensable to Japsn's own, repose and security. As for Man churia. Japan. conjointly with other pow ers is entitled to the enjoyment of rights and immunities secured by treaty with China which 1t would be impossible to leave to the caprice of third party.
 .'Russia's recent course demonstrates the unsatisfactory nature of present con- ditions. Thereoccupation of Mukden and the Continued occupation of Tatong Kao have undoubtedly had the effect of intim- idating China and of preventing her from fulfilling her treaty obligations with the United States and Japan with respect to the opening of those places to the com merce of the world.
 So also as regards Corea. it is now
 known that the joint efforts of Great Britain. the United States and Japan to open the Yaiu to foreign commerce at large were on the eve of success when the Russian occupation of Yongampho blocked the plan. These and similar events in Corea and Manchuria justify the apprehension that If affairs are per- mltted to proceed uninterruptedly q large part of the shores of the Yellow Sea, not to mention the interior of Manchuria. win be; clesed to the commerce of the civilized world Es ls of vital imporsanca to Japan l IfhAk xNsR should not hnppen and ak iA nIain that the ansl iseiia leper1s nofelj
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