The Courier. (Genoa, Nev.) 1899-1904, 1904-02-19

supply the Mikado with canned meats,
at reasonable rates, and he replied that
his army was going to subsist on dried
fish and rice, on receipt of which an
swer the Chicago Herald exclaimed;
ssThen, in the name of humanity, let
us stop this cruel war" No doubt san
Francisco will become just as goody as
Chicago, lift don't 'help the town."
France holds most difficult posi-
ton with reference to the war III the
far East, and really holds the key to
either fire or restrain a general con-
flict of arms in Europe. France and
Russia are under treaty obligations
whereby France is bound to help Rus
STA, if Russia at any time is attacked
bv two powers, and neither Corea nor
China shall be one of such powers. III
will be observed that Russia must be
first attacked. and must not make the
first attack. 1t was this treaty that
made Russia force Japan to make
what Russia is now pleased to call the
first attack. But as matter of fact
Russia made the first attack, in con-
stantly marching farther and farther
east, and constantly fortifying, just
the same as in some of our States the
law is that the person who calls anoth-
er vile name, delivers the first blow.
In this manner Russia delivered the
first blow, even though Japan fired the
first shot. Russia's pretense that her
reply to Japan's note was to be deliv-
cred the very day that Japan broke off
negotiations is a palpable lie. If di-
plomatic relations had not been broken
off for a month later, Russia could
hold her reply until they were broken,
and still claim that her reply was to be
delivered that very day. An answer
to any demand can be held only
reasonable time, according to the ur-
gency of the case, after the lapse of
which time the party sending is lustifi-
ed in bringing suit, and consider the
delay of answer refusal to pay.
While Japan was waiting for this re-
ply, Russian ships were speeding east
ward, and Russian armies and supplies
also going east as fast as steam could
send them. Under this state of facts
France can well say that Russia struck
the first blow, and if Japan should now
be Joined by either the Uuited States or
England, France would still be justifi-
ed in maintaining strict neutrality.
But if France decides that Japan struck
the first blow, as claimed by Temps
newspaper which is often used by
the French government for its mouth
piece, then, if either the United States
or England should join Japan, France,
under its obligations with Russia, must
take up arms and side with Russia, and
| believe that would precipitate very
general war in Europe. England, like
Japan, entered into a treaty several
years ago, and it likely also contains
certain contingencies that must first
happen before England will be forced
to side with Japan in the present con-
flict. This is apparent from the fact
that King Edward has proclaimed
strict neutrality, which means, for the
present. The United States has acted
likewise. Strict neutrality at present is
really in favor of Japan, as by its main
tenanee by England and the United
States, Russian ships cannot obtain
coal, being contraband of war mate
rial, from neutral powers. This will
give Japan decided advantage on the
seas. On land the Russians will have an
advantage by virtue of its railway IA
cilities. They can keep on retreating
along the line of the Trans-Siberian
Railway, and coax the Japanese into
the interior, where every mile of dis
lance adds to difficulties of transport
tation, and wear and crush them out
if the japanese permit themselves to
NC Ob1ANh- II NAiNl w NV iOliOWt tllS
Russians will always be on their heels,
and. practically in their country. In
my opinion, long war means disaster
to Japan, and very speedy, bloody
affair may terminate in its favor. In
any event, do not believe the United
States and England win permit Japan
to be forced to terms SO harsh as to
practically mean the extinction of the
Empire. Secretary Hays circular
note to the powers suggesting that the
integrity of China be maintained, thus
restricting and limiting the field Of
war, has been very well received
even Russia pretending not to oppose
it. But what will Russia gain, ifthert
is to be no carving of China? She seek.
an open ice-free port on the Pacific
and she desires to reach that port ovei
her own territory, and balooning is moi
good yet. If Secretary Hay includes
Manch,lria as part of China, it is evi