The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1904-01-06
WHAT IT IS ABOUT
Particulars of the Points at
Issue in Far East.
JAPAN FEARS AGGRESSION
Cannot Permit Russia to En-
croach Upon Corea.

New York, Jan. 5.-The Associated
Press has been furnished with the fol-
lowing statement of the Japanese view
of its present contention with Russia by
one who is in constant communication
with Toxic and whose knowledge CT ia
panese affairs and intimacy with promi-
nent Japanese give weight TO his opinion:
The negotiations between Russia and
Japan have reached a critical stage al
though an amicable adjustment is still
possible. Russia's reply to Japaa's latest
representations will decide The issue.
While neither government has taken the
public into its confidence. II is not diff
cult TO surmise the general tenor of the
views which the Japanese government
viii express. Something in the nature
of an agreement between the two govern
ments> whereby they bind themselves to
respect the independence and territorial
integrity both of China and of Corea
would naturally come first. Such an
agreement would probably also include
mutual recognition OF the special inter
ests of Russia in Manchuria and of Japan
III Nci'.i, COupitu WIFI All 6SIttutIil DtS-
ed on the principle of equality of all ma
tons as regards commercial opportuni-
ties in those countries; that neither con-
tracing party shall interfere with the
commercial rights of the other acquired
by treaty with China or Corea. In a word
ii is probably the fact that Japan has
asked no more of Russia than confrma-
ton by international compact of declara-
tons repeatedly and unequivocally by
Russia herself regarding the unselfish
nature Of her motives with reference to
Manchuria. Russias reply has evidently
been surprise and a disappointment to
Japan. 1t is generally understood that
Russia has virtually refused to discuss
the situation in Manchuria and has pro-
posed something in the nature of a neu-
trail zone in northern Corea on the Man
churian frontier, extending as for as
Wong Tan on the east and Ping Yang on
the west. It is difficult to perceive how
Japan could accept this proposal. To
consent to the indefinite prolongation of
Russia's stay upon the borders of Corea.
and the naturalization of nearly one-third
of the latter's territory would be a fatal
menace 10 the independence of Corea.
which Japan must defend at all risks.
as the safety of the peninsula which is
the outpost of her line of defense is
Indispensable to Japan's own repose and
security.
AS for Manchuria, Japan. conformity
with other powers is entitled to the en-
joyment of rights and immunities secured
by treaty with China which it would be
eli 70 n ba ri- Of -
third power. Russias recent course
demonstrates the unsa tisfactory nature
of present conditions. The re-occupa-
ton of Mukden and the continued occu-
patton of yratong koa have undoubtedly
had the effect OF inlimidatlng 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 commerce of the
world. SO also as regards Corea il is
known that the joint efforts of the Unit
ed States, Great Britain and Japan TO
open the Yalu to foreign commerce at
large We're on the eve of success when
the Russian occupation of Yongampho
blocked the plan for The time being.
These and similar events in Corea and
Manchuria justify the apprehension that
if affairs are permitted 10 proceed IN
interruptedly in their present course a
large port on the shores of the Yellow
sea, not TO mention The interior of Man
churia, will be closed to the commerce of
the civilized world. 1t is of vital i'm
pOrtance to japan that this should not
happen, and il is plain that the final
issue depends solely upon RGssas will
ingness to recognize This fact.