The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1904-11-28
PREMIER OF JAPAN.
TALKS OF THE WAR,
HOW 1T WAS COMMENCED
AND PLANS THAT HAVE BEEN FOL-
LOWED IN ITS CONDUCT.

a4ioo tn Korean Territory-Rus-
sia Had ScOrned Japan ana
Thousbt Little of Its Ability to
Cone, with Russians.
Toxic. Nov. 27.-Discussing the war
and the domestic, financial and politi-
cal conditions of Japan on the eve
of the assembling of the Diet with
the correspondent of the Associated
Press to-day, Premier Katsura said:
ITO insure peace in the Orient and
n safeguard our national existence is
the aim and purpose of our empire,
and no sacrifice shall be too great
for successfully effecting this purpose.
Russia, beside violating her pledges
in Manchuria, crowned her overbear-
ing and aggressive policy by extending
her arms to the Korean peninsula.
we were highly solicitous to pre-
serve peace, but had no alternative ex-
cept that of war, which was forced
rpon us. Throughout the negotiations
Russia showed a naughty and over
bearing attitude, which as has latter
" been shown was inadequately sup
ported by military strength. Russia
allowed herself to be deceived and
sighted our empire, for she never be-
Heved that Japan would draw the sword
of war. Then after suffering repeated
defeats on land and on sea, Russia
perceived the mistake she had made
and. having discovered the seriousness
of the situation began to take adequate
measures.
Japan Was Ready.
The case was different with us. We
are alive TO the seriousness of the sit
uation and were prepared for exigen-
cies.
Russia must see that the war cam
not be concluded by the issues of a
few battles. With us the war means
life or death, and not one of our 45,-
100000 brethren remains ignorant of
the vital issue at stake.
I'VE are prepared to sacrifice our
last man and our last cent for this
war.
The delay in the decisive result of
our siege at Port Arthur gives Russia
hope of being able to relieve the gar
rison, and for this purpose she re-
solved to empty her naval defense at
home, while on land corps after corps
has been modified and sent eastward.
RUssia's War Plans.
The military and naval plan of
Russia seems to center in the relief !
of Port Arthur, and Gen. Kuropatkin's
southVard advance, which resulted in
his serious defeat, had the relief of
the garrison as it's sole object. The
Russian Emperor's instructions to Ku-
ropatkin not to retire beyond Mukden
were designed to raise the gloom that
had been hanging over the people of
Russia since the defeat of Russian
arms at the battle of Liao Yang, and
huropatkin assumed the aggressive,
perhaps against his own judgment.
Everything seems to hinge on the
fall of Port Arthur. but / do not con-
sole myself with the thought that the
capture of that Inflated fortress will
bring the war to speedy termination.
Hs capture will give occasion for, re-
newed plans for warfare by Russia,
and l am watching keenly for such
new developments.
Rallied TO the Government.
The domestic conditions of Japan
are highly satisfactory. The history
OF our Diet may be summed up by
saying that from the first it planted
itself firmly in opposition to the gov
ernment on financial questions. After
my appointment friction became in
creasingly violent. The two great par
Ties, the Constitutionalists and Pro-
sresslsts, held combined front in
opposition to my ministry Despite
auininlstrative reforms effected on
ther demand, we failed to satisfy
mem. They criticised our financial
measures as excessive and refused to
pass the bills.
Judging by those conditions, serious
colllslons between the governed
ana governing were predicted. but
When the war came this friction en-
eneIy ceased, and the House of Repre-
9enlauVes, which once refused to pass
puuSet OF $l25,000, 900 as excessive and
ullDearable, gave "a ready and willing
000.0OO UNee' u SSoo'-
AT At this session of the Diet the gov
budget calling for S3sS 600 ooo and
,,.iit3lo ,,itiea tlons are that 1t will be passed
"'''iout the slightest difficulty.
Is United People.
This happy phenomenon ia attrih-
ueaDie to the characteristics of our
people. Before a great national
Pr1piem our people unite and friends
@ liu opponents join hands for the ac-
y,o,nlpiishment y,,nll of our national pur-
bes. ne with the great problem Of
o,' war before them, the people of
W. hhalion have become as one man.
nave no war party and no peace
tbaiey' as Russia has, but on the con-
10y our nation is one and united
last extremity 'e''' ~ ''S
When the war came on II so hap
gvueu that our financial condition was
S Sucn that everything indicated a
nesh awakening after period of
s dullness and inactivity. Thus
ogr latent financial energy was direct
u toward the war fund. Our people
a. showing ample capacity to finance
S Sne war and despite the floating OF
u.ollestic loans. our economic condl-
IONS nave not been affected, while
oahkng conditions have actually ex-
ties. -
me war expenses reach large
sum monthly. but the government has
managed their absorption I'm such a
manner as 10 least affect the normal
vonditions OF the money market. The
uecrease IN circulation has been very
anall' and our people are cheerfully
meeting the advanced taxation, while
Every domestic loan has beon over
Condition OF the Country.
7 confess that the results have ex-
oeeaed our expectations. They are ex-
pained BY the fact that our people
maintain calm attitude and diliGent-
continue their usual occupations
NfuEnl habits have been maintained