The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-02-26
THE JAPANESE WAR.
One Topeka Man Who Takes Side of
Russia.

To the Editor of the State Journal.
The question why so many American
writers favor Japan, instead of Russia,
in the pending war, has not been an
sweIed, and 1 think is unanswerable
Ihe mystery concerning the integu-
ments of a German sausage, is not
more danse nor insoIuble. If the prize
of a veritable chrome of Daniel in the
lions den, can induce some learned
Theban to solve it, 1 promise the be-
stowal of that prize.
Looking upon the situation impartial
~ find that Japan has commenced the
war without any provocation whatever.
In her declaration no array of griev-
ances is made-nOt one is mentioned.
1t does not appear that one inch of
Japanese soil has been violated nor
that a Russian foot has trodden on 4
japanese toe. That nation has there
fore commenced hostilities because she
was ready and determined to fight. She
has devoted the past Is years to train
ing and preparations. Her schools
have been turned into military camps
of instruction. The most improved ar
tlllery and weapons of destruction
have been provided. She has built and
purchased an immense number of
formidable war ships and torpedo
boats and furnished them with crews,
made Jealous and half frantic from
scalplock to bunions by the brey of
war bugles calling to arms and glory
For its tragic infamy, the night of
February 8, 1904, will be made memoir
able for all coming time. There had
been no declaration of war, no close
even of diplomancy between the ma
tions. The diplomats of Japan were
in St. Petersburg and those of Russia
in Toxic, but on that night, in the
dense silence and darkness of moonIess
midnight. a fleet of Japanese vessels
stole into the harbor of Port Arthur
and torpedoed ships at anchor-killing
and wounding many Russians-unlike
the destruction of the Maine, this was
done by government order and direc-
ton. It was murder by command OF
Japan-and a defiance of international
law.
We have a difficulty with Colombia
respecting Panama. and diplomatic in
tercourse between the two countries
ceased more than three months ago.
Now suppose that tonight a Colombian
fleet should torpedo our vessels at
Panama or Colon. What would our
writer's say and what would our people
dog The answer is well known. Our
sky would be made ultramarine in hue
by words and threats we do not print
Every bell would ring ITO armsr' Our
young men would hurry to the field
and within a few short months Colon
bia would cease to be.
But whence comes this ardent friend
ship for IaDan2 Has that nation per-
formed many kind acts for ours?
never heard of even one. Why it is
only within the past few years that she
consented to have any commerce OIL
other relations with u.s. And that con-
sent we remember was reluctantly OBJ
tanned at the muzzles of Commodore
Perry's cannon.
Russia has always been our friend
Let us not forget that until a recent
historic date what is now known as
Russia was a land oeooled with no.
madic and barbarous tribes. having nj
central governing power. The reign Of
Peter the Great, which ended in 1725
shows the first effort of that people
to shake off the lassitude and ignor.
ance of past ages. To this end they
loyalty aided in his vast enterprises
stretch on the seacoast Of the Baltic
was acquired. and then in the sunke1
swamp bordering the river Neva st
Petersburg was built That enterDris'
gave Russia access to the ocean. t.
00mmeree and fraternity with man