The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1904-01-15
JAPAN'S POSITION.
Complete Statement Issued by
One Who Known.

The Associated Press has been fur
nished with the following statement
of the Japanese view of its present
contention with Russia by one who Is
In constant communication with To-
kio and whose knowledge of Japanese
affairs and intimacy with the Japanese
government give weight to his opin-
| ion.
Negotiations between Russia and
Japan have reached critical stage,
although an amicable adjustment is
still possible. Russia's reply to ia
par . latest representations will de-
eide the issue. While neither gov
eminent has taken the public Into It's
confidence, 1t Is not difficult to sur
mise the general tenor of the views
which the Japanese government
would express. Something In the
nature of an agreement ;between the
two governments whereby they blind
themselves to respect the independ-
ence and territorial integrity iboth of
China and Korea would naturally
come first. Such an agreement prob
ably would include also mutual rec
ognition of the special interests of
Russia In Mancuria and of Japan In
Korea, coupled with an agreement
based on the principle of equality OF
all nations as regards commercial OPP
portunities In these counties; that
neither contracting party shall inter
fere with the commercial rights of the
other acquired by treaty with China
or Korea. In word, 1t Is probably
fact that Japan has asked no more
of Russia than confirmation by inter
national compact of declarations re-
pestedly and unequivocally made By
Russia herslf regarding the unselish
nature of her motives with reference
to Msnchuria Russias reply evil
IDENTIFY has been a surprise and dis
appointment to Japan.
1t is now generally understood that
Russia has refused to discuss the SIT
uation in Manchuria and has propos.
ed something in the nature of neu-
tIal zone in Northern Korea on the
Manchurian frontier, extending as far
as Wangeton on the east and Ping
Yang on the west. II Is difficult to
perceive how Japan could possible
accept this proposal. To consent to
the indefinite prolongation OF Rus
sia's stay upon the borders !ot Korea
to the naturalization of nearly one
third OF the latter's territory would
be fatal menace to the independence
of Korea, which Japan must defend at
all costs, as the safety Of the penin-
sula, which Is the outpost of her line
defence, Is indispensable to Japan's
own repose and security. AS for
Mauchuria, Japan, conformity with
other powers, is entitled to the en-
joyment of rights aud immuuities Sc
cured by treaty with China, which 1t
would be impossible to leave to the
caprice Of third power. Russia's
recent course demonstrates the unsat-
isfactory nature of present conditions
The reoccupaiion of Mekden and the
continued occupation Of Tatong Kao
have undoubtedly had the effect OF
intimidatiug China and of preventing
her from fulfilling her treaty obliga-
tons with the United States and Ia
pan with respect to the opening of
those places to the commerce of the
world.
So also as regards Korea. 1t Is now
known that the joint efforts Of Great
Britain, United States and Japan to
the Yslu to foreign commerce at large
were on the eve OF success when the
Russia occupation of Yangampho
blocked the plans. These and SINH
lar events in Korea and Manchuria
justify the apprehension that If affairs
are permitted to proceed uninterrupt-
eddy, a large part Of the shores of the
Yellow sea. not to mention the inter-
Tor OF Manchuria, will be closed to
the commerce of the civilized world.
1t Is rof vital Importance to japan
that this should not happen, and 1t Is
CLAIM that the final issue depends
solely upon Russia's willingness to
ecegnize this fact.