Evening journal., 1904-02-19
So Says General James
II. Wilson in Talking
oof the Conflict Be
tween Japan a n d
Russia
He Does Not Dare to
Predict the Outcome
of the Great Struggle.
Admires Little Japan.
Fears Yellow Rule

.;eneral James II. Wilson of this city,
who besides having a thorough knowl-
edge of people and conditions in this
country is thoroughly familiar with the
situation in the Far East. His reputa-
ton as traveller and writer is we'll
known.
He was one of the first authors TO
call attention to the strides being made
by Japan. lie was the first to predict
her supremacy over the Chinese. To
some extent he fears the yellow peril"
but admires Japan.
At his home No. 1905 Rodney street
he talked in his usual entertaining
manner regarding the war;
General Wilson said
..The methods which .he japanese resort
ed to in opening the conflict were what
might have been expected. Their ships are
of modern type. their officers highly edu-
Gated while the common people are en-
thusiastic and very much in earnest. The
result so far is not a surprise to military
men. The common understanding IS that
Japan has been preparing for war with
Russia for some time. After the Japanese
Chinese war Of 1S94-5 in which Japan came
out victorious. she occupied the peninsula
known as the Regents Sword. including
Port Arthur, and Talienwan. She also held
Wei-Hai-Wei. on the opposite side Of the
strait leading into the Gulf of Pechii.
This arrangement giving Japan a base
on the Continental mainland was not sat
isfactory TO the four great European
powers. 1t was especially offensive to Rus
sia. Measures were therefore taken 10 de-
prive Japan of her conquest on the main
land. The result was that Japan was
forced to give up the Regents Sword. and
the sea ports named above and to accept
So.o00000 taels in exchange. Germany and
France lent China the money with which
10 pay the indemnity. Russia, thereafter
leased Port Arthur and Dalny. England
leased Wei-Hai-Wei; Germany leased
kiao-chao. the best port on the yellow
Sea. France extended the boardors OF Ton
quin. IN The direction of Canton. England
also took over a tract OF the mainland
near Hong Kong. All OF these possessions
ID may be said. were taken from
China under duress. Thus each OF
the four great powers became
more or less participants in the
spolation both Of Japan and China. The
presumption Is that Great Britain at least
is backing Japan IN her desire 10 deprive
Russia of her share Of the plumber"
rThen you are disposed TO believe Eng
land has taken a hand in bring about the
present hosulities?" was asked Of General
Wilson.
Japan's Desire Natural.
That is the natural inference to bt
drawn" was his reply. "The impression l..
prevalent that the support which Japan 4,
receiving has made her more aggressiv,
than she would otherwise have been. But
whether this is true or not 1t is entirei,
natural that Japan should desire 10 gel
even with Russia, who is now enjoying
the property which belonged te
Japan by right Of conquest. 1t is human
nature, therefore. that Japan should deslr,
10 revenge herself on Russia and driv,
her out OF the possessions which fell ts
her lot as a result of the war with Crina
CONTINUED on Fourth Page.D