The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1904-03-03
WHAT THEY ARE FIGHTING FOR.
The Causes Which Have Led Up to
the Russo-Japanese War.

NOW tell us all about the war, and
what they kill each other for?"
"Ah, that do not know" quoth he;
''but twas a famous victory"
This verse of the poem describes the
position of the people of the United
States in regard to the war between
Russia and Japan. They are with Japan.
They do not know why. The average
citizen, if asked why he cheers over re-
ports of Japanese victory, will say:
"Kishineff!.'
Another will say: Il am always with
the under dog"
The analyst says: "America is with
Japan because the idea of absolute mon
archy is abhorrent; because the history
Of Russia is filled with oppression, cruel
ty and injustice; because Japan in "a
way, our ward, our imitator, our pro-
tege."
The average American does not know
why Japan and Russia are at war. Here
are the reasons, in nutshell:
RUSSIA GElS JAPAN 3 REWARD.
Japan in 1894 won war with China
and claimed part of Manchuria as the
fruits of victory. Russia interferred
and took what Japan claimed, demand
ing of China lease on a strip of land
across Manchuria, with ports at Dalny
and Port Arthur. This China granted,
Russia reaping the benefits which Japan
had won in war.
Russia, apparently voluntarily, but
really under pressure from the powers,
announced her determination of with
drawing from Manchuria, but while pre-
tending to withdraw from Manchuria,
endeavored to strengthen her position
in Korea.
Japan, realizing herself in danger if
Russia secured a stronghold in Korea,
protested and demanded that Russia
keep her promises to the powers and
withdraw.
| RUSSIA MADE COUNTER DEMAND.
/ Russia demanded that Japan recog-
nize Manchuria as outside the sphere of
Japanese influence.
| Japan claimed that the independence
fand territorial integrity Of Korea was
indispe to the. welfare Of Japan.
That, despite her assurance to the
powers and treaty with China, Russia
Icontinued to hold Manchuria and was
taking aggressive measures in Korea.
| That if Manchuria were annexed to
Russia the independence of Korea would
be impossible.
Japan demanded an agreement to re-
spect the integrity of Korea and China.
Recognition of Japan's preponderance
of interests in Korea, with protection
for railway enterprises in Manchuria.
Recognition by Russia of Japan's
right to give advice to Korea and as
sistance in reform work by the govern
ment.
Promise of Russia not to impede the
extension of the Korean railway into
southern Manchuria.
Russia delayed replies, avoided prom
ises and made no definite statement of
Intentions, the diplomacy consisting of
evasion which lasted from September
until February 9th.
Russia demanded that Japan admit
Manchuria outside of her sphere and
interests.
That neutral zone be established in
Korea.
That Japan agree not to use Korea for
strategical purposes.
That full freedom of navigation be
preserved through the Straits Of Korea.
In plain English Japan demanded that
Russia withdraw from her positions
that threatened Japan. Russia demand
ed that Japan admit Russia's right to
occupy the threatening positions, grant
equal rights in portion of Korea and
promise not to use it's geographical adj
vantages in Korea or in the Korean
straits.-Chicago Examiner.