Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1904-02-26
How the War Began.

The trouble between Japan and
Russia began after the former nation
and China had fought over Korea.
China had, for centuries, claimed a
protectorate over the peninsular king
dom, but in 1876, Japan obtained
from China formal recognition of
Korean independence and surrender
of suzerain claims. In 1882 the ia
panese legation at Seoul was attacked
by mob, and this was made the pre-
text for importation of small army
from Japan. China protested, and
after brief squabble, treaty was
signed whereby it was agreed that
both governments should Withdraw
their troops from Korea. A revolt in
1854 caused the Korean King to call
on China for aid and Ii Hung Chang,
then virtually dictator in public affairs
under the queen dowager, sent 1000
men. Japan sent troops through the
the port of Chemulpo to meet what
was claimed to be violation OF the
treaty stipulation. In conflict which
ensued, the Korean Queen was slain
and it was claimed she had been muir.
dered by the Japanese troops. The
King was seized. Whilst the Chinese
and Japanese governments were dis
cussing the question of jurisdiction in
Korea, with q view for amicable adj
justment, the Gear OF all the Russias"
stepped in with a demand for explain.
alton as to Japan's purpose in making
any claim TO Korean territory. The
reply was that Japan had no such
design. Notwithstanding this, Russia
then emphatically made it known that
no policy of extension of the Miksdo's
rule would be tolerated.
China, during this time, was rrepar-
ing for a conflict, and in July, 1894,
sent II 900 men to Asan, Korea, and
war began. A series of brilliant VIC
tories were achieved by the Japanese,
and the conflict was virtually decided
by the capture OF Port Arthur, in No.
vember, of the same year, and ended
in the fall OF New Chwang, the last
Chinese strongho old, in March OF the
succeeding year.
In the negotiations Tor peace Russia
assumed her true character Of dictator,
and Joined China in resisting Japan's
demand of the whole OF Manchuria,
the island of Formosa, recognition OF
the independence OF Korea and an
indemnity of about $2O,0O0,0O0. It
seems also that Germany and France
joined Russia in resisting this demand,
and England advised Japan to yield,
and in final negotiations, Manchuria
was eliminated from the demand,
much to the disgust of the little brown
man. Russia then demanded con-
cession from China OF lease OF q strip
of land across Manchuria, as compen-
sation for the part she took in modify
ing the Japanese demand. This lease
has about Is years to run and is re.
Movable. 1t seems essential to Russia
for maintenance of her railway system
which had been assured to that power
by China.
In January, 1902, = treaty was
signed which was q surprise to the
civilized world. In il, England and
Japan seems to have formed an ALI
ance by which they agree to stand
together in any complication which
might arise.
It seems that Russia held to the idea
that some respect for the rights Of
China would raise her in the esteem OF
nations, and she made . pretense Of
being ready to evacuate Manchuria,
At q convention at Peking, in April.
1902, it was declared that Manchuria
was an integral part OF China. The
period OF evacuation was placed at
eighteen months. The agreement was
only carried out in part. the concession
OF strip of land for the railroad be.
ing still maintained. 1t seemed that
Russis's interests in Manchuria indi.
Gated that she would not be dispos.
sessed without struggle, and her acts
gave assurance that that would be her
ultimate resolution. 1t was here that
the Mikado made demand for the
Independence Of Korea, which met
with q fiat refusal, unless japan would
grant free rein to Russia in Man
churia and this was the rock upon
which the ark Of peaceful negotiation
finally split. Russia insisted that she
should by right, enjoy as much influ.
ence in the Hermit" kingdom Of
Korea as Japan, and that this conces-
sion was just equivalent for an evac.
uation OF Manchuria, while japan held
that she had vested rights somewhere
by virtue of conquest. The Gear
denied this, and the tension increased
until Russian troops were landed at
Chemulpo. in January, and sent to
Seoul. The answer of Japan was to
draw tho snickersnee, and its wonder.
full power has since been in evidence.
| OUR NAVAL GROwTH.-The govern.
ment is about to authorize the build
ing of six additional warships, besides
tho five battleships provided for last
year. They will consist Of one war
ship of 10000 tons, costing $7.775,O0O;
two first-class armored cruisers OF H..