Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-05-25
The Spirit of Japan.

| We have seen no clearer exposition OF
Japan's attitude and aim in the pres
ent struggle with Russia than is given
in a letter written by Japans greatest
statesman, Marquis Ito, to Henry
Clews. the New York banker. This let
ter shows so well the spirit inspiring
Japan that it is worth a careful read
ing by all Americans who desire an
honest understanding of the causes of
the war in the East.
Dear Sir: In answer to your letter OF
February II, let me first of all thank
you most sincerely for the constant
sympathy you have shown to our cOun-
try's cause. Your friendly effort on
the occasion of the SinO-Japanese war
is still fresh in my memory and in the
memory of all those who have heard of
it. And in general the sympathetic at
| tltude of public opinion of your coun-
try is a great encouragement to us-to
our faith that in fighting for our own
future security and undisturbed enjoy
ment of the fruits OF civilization we are
to a certain extent fighting also for the
common cause of all.
| The supremacy of Russia in Korea
| would mean not only 4 constant men,
ace to the very existence of our island
| empire but would also mean the whole
sale destruction of our commercial and
industrial interests, already legitimate
ly vested there in the past-not to men,
ton the loss of natural outlet for our
expanding people. The constant policy
~, xl,;~ Al. lnI1 1,,c.
steadily inclined toward monOpolization
of natural resources of the country she
| cOnquers and anneXes. Her Man.
churian policy is the irrefutable evil
dence of the above statement. So that
in fighting for our own interests, we are
at the same time fighting for the
! principle of fair competition all
| around in these new markets of the
| world. 1 am indeed very sorry that the
| negotiations, carried on, on our side,
| with sincere bona fde," We're not
| crowned with success so earnestly de-
sired. If the Russian government were
a little more inspired by the spirit of
| moderation and of liberation for the
| legitimate interests of others, things
| would not have come to this pass.
| AS it was, there remained for us no
| other way but to try to inforce by arms
what we could not do by reason. And
we had to do so ere it would have be-
come too late, for Russia was steadily
and rapidly aUgmenting her fighting
| forces available in this part of her en-
pire. so that before long the sheer mass
of her fighting power would have made
| it folly for us to attempt to resist
| the INSCRIPTIONS march onward. 1t
has been nothing but coolly thought
out step in the cause of state necessity.
And l am much gratitied to see that
you, as well as the great public opinion
of your country, have understood our
motives in the true light.
| If there are any people who wonder
| why the Americans are so generally on
the side of the japanese, this letter
gives them a complete reply. 1t is be-
cause our people realize that Japan Is
not waging a wholly selfish fight but is
battling for world commerce and world
civilization. Japan's success means
the open door of trade in the Orient,
and that is something for which the
United States stands squarely.