Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-05
Japanese authorities are not interfering
with press messages
JAPAN's POINT OF VIEW
Furnished the Associated Press by One
Acquainted With Situation.

NEW YORK, January 5-The Associated
Press has been furnished with the following
statement of the Japanese view of its pres
ent contention with Russia by one who Is in
constant communication with Toxic, and
whose knowledge of japanese affairs and
intimacy with prominent japanese give
weight to his opinion:
The negotiations between Russia and
Japan have reached a critical stage. al
though an amicable adjustment is still pos
sible Russia's reply to Japan's latest rep
reservations will decide the issue. While
neither government has taken the public
into its 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
bind themselves to respect the independence
and territorial integrity both of China and
Corea would naturally come drst.
Mutual Interests Recognized.
such an agreement would probably
include also mutual recognition Of the
sepcal interests of Russia In Manchuria
and of Japan In Corea, coupled with an
agreement based on the principle of
eaunhty of all nations as regards COM
merc4al opportunities in those countries;
that neither contracting party shall in
terfsre with the commercial rights or
the other acquired by treaty with China
or Corea. In a word. 1t Is probably the
fact that Japan has asked no more of
Russia than confirmation by information
al compact of declarations repeatedly
and uneQuivocally made by Russia her.
self regarding the unself1sh nature OF her
motives with reference to Manchuria.
Russia's reply has evidently been a sur
prise and a disappointment to Japan. 1t
is now generally understood that Russia
has virtually refused to discuss the sit
uation in Manchuria, and has proposed
something n the nature OF a neutral zone
in markham Cprpa the MaDChurtan
frontier, extending as far as Wongtan
on the east and Ping Yang on the west.
1t is difficult to perceive how Japan could
possibly accept this proposal. To con-
sent to the indefinite prolongation OF
Russia's stay upon the borders of Corea
and to the naturalization of nearly one
third of the latters territory would be-
fatal menace to the Independence OF
Corea, which Japan must defend at all
costs. as the safety of the peninsula.
which is the outpost of her line of de-
Tense, is indispensable 20 Japans own re-
pose and security
The Case Of Manchuria.
CAS- for Manchuria, Japan. conjointly
with other powers, is entitled to the enjoy
ment of rights and immunities secured by
treaty with China which it would be i'm
possible to leave to the caprice OF a third
power. Russia's recent course demonstrates
the unsatisfactory nature of present condi-
lions. The reoccupation of Mukden and the
continued occupation OF IdtOng haO nave
undoubtedly had the effect of tntimidating
China and of preventing her from fulfilling
her treaty obligations with the United
States and Japan with respect to the OPEN
Ing Of those places to the commerce Of the
world So also as regards Corea. 1t is now
known that the joint efforts Of Great Brit
ain, the United States and Japan to open
the Yalu to foreign commerce at large were
the eve of success when the Russian
occupation of Yongampho blocked the plan
for the time being.
These and similar events in Corea and
Manchuria justify the apprehension that If
affairs are permitted to proceed uninter-
ruptedly In their present course large
part of the shores of the Yellow sea, not to
mention the interior of Manchuria, will be
closed to the commerce of the civilized
world. 1t Is Of vital Importance to Japan
that this should not happen. and it is plain
Russias willingness to recognize this fact"
The News in Germany.
COLOGNE. January 5+-According to ad-
vices received by the Cologne Gazette from
st. Petersburg. the terms of the Russian
reply to Japan were decided upon at
council on Sunday, presided over by the
car and attended by the Grand Dukes
Vladimir and Alexis, the foreign, war and
marine ministers and M. Witte. president
OF the council of ministers. This corre-
spondent, like others, understands that the
reply renders peaceful issue possible.
German Squadron Concentrating.
BERLIN. January 5--The widely sepa-
=ated vessels of the GeSman far eastern
squadron have been or6s by Rear Ad-
miral Won Prittwitz to Concentrate at Tsin-
Chou. province of Shan-Tung. This move
inent is considered here probably relat-
Ing TO the possibilities of war between Rus
ala and Japan.