Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1904-02-04
What the Trouble Is
Between Japan and
Russia
Why Both Countries Want
Control Of COrea--It Is
Highly Important to
Either
(Kansas City Starr

What is the trouble in the far East?
Japan is trying to keep Russia out
b Corea.
What is Corea and where is it situ.
hted?
Corea is an autocracy under
Japanese influence, about as large as
Kansas with a population estimated
h between 8 and 16 millions. The
Empire occupies a peninsula just
touth Of Siberia jutting into the
Pacific ocean between the Yellow sea
Ind the sea Of Japan, and reaching
Fithin less than one hundred miles
bf the southern end Of Japan.
Is Corea a rich country
Not especially. It is a purely agri-
cultural land and the methods of cul-
ovation are primitive. A few gold
mines are operated and there are sup
posed to be deposits of "copper" iron
And coal.
Why, then, does Russia want
Corea?
Chiefly because of its position.
COrea is an extension OF Manchuria
which practically belongs to Russia.
In the natural development of con-
tiguous territory Russian merchants
have crossed the boundary into Corea
and Russian interests accommodating
there under the weak native govern
ment naturally look to the Gear for
protection.
Why is Corea Of strategic value to
Russia?
For two reasons. First, Russian
vessels must make a long detuor
around Corea TO pass from Vladivo-
stock, Siberia, to Port Arthur, the
Russian harbor of Manchuria. In
this journey they must traverse a mar
row strait between Corea and a Jap
aneses island, comparable to Glib
raltar. To insure free passage Russia
weeks to control the end Of the Corean
peninsula. Second, when Russia be-
gins it's anticipated absorption Of
China 1t would be inconvenienced, if
, hostile power should have a mill
tary base on the northeastern coast OF
Asia Therefore Is desires to annex
Corea.
Why does Japan object TO the Rus
sian annexation of Corea?
Because Japan is oVercrowded, with
y population twelve times as dense
As that of the United States, and it
seeks an outlet for its immigrants on
the mainland. The island empire
has hoped, too, TO make Corea the
base of an attempt to extend Japan
ese influence throughout China. Fur
Ahermore, 1t now conducts nine
enths of Corea's commerce and owns
Corea's two railways It's trade and
railways would both be threatehed
and probably deprived of value in the
event of Russia's success. And, final
", Japan holds that it's own indepen-
hence would be menaced were Russia
to gain the harbor at the end of the
Corean peninsula almost within can.
non range of the japanese island fort
ress of Tsushima.
Does Japan want 10 annex Corea?
No. it is satisfied 10 maintain
Corea's sovereignty with the except
alton that its natural advantages Of
situation will give it the lions share
OF Corea's trade.
When did the trouble between Jap
an and Russia begin?
It began in 1895 when by war Japan
had forced China to recognize Corea's
independence and TO grant Japan the
southern end of Manchuria. Russia
forced Japan to give up Manchuria,
seized the surrendered territory and
secured a timber cutting concession
in the Yalu valley in Corea.
What brought on the present crisis?
Last year Russia advanced the
claim that the timber concession ex-
tends to the valleys Of all rivers trib-
utary to the Yalu and that 1t gives
the Russians the right TO build rail
ways and monOpOlize the port Of
Yongampho at the Yalu's mouth.
Did Russia announce it's Intention
10 annex Corea?
II did not. But Japan took the
ground that its procedure meant vir-
tUal annexation and so issued a pro
test.
Is it likely TO lead to war?
Japan says 1t viii unless Russia re-
sedes from its claims.