Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1904-02-05
RUSSIAS-JAPAS TROUBLES.

What is the trouble III the far eustf
Japan is trying to keep Russia out Of
Korea.
What is Korea and where is it sit
uated?
Korea Is III autocracy under Japanese
inilunece. about rs large as Kansas with
a population estimated at between s.
100000 and l6, 1905, 900, The empire oc.
cupies a peninsula just south of Siberia.
iutting into the Pacific Ocean between
the Yellow sea and the Sea OF Japan,
md reaching within less than 100 miles
Of the southern end Of Japan.
Is Korea u rich country
Not especially. II is n purely agri-
cultural land and the methods OF c ulti
walton are primitive. A few gold mines
are operated and there are supposed to
DO deposits OF copper, iron and coal.
Why, then, docs Russia want Korea,
Chiefly because Of it's position, Korea
is an extension Of Manchuria which
practically belongs to Russia. In the
natural development Of contiguous ter.
ritory Russian merchants have crossed
the boundary into Korea and Russian
interests accommodating there under the
weak native government naturally look
to the Car for protection.
Why is Korea OF strategic value to
Russia!
For two reasons. First, Russian ves-
sells must make Il long detour around
Korea To pass from Vladivostock, ST.
IBERIA to Port Arthur, the Russian llar.
Dor in Manchuria, In this journey they
must traverse a narrow strait between
Korea and a Japanese island, compar-
able TO Gibraltar. To insure free pass
age Russia seeks to control the end Of
Russia begins it's anticipated absorption
OF China it would be Inconvenience if
a hostile power should have a military
base on the northeastern coast OF Asia.
Therefore it desires to annex Korea.
Why does Japan object to the Rus.
sian annexation OF Korea?
Because japan i overcrowded with a
population twelve times MS dense us that
OF the United States, and it seeks an
outlet for its emigrants on the mainland
The island empire has hoped, too, to
make Korea the base Of I'M attempt TO
extend Japanese influence throughout
China. Furthermore. it now conducts
nine-tenths OF KOrea'5 NJ and
owns Korea's two railways. Its trade
and railways would both be threatened
and probably be deprived OF value in
the event Of Russia's success. And, f.
nally, Japan holds that its W indie.
dendence would he menaced were Rus.
sid to gain the hsrbor ut the west end
OF the Korean peninsula almost within
cannon range OF the Japanese island
fortress OF Tsushima.
Does Japan want to annex Korea!
No. 1t is satisfied to maintain Korea's
sovereignty with the expectation that its
natural advantages of situation will
give it a lions share OF Korea's trade.
When did the trouble between Japan
and Russia begini
1t began in 1895, when 10y wal Japan
had forced China to recognise Korca's
independence and to grant Japan the
southern end OF Manchuria. Russia
forced japan to give up MRnchuria,
seized the surrendered territory and Sc.
cured II timber cutting concession in
the Yalu valley in Korea.
What brought on the present crisis?
Lust year Russia advanced tho claim
that the timber concessions extends to
the valleys OF all rivers tributary to the
ialn and that it gives the Russians tho
right to build railways and to monop.
Ollie the port OF Yongampho at the
inlu's mouth.
Did Russia its intention TO
Korea!
1t did not But japan took tho
ground that its procedure meant virtual
annexation and 80 issued II protest.
Is this likely to lead to war?
japan says il will unless Russia re,
cedcs from its claims.-Kansas City
Starr.