News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1905-07-05
How the War Began
(From Troy. N. Y. Times. !

| rulted In The war IN the ar East be-
tween Russia and Japan. 1t will be
recalled that when hostilities began,
Russia put the responsibilities on it's
opponent and there was much lurid
rhetoric at st. Petersburg concerning
the alleged precipitancy of Japan,
and there were heard even limitations
of treachery. But the conduct of
Japan, both in beginning and con-
Quoting hostilities, has been fully es-
tablished as coming we'll within the
rules established by international
agreement and as fully complying
with the lequiI ements of civilization
and humanity. In fact, there is not
wanting belief to the effect that Japan
has taught the world a number of
things which greatly elevate it as an
amplar OF the better side OF war.
Me nwhile Russia has learned some
thing. 1t was early made to see that
1t is l ever safe to underrate a foe.
And it has also been told in pretty
plain language that the blame for war
with Japan rests much more directly
on he Russian government than on
that OF the Mikado. Admin al Alexieff,
VINO was the Russian Viceruy in Man
cburia and in direct authority at the
time the crisis was approaching, was
removed some time ago and is now
practically in disgrace. NJ. White,
| one OF the foremost Russian states
men, has charged that the unfortun-
ate conditions which eliminated in
war we're due to the Vaccinations of
| Alexieff and those associated with
him in designs tor exploiting that
region, NJ. Witte rejOices that through
the pei atty thus imposed "the black
page whicn preceded the bloody pages
OF the book OF Far Eastern affairs has
at at been torn out by the Emper-
Or" But tearing out the page does
not undo the mischief.
The facts are impressiveIy shown
by an official Russian publication
just issued dealing with events of the
empire from 1903 20 the outbreak of
the war, in February, 1904. At the
beginning of the period included in
the "red book" the Russian and jap
anese governments were in accord as
to the principle that Russian rights
in Manchuria and japanese rights in
Cor were practically the same. In
other worCs, Russia admitted that
she had no permanent legal tenure in
Nanchuria and was there only by suf-
ferance of China, which possessed SOW
erign rights. Altxieff, however, af-
firmed that cit would be impossible
for Russia to leave Manchuria with
out losing PRESTIGE" notwithstand-
ing the solemn pledge toget out that
had been given. He also dec AIRED
that while Russia should remain in
Manchuria Japan should not be al
lowed foothoId in Corea. Later he
became more insietent and arbitrary,
and 1t was disclosed that he and
other Russians were working impor-
tant timber and other concessions
which they had secured in Corea.
The government at st. Petersburg
apparently concluded to back him up.
What has followed was natural,
and as now seen in the knowledge
which the world has of Japanese
character and of the spirit which has
Influenced her government and peo-
pie vas inevitable. Commenting on
this phase OF the case the New York
Tribune says -
The attitude of Russia was. of course I'M
satisfactory to Japan. 1t was, indeed. the
direct cause of the war. In Deem ber at the
Russian capital Admiral Abasa. President of
the Committee of Far Eastern Affairs, a par
tisan of Alexieff's admitted that if Russia
maintained Alexiefl's policy there might be
danger of war. But he added that Japan
was in bad way and could not stand
against Russia. However, he proposed that,
instead OF directly challenging war, Russia
should break off negotiations and let Japan
o2cupyCorea. Then Russia should protest. and
perhaps other European powers would protestl
Ia brief, the game OF ten years ago, when
Russia got France and Germany to join her
in forcing Japan out Of Port Arthur, was to
be repeated. To this astounding scheme the
Gar apparently gave his sanction. At the
same time on January s, just month before
the beginning of the war, the Gar ordered the
East Asian armies to be modified, Manchu-
ria, Port Arthur and Vladvistok TO be de-
clared in a state of siege and general prepara-
tons of war to be made A few days later
Admiral Abasa declared it was Russa's poll
icy to tempt Japan, by some means, to oc-
cupy COrea, because it would convict Japan
OF the violation of all International law"
Finally. few hours before the war began,
the Gar telegraphed to Alexeff that it was
desirable to have the japanese and not the
Russians begin hostilities. But he added if
the Japanese sent their ships into the waters
of northern Corea the Russians should at
tack them without awaiting the first shot"
1t will be recalled that that was just what the
Russians did at Chemulpo.
1t has been proved by Russia's own
official records that she and not
japan was responsible for the con-
ditions that brought on the war, and
the reputation by the Car of Alexieff
is further confession to the effect.
There can be little doubt that if Rus
STA were to do it over again the re-
suit might be different. Yet tearing
out the "black page" does not alter
the present situation. The logic of
circumstances now points to the wis
dom of making peace, even though
that procedure may be considered
tantamount to an admission of the
great mistake made in bolstering up
Alexieff in his indefensible attitude
two years ago. 1t is never pleasant
to confess wrong, but the Gar Will
really serve his own cause and that
of Russia most effectively by owning