New-York tribune., 1905-04-15

Mr.. Chamberlain's references TO the anglo
japanese alliance suggest the consideration tnar
the lapsing or the renewal Of that interesting
compact will probably soon become question
OF practical politics It will, indeed, in all hkeh-
hood be one OF the questions upon which the
next Ministry IN Great Britain viii have 70
pass That treaty dates from January 30, 1902,
and is to run for five years. 1t will therefore
expire in January. 1907. unless-as is scarcely
TO be NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. is at that time still en-
gagged In war, for the treaty provides that It
shall not lapse or expire while either Of the
signatOries is involved In war with first class
power. A year hence, therefore we may expect
TO see the British government considering the
matter, and the Japanese government, too for
there are two sides to the case
There will be pretty general agreement with
Mr.. Chamberlain's Characterization Of the exist
ing alliance as one Of the greatest diplomatic
achievements OF the last quarter Of a century.
It must be so regarded, even by those who did
not or do not altogether approve it. It was
unique thing in history for such an alliance TO
be made between a Caucasian and Mongolian
power It has undoubtedly proved benehcent
thing in restricting the scope Of the war. That
IL had any material effect upon the causes or
the beginning Of the war may be doubted. The
war was practically inevitable years before this
treaty was made, and would have come just the
cannot doubt that the alliance has powerfully
restrained some other nations from joining In
the conflict It seems altogether likely that but
for il Russia would have enjoyed in this war the
active support OF at least one Of her allies of
ten years ago, and perhaps OF both Of them.
That would have made desperate odds against
the island empire. The British alliance has
freed Japan from even the least menace Of any
such thing, and is therefore regarded by her
with profound gratitude.
Japan VIII, therefore, probably be quite ready
to renew the treaty, and perhaps also TO extend
its terms as Mr.. Chamberlain suggests, though
Il must not be supposed she viii do so with en-
tirely unalloyed enthusiasm. While fully ap-
preciattng the immense value OF the alliance 10
her, she has been surprised to see the manner in
which her ally has given aid and comfort to her
foe. The number OF English ships that have
tried 20 run the blockade In Russias behalf and
that are az this moment accompanying the Rus
sian fest, and the stores Of British coal that
have been sold TO Russia for the use OF her navy
have been carefully observed in Japan The i'm
preston produced by them has not been alto
gether pleasant, but IL has been phIlosophically
received, and the japanese have made mental
notes 20 this effect: practical Western ma
'tions never let sentiment stand In the way Of
business" There viii be presently, we as
sume another and still more important test Of
the practical value of the treaty. That will be
in the peacemahng between Japan and Russia.
Beyond doubt some European power or powers
win lend Russia all possible diplomatic and
moral aid toward securing for her the most IA
vOrable terms. Japan will In that case look TO
Great Britain for a counteracting influence. II
Great Britain Is as successful I'm preserving for
Japan free field In peacemaking as she has
been In protecting her from interference In the
war, there will be no question Of Japan's WILL
ingness and desire 20 renew the treaty. IL win
/ rest with England 10 determine what shall De