The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1905-03-09
PROBLEM OF THE FAR EAST
BARON KANEKO SPEAKS AT
LAMPSOH HALL.

Japan Fighting for National Existence
Grand Ideal Of National Honor
EndeavOr to COndct War According
to International Law-Russian Viola
ton OF Hague Conyention-Japs Not
FataIists Christian Treatment of
Prisoners by Japs.
An enthusiastic welcome was accord
ed to Baron Kentora Kanekc by a
goOdly audience in Lampson hall last
night on the occasion of that distin-
guished Japanese statesman's address
on the Problem Of the Far East Pro-
longed nd hearty hand-clappfng greeted
the speaker as lie entered the hall and
assembled the platform and considerable
time elapsed before President Hadley
was given an opportunity to introduce
the baron to his hearers.
Baron Kaneke reviewed the main
cause of the great struggle in the East,
pointing out main issues. Port Arthur
and Lao Tung peninsula were acquired
by Japan as the spoils Of victory in the
Chinese war of 1S94-5. But Russia,
France and Germany stepped in and
compelled Japan to give these up for
the peace Of Asia. Three years later
Russia negotiated a secret treaty with
China by which Port Arthur was ac-
quired py the cars nation as a naval
base, and Lao Tung and the Port Ar
thur railway concession also secured.
The baron ointed out that the real mo-
tive of the Russian government was to
form wedge to get into the heart of
Japan. E-
Failing in allstheir attempts at nego-
tiation Japan saw no alternative but
the appeal to arms to settle the ques-
ton at issue. Japan, he declared, is
fighting for her national existence, to
defend her frontier and for national in
dependence. ...,s.E -..
After comparing the size of Japan
not a single Jaaanese entertained a
thought Of possible victory when they
entered on the struggle, but they We're
fighting for their national honor, which
was as great a source of pride as their
own individual honor. And if they We're
wiped off the map of Asia they know
that they would leave a record on the
pages Of history that there was once a
nation called ,Japan that stood for
righteousness and International justice
against The barbarity Of Muscovite gov
ernnellt tS&
He then showed how Jealous Japan
is to fight this war as a Christian ma
ton and according to international law.
To attain this latter object two pro-
fessors Of International law have been
assigned to each army corps and naval
squadron to decide whether actions are
In accordance with the code of nations.
So far we have not violated in any
instance International law. he asserted.
IA Next he took IN various aspersions
cast upon the Japanese by the Rus
slams and refuted them. showing also
how the Russians were the o1fes guilty
of violating the Gust laws Of civ
ilized warfare. He charged them,
among other things, with the violation
of the Esd article Of The Hague con
yention which .'' as he put it, was
convened BY the czar Of all. the Rus
sias. We expect to fight through this
war as a. civilized nation. r
The Russians have circulated a state
ment that this was a fight not simply
between Russian and Japan, but be-
tween Christianity and heathenism He
cited the Rurick incident and the mag
nificent treatment accorded Russian
prisoners by the Japanese, and their
hospital service contrasted with the
methods of the Russians as refutation
Of this scandalous claim. ACTIONS
speak louder than words said he.
The statement that the Japanese do
not fear to die because they are fatal
lists and do not know what death means
he branded as untrue. 1t is patriotism
loyalty, that is the cause of their BRAY
cry for their, emperor I'VE have an old
saying that men live one lifetime, but
his name shall live forever" We are
striving for the Rgreat future of the
Japanese empire.
In closing the baron called attention
to the great trade and commercial in-
terests Of the United States in the East
The war, he said. is not simply a strug-
gle between Russia and Japan, but be-
tween the system of continental mill
tarism represented by Russia, France
and Germany and that of maritime
commercialism which the United
States, England and Japan stand for
Japan is fighting for the open door II
China. There will be no Christian free
dom or religion III the east, no more
open door policy if Japan is defeated
he declared,
Baron KanelSo was applauded most
heartily at the close Of his interesting
address.