The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-09-11
JAPAN DESERVED
BETTER TERMS
w. D. WASHBURN DISCUSSES THE
TREATY OF PORTSMOUTH.
Former Senator, Who Is Familiar with
Politics of the Orient, Says Victors
Were Not Adequately Rewarded
Japan Will Dominate Manchuria and
Develop Resources Of China.

From what I have been able to
learn about the treaty Of Portsmouth,
am inclined to think that Japan has
not been treated fairly said former
Journal today. General Washburn
arrived in Minneapolis this morning, af-
ter a ten-weeks' stay upon the old
Washburn family homestead at Liver
more, Me-, some fifty miles from Port
land, in the foothills of the White
mountains.
burn, we may not know ali about the
conditions behind the treaty. There
may be, and probably are, circum-
stances which had an influence upon
events of which we know nothing. But
from what we know of the terms Of
the treaty, it is distinctly disappointing.
It does not seem to me that after MAX
derive so little benefit. It seems as if
she were entitled to large indemnity.
It has been my belief all along that
she would be granted an indemnity. L
fear that some of the powers, probably
Great Britain, played an important part
by some means, to agree to the condi-
tions. 1t is possible that in relinquish-
ing some of their strongest claims
against Russia, the Japanese were actu-
ated by desire to show to the world
| that they are not a nation of bar
barians, and that they are alive to hui
manitarian principles.
/ Best for Civilization. +
cit is, I think, fortunate for all civ
ilization that Japan was the victor in
the great conflict, continued Senator
Washburn' "Civilization must be car
ried westward to the orient, and Japan
of all nations is best fitted to do the
work. Being contiguous to China, she
will ultimately succeed in effecting a
wonderful transformation in the flow
cry kingdom. The japanese are one
of the most remarkable peoples in the
world today. The rapidity with which
thc7 have absorbed our civilization is
marvellous. It must be borne in mind
that the greater part of our own civil
cation is only about $50 years old, yet
within a few years Japan has copied
from us practically every feature Of our
surpassed us in our own inventions and
improvements.
81 believe that Manchuria will be
under Japanese control. altho not nomi
nally SO. While China will ostensibly
be the dominating power in Manchuria,
there is no doubt but that the open
| door will prevail, and Japan, with her
shrewd business foresight and enter
prise, will soon have under way thous.
and vast schemes of Improvement.
! Will Teach Others.
nThe rapidity with which the Japs
assimilate the highest form of modern
civilization is wonderful. and no less
remarkable is their eagerness. to I'M
part their knowledge to other less
| off oH nr1 W.
: the vast armies Of the mikado have
: been spreading the gospel Of civiliza
: ton everywhere they went-conduct
, ing schools for the Chinese in, Manchu
: ria, instructing them in commerce, ag
riculture and every form Of modern ac
thing for the United States that japan
, was victorious. !, l.
:, Russia Will Profit. IL
con the other hand the. effect of the
war on Russia cannot but be salutary
Russia will learn the same lessor
which the Spanish-American wal
taught Spain. Instead Of depending
l eign possessions and neglecting her in
terror progress, she will have her at
tention turned inward to the develop
ment Of the country itself. Prior tt
E the war Russia s attitude toward The
United States was dec1dedlY hostile
: She seemed to feel, without reason, Of
' course, that the United States was MOI
neutral and that we were her enemies
, But our conduct has shown that WE
] were perfectly neutral and cannot hay,
failed to win the respect and gratitude
= of the czar's ministers. The visit, too
to the United States Of M. Witte, Bar
I on Rosen and the other dignitaries o:
4 the czar's court, will I believe, hav.
/ a marked effect upon Russia IS futuf,
policy toward this country. These cul
: tured Russians were amazed at tn.
wonderful progress apparent on ever,
side in the United States, and I be
1 lieve that hereafter we shall find tha
I we have warm friend in Russia
This will mean much, for there ar,
\ wonderful commercial possibilities il
d that enormous empire.
\ HPresident Roosevelt is by all odd
the biggest man in the world today
/ and I believe that this most recent ant
\ finest achievement Of his in bringing
/ the war to a peaceful termination
\ makes him one Of the greatest men tn
I world has ever seen. -