Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1905-09-07
WHY DID JAPAN MAKE PgAcE7

4
: world That, IN what seemed to be
the closing moments OF the peace con-
ference, when it appeared as if an
agreement could not possibly be
reached, Japan. the acknowledged vic
tor in the war, should be the one to
recede from her demands, and should
consent TO make peace on terms OF
almost the cars own choosing proved
simply astounding.
The matter OF indemnity was the real
question at issue other points speedily
settled themselves. Russia steadfastly
held out against paying money in any
way, shape or manner to Japan. Japan
demanded il, and, as the victor, il
seemed fair demand on her part. At
first Russia's refusal was set down a. a
bluf. Il was believed that her ENJOYS
would play their hand as far as they
could, would secure the largest posi-
bic concessions, but that they would
finally consent TO pay something rather
than break OF peace negotiations.
This surmise proved wrong. Despite
all pressure, the car maintained his
position. 1t came to be accepted a.
length that Russia was not blualng.
and that rather than yield she would
continue the war. At this critical
juncture, Japan did the altogether un-
expected thing, she waived her claim
for indemnity entirely On the mo.
ment, peace became assured.
There has been endless speculation I
as TO the motives that prompted Japan I.
to take this step. The views range all I
the way from the opinion that the Japa-
nese cause was really in bad way.
despite its outward appearance, and I
that renewed conflict would have led /
to disaster, to the other extreme, that /
Japan did it purely out OF generosity 4
and to give an exhibition OF unprece-
dented magnanimity to the world. 7
The correct analysis is probably neither
OF these views, but partakes OF both,
in part, with many other considera-
tons thrown in.
Let US consider for what Japan went
to war, for it was Japan that took the
actual initiative eighteen months ago.
She had demande certain things OF Rus
STA. Chief among these We're that Rus
STA should speedily eyacuate Manchu-
ria, as she had then failed 10 DO, ac-
cording to her previous promise that
she should recognize Japan's predomi-
mating interests in Korea that she
should respect China's territorial in
tegrity; and that she should subscribe
to the principle Of the open door for
trade in China. Russia returned eyasiye
and unsatisfactory answers. Japan
then struck and the war was on.
After eighteen months OF warfare,
ENJOYS Of the two nations meet to con-
slider peace We find the Russians
ready to consent Immediately TO an /
hat Japan asked at the outset, and
more. The war tide has taken such a
urn that they are obliged not only to /
give mp their foothold in Manchuria. TO
recognize the Japanese protectorate in
Korea and to abandon their supposed
designs on China. but they are com
,elled to cede to Japan their lease OF
Port Arthur and Dalny, their heavy in
erests in the Chinese Eastern railway.
lalt OF their own island OF Sakhalin
IND fishing rights on their Siberian
.oasts. In other words, Japan has
Won by the war not only what she first
demanded, but these other valuable
rights and concessions.
70 much from a material standpoint.
But the chief gain to Japan and the
hief loss to Russia has been the
mastery Of the Far East. That really
vas the issue fought for. Japan
iewed it as war OF defence against
be aggressions of a powerful and e
neighbor. II was neces- =
airy Tor her to check the advance of Il
iussia in her direction, or soon she n
Tould be at the encroacher's mercy,
he has done this. She has proved
er supremacy. She has driven the S
-reat Bear back to his cold lair in the q.
'Orth, back where he is no longer "a
eriously formidable She has ruined AZ
Is naval power and thus safeguarded OF
er own island realm In short. bv
lis war she has established herself be- -
ond question as the chiefpower in the RI
asst, one that no nation, however u
rong. viii lightly provoke in future. =
So, on the mere question OF money. pr
ipan could afford to give way. in
hough there is not the slightest rea- ~ ~
N ~ Sunnnsa har ar-,Fo- ,,r.An-