Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1905-06-02
BRATTLEBORO, FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 1905
The Meaning Of Japan's Victory.


The Boston Transcript points out that
the japanese victory may be not only
the decisive battle of the war, but it may
even be added TO the lengthening list of
those decisive battles which have affected
the worlds history in racial and political
developments. Herein 1t may have wider
effect even than its purely military con-
sequences, important as these are. The
communications between japan and the
Japanese army in Manchuria are pre-
served, which has been the great object
of the Japanese navy. Had the suprem-
acy of the sea indisputaby passed to tn =
Russians, the Japanese army might have
been in a predcament very similar to
that of Spain in Cuba after the battle of
Santiago Spain then had over 1870, 900
regular troors on the island, but the more
she had the worse she was off, since
there was no way of rescuing or re-en-
forcing them. They were as rats in a
trap.
A great military success usually coin
cides with a diplomatic advantage and
Japan will enter into what councils of
the nations may follow the war with all
the prestige of a victor. Possibly no
councils will be held, for II is now imprac-
ticable for any coalition even to attempt
to repeat the performance of ten years
ago, when Russia, France and Germany
conspired to deprive her of the fruits Of
her victory. Russia was the moving
spirit of that coalition, France was her
ally, and Germany her accomplice. With
Russia defeated, France already nervous
over her financial aid to Russia, and Ger
many tactfully observant of the direction
Ia lataha 10. N.a...
tion is unfavorable for any diplomatic
move challenging the conversion of Great
Britains attitude from that of passive
to active assistance OF Japan. The
United States has by the American people
given moral support to Japan. our gov
ernment has observed strict neutrality,
but its policy Of the open door and its
championship Of the integrity Of China,
leave no room for doubt as to how or
where the weight OF its influence would
be cast.
Whatever the powers may do or what
ever they may not do. II is plain that
there must be "A recasting Of the world g
diplomacy with regard to the Far East
An Asiatic power OF the first class has
made an astonishingly successful debut
on the stage of the worlds affairs. That
is the significant fact Of the contest after
all is done and said for IL means that
the spirit OF tutelage i'm which continental
Europe has conducted its relations with
Japan must yield to an appreciation OF
the necessity of regarding her as an equal
to be consulted instead Of a ward to be
commanded. In the process Of the
worlds readjustment to me situation just
created those powers which have fore
seen the development Of Japan, and
which have by "A friendly attitude to-
wards this progress won from her a cor
responding recognition OF their good in
tentions, must reap considerable advan-
taCes. Those powers are the United
states and Great Britain whose enlighJ-
ened policies have differentiated them
from all others. They are not likely ia
ask anything Of Japan the granting OF
which would be inconsistent with her self
respect or her true interests, and what
ever they are disposed to request she will
be well inclined to accord. The far-see-
ing humanity Of Secretary Hays East
ern policy will bring us abundant reward
in an increased prestige with the people
Of Japan, and one which they will see is
for their good as well as ours. How
rapidly Russia viii attain a clear view OF
her own situation remains to be seen.
1t * true that in the past she has rallied
truly herioc In the Napoleonic wars
Austerltz did not prevent her from re-
appearing on the firing line and il took
FIiedland, almost two years later, 10
bring ner to accept peace Of Napoleon.
The destruction Of Moscow was a heroic
measure of which only a heroic people
could he capable. She was steadfast in
her purpose when others faltered. She
has often since returned to the charge
when others, not weaklings, would have
been willing to cry Enough. But be-
fore We build much upon the past, let us
reckon fairly the changes time has
brought about. Russia, when she made
heroic sacrifices or heroic exertions, had
at the head of her government czars
made of sterner stun than the present
autocrat. and was engaged in causes that
brought the national spirit of her people
into blazing enthusiasm. She has now
a weak ruler, 4 people discontented with
their government 10 an extent that makes
them significantly Indifferent to a wal
waged at a great distance, and for ar
object which is diplomatic rather than
popular. Moreover, that war has been an
unbroken series of Russian defeats by
sea and land. AS the governing classes
must perceive. they have gained neither
prestige nor profit from it with which tc
strengthen themselves and the throne.