Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-08
WHAT JAPAN WILL ASK
INTEREST CENTERED IN THE
MIKADo's PROBABLE DEMANDS.

In diplomatic circles in this city there is
confident feeling that the Russian gov
ernment is inviting proposal from the
japanese for the conclusion of the war
and that If the latter see fit to make terms
that would be regarded as reasonable by
the powers Russia will accept them.
For this reason the chief interest is now
centered in the probable demands that
Japan will make. 1t is quite generally be-
iieVed that the least that will be demanded
by the plucky little fighters is an indemnity
for all expenses incurred in the war the
retention of Korea and the maintenance
of the integrity of Manchuria as Chinese
territory.
Since the present war has been waged
thousands Of japanese have settled in Man
churia. where they find abundant rich land
and VIII have free opportunity for its
development If the country is maintained
under Chinese control The presence of
these japanese in Manchuria will give their
government an additional reason for de-
manding that Russian influence be removed
from that territory. 1t strengthens the
hands of the japanese very much in carry
ing out what they have contended in the
past-that the entire Chinese territory
should be maintained In its integrity under
control of the Chinese government.
Integrity Of Chinese Territory.
The Japanese declare that the mainte-
nance of the integrity of China is with
them as essential as is the Monroe doctrine
to the United States. For that reason they
will, 1t is stated, insist on this policy, which
they have declared vigorously in the past.
The difficulty that it is thought may be ex-
perienced in carrying out this policy will
be in the details. Russia has certain con-
cessionary interests and makes claim to
rights in relation to Manchuria that may be
difficult to adjust, but that Japan will ac-
cept no phantom victory so far as Man
churia is concerned is generally accepted
as conclusive.
1t is believed by many of the friends of
the Japanese that they will not be rapa-
cious in their demands for a settlement,
but that they will meet this situation face
to face and decide it in business-like way.
Their diplomats are acquainted with the
bases that have been accepted in many in
stances in the settlement of peace terms,
and while the widest disparity exists IN
matters of that kind yet. it is believed rea
sonable bounds will be kept in sight.
1t is not believed to be likely that Japan
will care to go on record In demanding
anything more than she will be allowed TO
secure as a settlement of the war, and for
that reason it is thought here that there
will be a strong effort to make her first de-
mands SO reasonable that they can be ac-
cepted.
Amount or indemnity.
The amount of indemnity Japan is to re-
ceive for the war is susceptible of wide
expansion or contraction. 1t is not likely
that she will be willing to accept just
enough to compensate her for the cost Of
the war She will likely have bill Of
several hundred millions, although If her
bonded Indebtedness contracted to pay
war expenses Is considered, and certain
war expenses are added, they might not
go much beyond $150,00O,000. But she is
likely to want something more than that.
1t is understood that when the President
of the United States receives peace terms
that would be agreeable to Japan his first
act will be to place them before the lead
ing world powers and to ascertain from
them their view as to their reasonable
ness When that is done there is likely to
be played very interesting game of di-
that will be at that conference is more or
less suspected of partiality in the game
of war one way or another. There will be
efforts to sustain and to reduce the de-
mands of Japan through the methods Of
diplomacy.
But in diplomatic circles there is an
opinion that Japan will, rather than sur
render the victories of the war in the man
ner in which many diplomats think she
surrendered them after the war with Chi
na quietly bid defiance to those who OPP
pose her and content herself with con-
tinuation of hostilities. For that reason
there is a belief that the best way to bring
Russia and Japan to come to the problem
before them in business way and for
neither to attempt to obtain more than
reasonable terms of peace. with full
knowledge that Japan is entitled to the
chief things for which she went to war.