The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-04-07
JAPANESE MONROE DOCTRINE
THE LATEST SENSATION DISCUSS,
ED IN WASHINGTON.
Ii Is Said That japan Has ambition TO
Exercise Influence In the Far East
Like the United States Does I'm the
Western Hcmi~phev-Thc Mika,to
May Relieve This Country of the
Philippines.

Washington. March 26.-There is
considerable discreet. but nevertheless.
persistent gossip and speculation beans
INDUCED in here and in New York
about Japan establishing a "~Japane>"
Monroe Doctrine" in the far East.
when peace shall have been restored
between Russia and Japan.
The subject has been quietly tbs
cissed in administratio and diplo-
matte circles ever since the prospect
for peace negotiations between Japan
and Russia frightened. 1t is sai /:
that Japan will probably make dc-
mands along that line in framing the
terms of Il peace settlement.
Members of the administration. who
have been interviewed on the subject
decl.ne TO place themselves on record
for or against the suggestion until thy
have some definite knowledge as To the
authenticity OF the report. 1t is contend
Ell that Japan. following the example
of the United States i'm the Western
Hemisphere, WALL seek 10 establish Il
policy similar to our cherished Monroe
Doctrine. 10 expand her trade aaG
strengthen her position as Il word
power in the Far East.
EXPERTS NONPLUSSED.
The subject is so new and unSrUdiet
that international lawyers and dipl.-
matte experts hesitate To express
themselves freely until the problem j.;
presented to them i'll some tangible
form, or until they have had al o.
p%ortunity TO make some further iHvcs.
tigatiOn of the possible outcome OF suCA
Il policy on the part of Japan.
AN EXPENSIVE EXPERIMENT.
Far down under the surface the I'M.
preston seems to be growing III The
United States that the Philippine -
lands are Il far greater drain on the
national treasury than even the most
ardent e~XpanSioniStS yer dreamed o..
The millions Of dollars spent there nv
the United States Government comes
not back to this country. but is ali.
sOrbed by Japan and other EaStern
countries. 1t is said that in the event
of the United States giving the Philip
pines an independent form of govern
ment, something after the style of tie
tot "a iiIth bbfsit NoNiIl tAt8-
else Il protectorate owe those iSlan-.s.
as we do in Cuba.
Those who profess to have some III
side knowledge on the subject state
that Japan will never consent t o tile
REIMBURSEMENT of the Philippines by
the United States to any European
power. Senator Cullom. chairman OF
the Senate committee of foreign reia-
tons, while 10th to discuss the subject,
said hat he feels assured that the
friendly relations between the United
States and Japan are so firmly cemen:
ed that there is no probability of those
Two countries becoming involved IL a
controversy over the Philippine lsla,Gs
POSITION OF JAPAN.
1t is an interesting question aud it
is likely to receive further consider
ton after peace between Japan and
Russia is declared. Japan is an island
kingdom. similar to England. Japan IS
q progressive nation. and she nceGs
more territory for her rapidly increas
ing commerce. A former Japanese min
lister to the United States is said to
have entertained some distinguished
Americans in Japan recently During
the visit the subject of the Philippine
policy of the United States government
was freely discussed. In the course
of the conversation Japan's desire to
acquire more territory in the Far East
was frankly stated. 1t was said that
Japan is ready to relieve the Unite
states from the expense and responS
b;lity Of maintaining the Philippines,
II with this object in view thousands
Of Japanese have iocked into the Phil
ippiRo Islands. ahead of the Chinese.
who are kept ont by the enforcement
of the american Chinese exclusion act
The remarkable success Of the jap
aiiese in thei" conflict with Russia l.,
calculated 70 encourage the "cocky'
:li@ti0m OF the nIikado to get Il .:bie
stick and 70 into the world power"
business in the Far East-News and
Courier.