Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-12
JAPAN MILITANT
PAYS THE PIPER

Special Cablegram to The Star.
TOXIC. August 11.-Japan Is now paying
the piper for the even<s of the past thirty
months. What the war did not accomplish
the economic results Of the recent famines
more serious than the world will ever know,
have accomplished. On every hand the
pinch of the peoples poverty Is evident to
one who has seen them In the height of
their prosperity and prestige. while the ef-
feet on the well-being, of foreign inhabi
tants Is little less than disastrous. In some
cases the import duties on foreign COM
modities. articles necessary to foreigners.
have been Increased by 2aO per cent. while
every industry and venture throughout the
country Is burdened to an extent which
makes 1t a matter of wonder as to how
they are kept going. If there was any WIS.,
IDLE sign of policy of retrenchment being
inaugurated and carried through this state
or anairs might call for no comment, but.
on the contrary 1t is evident even to the
most casual observer that no halt has been
called In the expenditure ornaments and
military preparations. There IL no diminu-
ton in the expenses of the arsenaIs and
dock yards, rather the contrary, and the
signs of activity both in military and naval
circles vary very little from those pertain
ing to those early weeks Of 1904 before war
broke out
And the greatest disgust Is everywhere
expressed because England. the ally of
Japan. under the present liberal govern
ment Is not as imperialistic to the army
and navy as at the time the Anglo-Japa-
nese treaty was signed.
The japanese press criticses the reduc-
ton or the British army. saying that, in
the event of trouble being caused thereby.
the chief sufferer would be Japan, as the
ally of England. The papers stigmatize MI.
Haidane's plan as wrestling in another
mans waistcoat." and call attention at the
OFFENCE given to English political sections
some years ago. when the little Japanese
opposed an increase Of the Japanese navy
| ON account of England's naval strength In
Churchfil's argument that japanese strength
in the east is favorable to the relations of
England in Europe with France. Russia
and Germany. and that therefore no rup-
ture Is probable In the next ten years. Is
too, optimistic. The 'Ko Ku Min" says
that 1t is well to remember that Japan Is
not living in world of ideals but of
realities. The Jill Shimpo'. thinks that
even IL reduction of ornaments were pro-
posed by Great Britain at the next Hague
conference II Is doubtful whether 1t would
even be seriously discussed
All Of these things duly tend to show that
Japan Is growing more and more imperi-
alfstic In tone and tenor year by year.
The Marquis Ito Is determinedly attempt
Of Korea by eliminating incompetent OFF,
Gals and by the promotion Of important
improvements. Strong checks are being
put upon the rapacity Of Japanese settlers.
and officials are now seeking with consid-
cradle success to bring the disorderly Japa-
nese elements under control. The Marquis
Ito says it Is his intention to Investigate
and redress cases where the Japanese have
appropriated Korean lands.
Unfortunately the good effects are partly
neutralized by the inferior Japanese policy
here, which alienated not only the bureau
cracy. but the eommonalty. The young
children In the streets of Seoul curse
Japan.
The emperor Is guarded by Japanese gen.
darmes, and cannot move in the simplest
affair without consent.