Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-01-27
REGARDED As ABSURD
Japan's Reported Designs Upon
the Philippines.
Mr.. HI0Kl'S STATEMENT
Declares His Country Does Not Want
the Islands.
IT DESIRES ONLY PEACE NOW
Views of Prominent Diplomat Re-
garding the Aspirations Of the
Island Empire.
IT DESIRES ONLY PEACE NOW

"All this talk concerning Japan's anabi-
lions and intentions relative to territorial
aggrandizement is absurd" said Mr.. Eki
Hiokd. charge d'affaires of the japanese le-
cation. to a representative of The Star in a
discussion Of the rumors current on that
subject in newspaper circles II cannot say
enough In disavowal of my country's al
legged designs upon the Philippines, because
such disavowals have frequently come
from authoritative souces. bearing little
fruit. For your information 1 can do no
more than reiterate the words which 1
spoke before the Cleveland chamber or
commerce some months ago"
You spoke of war in your address, the
reporter said. although present rumors say
that you wish to gain possession of the
Philippines either by purchase or dip!o-
matte exchange
1T is all absurd" said Mr. Hoki. with
laugh. I'VE do not want the possessions
Of the United States under any circum-
stances. The situation in the far east Is
far more complicated than people appear to
think, and therefore it had better be left as
1t now stands, to follow it's own natural
course. To want the Philippines would not
be compatible with peaceful interests, and
Japan wants peace. especially when one
scans the delicate and complicated reia-
lions OF the interests of the various powers
in the far east"
1.-The Indifference of Japan to the acquf-
sition of the Philippines is incredible when
we look into the subject from a purely d.
plomatic and international point of view,
said a prominent diplomat today when told
of Japan's attitude as officially explained
IF you remember. about SIX or seven years
ago-in 1899, believe-Japan was accused
more or less openly with having a greater
interest in the Hawaiian Islands than was
necessary for disinterested nation. True,
the Spanish-American war served to bring
the United States and the island empire into
closer proximity. and naturally the latter'
for self-interest, to say nothing Of self-edu-
cation wanted to keep an eye open on what
was going on at her door.
Not Seeking Territorial Extension.
s'The Philippines are geographically her
own we must admit, but since the acquisi-
ton Of the southern half of the Island Of
Sakhalien and her protectorate over Korea.
she is no longer anxious for territorial ag-
grandizement. Whatever ideal Japanese
Imperialism has in view, I can assure You
that colonization does not play an impor-
tant part Japan, physically, Is IKE Eng
landau empire surrounded by water, re-
moved from the continent, something which
Is distinct disadvantage to any nation,
however strong 1t be In military force. 1t
would expose, in case of a war with a for
eign nation, the mainland to attacks that
would be impossible to make against
country such as Germany or France.
You tell me that Gov. Wrfght's appoints
ment to the court of Japan as ambassador
from the United States is important, and
hides a delicate diplomatic problem. That
generally construed. Gov. Wright's thor
ough knowledge of the Philippines is use
full to him in representing American In
terests in the far east, both commercially
and politically It Is likely that Japan may
give material help to the United States In
the direction Of the Philippine policy; or to
extend trade relations between the empire
and the colonies; or. which Is more likely.
to insure an understanding whereby mill
tary and strategical plans of mutual but
tremendous interest may be completed. The
understand at first thought; but it's magni-
tude Is marvellous in case of future trouble
in Asia between the great powers, Of which
there Will always be some.
Marquis Ito's Policy.
Naturally there ought to be some proof
that Japan's coyetousness of the Philip
pines is a myth. To this effect 1 will re-
mind you that although Japan always re-
manned dignified in the face of the affront
given to her pride in being forced by the
alliance of European powers to give up the
fruits of her victorious struggle with China,
the Japanese today are devoutly thank
fun that the Iiao-tung peninsula is not
theirs. 1t Is well known that the only
charge brought against the foreign policy
of MARQUIS Ito was that he insisted on the
cession of territory which Japan did not
really need or want. The conservative in
stinct of the nation was strongly opposed
to the acquisition of Chinese territory, and
even after the flush of victory In the re-
cent struggle with Russia, Japanese in
stinct has gained in force and volume.
1.-THE vision of Japanese imperialism Is
intensive rather than extensive AS has
often been said. the people are proud of
memories of old Japan. and they now seek
only to enhance the glory of the new en-
pire which, after emerging from her long
isolation. is now living in the fun tide OF
,.;o and M 10
great powers. AS a writer once expressed
it, 1t is the spirit of the old self-contained
life which leads its people to cherish and
maintain, even in the rush and whirl of
the new career on which Japan has entered,
whatever they can save from the beauty
and peace of their centuries of seelnslon
Experience With Aggrandizement.
Japan, furthermore, has had some expe-
rience with Acknowledgement. Her a priori
indisposition to enlarge the borders Of the
present empire is enhanced by the thought
of the enormous practical difficulties and ex-
pense entailed by the administration of its
colony of Formosa. Valuable as the island
Is, from almost every point of view, 1t taxed
the resources and abilities of the home gov
eminent to such a degree that doubtless
there existed for time, although. of course,
1t was never expressed, a strong regret that
Russia, France and Germany did not include
in their demand the surrender of all the ter
r1tOriai IFultS OF the JdphHcSe NtClofitS III
her struggle with China. 1t is even believed
that for a time Japan looked upon Formosa
as burden and as hfndrance to her own
development. Apart, also. from the consid-
Grafton Of the expense incurred by the new
acquisition unforeseen problems involved in
its administration proved source of great
perplexity to the imperial government. These
problems are of much interest in the pres
emit discussion as furnishing an indication of
what would be In store for her If it took
upon herself to direct the Philippines. And,
as you know. the United States has had all
the trouble 1t cared to have with them, and
l believe the end is not yet.
Another drawback in Japan's aggrandize-
ment In relation to the islands, is that she
could face the task of managing hetero-
geneous population such as has never before
come under its sway. its supreme felicity
hitherto having been the extraordinary
homogeneity of it's subject masses, arising
from their long seclusion. Herein lies in a
great measure the secret of Japan's unique
ness. In these days of the flow and fux of
races a civilized nation, forty millions strong,
compacted into unity of thought and no.
where else to be found is an object of inter-
est.
Japan,s Friendship for This Country.