Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-14
japan and the United States.

"Only Yesterday I learned that Japan
overtures with the United States have been
progressing since the close of the war with
Russia The two governments have been
studying China and the Philippines Gorea
has been dropped now), and in conjunction
will undertake a stupendous task-that OF
looking out for China, which cannot look
out for herself. Secretary Taft had many
talks with Japanese statesmen in regard to
that resulting in the demand of large ap-
preparations he Is making of Congress, all
for the Philippines, but automatically emu
merated under different headings. Those
moves are all very interesting here in
Peking. where we are always on the qul
vive for the daily outlook.
"Japan's views and plans are these: She
will undertake to look out for whatever
troubles arise In China and will act for her
self as she thinks best. But in doing so she
is acting for both the United States and
Great Britain, who have practically rele-
gated all authority to Japan Naturally
they have to be told of all that Is taking
place and of the proposed moves wherever
and whenever advisable or possible. How
England and Japan have agreed In the mat
ter of army and navy supplies, and expenses
therefor, l don't know. Being formal allies,
1t is likely that the financial question will
come up some other time. But in so far as
the United States goes. it is believed in dip
lomatic circles here that number of troops
stationed in the Philippines may do some of
the less conspicuous duty. But work Of
more delicate character, as diplomatic ex-
change on local affairs. and secret service
work and the suppression of minor upris-
ings in China. and close study of Ger
manys attitude, and Russian preponder-
ance at Peking, all this will be Japans duty
to look after. 1t Is thought that all active
field service-army expeditions and naval
scouting-will be Jointly shared In by the
United States and Japan. the former being
allowed her share pro rata from EnSin nd j
contribution. The plans are marvellous, when
you look into them seriously, and If there
be no uprisings In China, then they will in
sure the peace of the far cas- perpetualiy.
The Japanese are better adapted to look
after the Chinese, whose traits and indi-
vidualities they know better than we west
erners; whose moves are less likely 10 ex-
cite suspicion resentment in the Chinese
mind.
japanese In China's Army.
"It has repeatedly been alleged that Ger
man army officers drilling Chinese troops
show clearly that Germanys influence Is at
Its zenith. But 1t is not true. You must
know that for every five German officers in
China there are ten Japanese ones, and the
result is obvious. One rumor which is cred
tied to certain extent among the diplomats
here is that German gold is buying its way
to the Chinese throne and the smaller Chi
nese dignitaries. 1t is hard to ascertain
how far this gold has gone, and how far 1t
will go, but in questioning three of the Vice
roys we detected a slight pro-Geiman feel
ing in their words. 1t is this influence that
Japan alone is able to combat, and likely 10
offset; and in doing this she has the open
and substantial support of Great Britain
and the moral and also substantial support
of the United States. 1t should not be
taken, though, that the United States is
trying to hide itself in this action; it is done
with a full realization of the responsibilities
incurred, and that it may be possible at
some day to avow openly all her actions;
but as whatever is going to be done IS hon
orable and morally permissible, the United
States is. it were, conscience-clear Pol
itics play great game in the International
problem, and 1t is to satisfy the traditions
of the American people that the administra-
tion is acting thus.
Probably Germany. if her saies ever
learn anything worth while, ms be wise
enough 10 hold herself in check and look
only to whas is justifiable for. her to receive
In Morocco. without looking for complioa-
tions in China. To play with fire is danger
Qua, and we all know it. More news next
week"