The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-10-20
DANGER In FLEETS CRUISE
MAY REVIVE ANTI-AMERICAN
JINGOTSM IN JAPAN.


Isteh Between the Two Countries
Maybe Japan Is Arming Against Euro
pean Foes and Not Against America.
WASHINGTON. Oct. le.-Eariy in the
present year when the anti. American agi-
tation in Japan was rampant and the Jap
anese Government found itself beset by
violent attacks from n strong opposition
i'm which the war spirit was rampant the
Ministry seemed to have satisfied the United
States Government of its friendliness and to
nave succeeded in relieving the anxiety that
prevailed in Washington. IL is understood
that the assurances which the Roosevelt
administration received of Japan's des re
to maintain friendly relations were prof.
ferred in a spirit that left no doubt Of their
sincerity.
The difficulties with which the Ministry
at Toxic had to contend were thoroughly
understood here and excited a sympathetic
feeling. for this Government mac on several
occasions found itself embarrassed in the
conduct OF its international relations by
similar agitation in the United States
directed against foreign nations, but engi-
neered mainly for political purposes. jim
goism was no new thing to the authorities
in Washington.
At that time the ruling power In Japan
found itself facing a domestic crisis. Thou
sands'of soldiers and sailors who had particle
pated in the war with Russia were angry
over the sudden ending of the struggle.
They felt that they had been cheated Of their
prize just as it was within their grasp. They.
as well as many others in the empire. be-
lieved that IL it had not been for the inter-
position Of President Roosevelt Russia
would have been compelled to pay japan
an indemnity equal to the cost Of the prose-
cution Of the war by the japanese Govern
ment.
When the Japanese school war arose In
San Francisco. followed by attacks on
Japanese subjects residing on the Pacific
Coast. the latent war spirit was revived
among the thousands Of soldiers who had
been withdrawn from the field at the mo-
ment when a crushing victory seemed GER
tain. Agitators who had no other object
than to put themselves in power sought
TO create the impression that the Toxic
Ministry was ~pusillanimo9s in not forcing
an issue with the United States. In the
face of this condition the Ministry re-
NAMED friendly to the American Govern
ment and apparently convinced II that
the jingoism Of the opposition would have
Ministry to abandon its professed feeling Of
good will.
The explanation OF the attitude OF the
Japanese Ministry relieved that feeling OF
anxiety prevailing here. But a few months
later all the friendly assurances OF Japan
were allowed to count for nothing. when
jingoism was revived. in this country for
partisan purposes. Reports that Japan
was buying war material were accepted
as meaning only that she was getting, ready
for war with the United States. And right
at that time. when the most conservative
action was necessary to show the Japanese
Government that it's assurances were ac-
cepted "A sincere. he American battleship
feet was ordered TO the Pacific Ocean.
From that action has come the danger
which Is now beginning to be appreciated.
1t il doubtful II anybody would set up
the claim hat this Government did not have
the right to send its warships wherever
IL pleased within the limits OF its possess
cruise OF the feet on that score. The OBJ
lection lies in the policy Of exciting the
suspicion OF a nation which felt that the
friendly spirit IL had exhibited when the
original attempt to create friction was
made was entitled to respect. Sending tho
feet TO the Pacific Ia a piDrTick which has
been felt by Japan in spite of all the Of |
fetal cocaine hat has been used to avert
the pain.
The belief apparent In certain Admins
tration circles that the report Of the pur-
chase Of war MATERIAL by Japan and Of great
activity In the Japanese army and navy
ready to fight tho United States. is not
entirely unanimous In Washington. An
argument to the contrary, Of equal IL not
better plausibility IL being presented. |
Japan. II IN pointed out, has enough to do |
Ter years 70 CUWo 70 Ooxfy out pOi0ioo