The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-03-05
Seizure of Steamer From
Nippon IS Climax
to Series of Diff
ferenCeS.
English Public Opinion
Alienated by Ally'S
AggreSSVeneSS and
Threat by Okuma.

LONDON. March 5.-War is unaues-
tionaby imminent between China and
Japan. High officials are at last un-
officially admitting that there is every
appearance Of disposition on Japan's
part to force a quarrel in China The
incident of the Chinese seizure of the
japanese steamship Tatsu Maru seems
trivial Considering II as the cuImina-
tlon. however, of a series Of stil un-
settled Misunderstanding over terri
torial and oth-r really important mat
ters, II assumes a serious aspect
The MikadO's attitude has made even
the Tatsu Maru controversy one which
IL would be hard 20 ADJUST amicably.
No one familiar with the circumstances
doubts that the steamship was trying TO
make a surreptitious landing Of arms
for Chinese rebels Though consigned
10 Macao merchants, it is not thought
the cargo was intended for them A
large part of the shipment was not even
manifested.
China Acted Courteously.
The Chinese acted with perfect court
esy. They offered TO submit the dis
pute 10 a mixed court, and, on meeting
with perempJory refusal, Began what
has been a very fairly conducted in
qulry Of their own.
Just why China should have agreed
10 release she Tatsu Maru. apologize
Tor the seizure and pay indemnity on
February %, when il evidently cid not
intend 10 carry out such a pledge, is
uncertain. The time having passed.
however, without action, the dispute
assumes an acute stage.
Foreign Minister Hayashrs ann ruuce-
lnent yesterday that Japan has issued
no ulJimatum. made no q reats and is
depending on the good sense OF the
Chluese government TO release the Ves-
sci, express regrets and pay damages, 20
is not regarded as relieving the tension
in the least. Japan Is known to have
implied the sravest threats by the dis
patch Of a cruiser to Canton 10 enforce
its demand and il is not denied that
disregard OF them viii be deemed "A
causus beih.
Wanted to Divert Attention.
The MSado's motives seem reason
ably clear For one thing he and his
advisers probably think a foreign war
would take attention from the shock
ing conditions Of trade. finance and
the working class at home. Success IN
a clash with the Chinese would un-
dOubtedly greatly tighten Japan's grip
on ManCluria.
The Mikado doubtless counts on Eng
land 10 protect him from outside in
tertereuCe in the event of aggressiOns
against China. sun he is probably dis
posed TO act before the American bat
Jleship fleet can reach Oriental waters.
English Not Cordial.
English public opinion is far from
being as generally pro-Japanese as
might be expected from the nature Of
the diplomatic relations between the
two countries. The British sense of fair
play is outraged. in the first place, by
the Mikado's attitude toward what he
presumes to be a weaker nation. There
has been, Furthermore, a strong anti
japanese feeling growing out Of ia
pans Cverbeariug refusal TO permit
China 10 build a railroad. in which
Englishmen We're heavily interested.
pdraueling the Tsimintuu-Faumen lire
at a distance Of forty miles.
Though the AIikado carried his point
IN the railway matter, his attitude is
considered In England as having been
wholly wrong, a very plain expression
Of contempt for England, and an alto
gether GuWaTranted assumption of the
extent Of his own power in As!atC af-
lalrs
Jap Speech Rankles.
Okuma s speech at a Japanese banquet
some time ago. almost openly assuring
the population of India that it would
have Japan's sympathy in the event
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