The star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1908-1909, 1908-03-05
JAPAN FORCING
WAR ON CHINA
SHANGHAI VIEW
Seizure of the Steamship Tatsu
Taken as an Excuse for
Belligerent Attitude.
TOXIC SENDS CRUISER;
REFUSES TO ARBITRATE
Release Vessel or We Will Take
Steps to Get It," Japan's
Threat.

SHANGHAI, March 5.-The situation
between China and Japan has reached
a stage where it is believed that the
Toxic government will declare war at
once unless China Immediately releases
the steamship Tatsu, which was seized
at Macao on February 7 on suspicion
of bringing arms Inc ammunition for
the revolutionarics. The vessel was
taken to Canton and has been detained
there in spite of the protests and de-
mands of the Japanese Government.
Although it is notorious that the arms
We're consigned by Sun Vat Sen to
rebel leaders agents in Macao, the be-
lief is general that Japan is forcing a
quarrel with China to divert attention
from the failure of her policy in other
directions. The japanese minister has
declined to allow the local consul of
Japan to participate in the Chinese GUS
toms inquiry into the legality of the
seizure. A Japanese cruiser has been
sent to Canton to enforce Viscount
Hayashi's demands,
PEKIN, March 5~.-Japan's demands
are, first, the unconditional release of
steamer, and, second, an arrangement
to protect the shippers from loss. This
second proviso means that China must
buy the cargo on board the Tatsu
Maru.
Today China proposed arbitration by
Eice-Admiral Sir Arthur William
Moore. commander-in-chie of the Brit
ish-China station, but Japan refused
these overtures also, and has warned
the foreign board that such proposals
are unNelcome. She again expressed
her desire for the release of the vessel,
falling Which she said she would take
the steps necessary to secure this re-
lease.
It is understood that the Pekin au-
thorities would have released the Tatsu
Maru because of the reasonable doubt
as to the legality of the Viceroy's pro-
cecdings, coupled with the menace OF
Japan, provided hat Japan would
make no claim for indemnity. 1t is
contended here that Chang Jen-Chun
prevented this course.
OffioerSN6f the Foreign Office in Toxic
make 5s5e following statement;
sJaIA1n has issued no .ultimatum anc
has r3hde no threats to China in con
nectioH. with the steamship Tatst
Maru's illegal seizure. We are depend
ing on the good sense of the Chinese
g~overnnen to release the vessel, ex'
press regrets and pay damages
LONDON, March 5.-According to the
latest accounts received here the Tatsu
Maru incident has led to a grave stu
alton, which ma have the worst conse'
The Morning Posts Shanghai
correspondent reports thai the relations
between China and Japan are seriously
strained, Japan declaring that il the
steamer is not released she will regard
? China's action as a easus belh.
The Opposing Arguments.
The Japanese official version printed
in London represents the vessel as
having been forcibly seized by four
Chinese gunboats while anchored
awaiting the tide off Macao, the steam
er being actually in Portuguese waters
Armed Chinese sailors boarded the
Tatsu Maru and seized some goods
They grossly ill-treated the crew. They
took the vessel to Canton, where she
remains.
TO the chinese conteIlloh that IN
Tatsu Maru intended to smuggle hel
cargo into Chinese territory Japan re
plies that the vessel held a regular per
nit, issued by the Portuguese officials
enabling her to land at Macao the arm'
and ammunition aboard, which were
openly declared in the ships papers
Therefore the case has nothing to az
with the Chinese customs regulations
and the charge of smuggling Is pre-
c1uded.