The Washington herald., 1908-02-20

II is an unpopular thing these days in
Washington to suggest that the proposed
continuation of the Atlantic fleets voy-
age TO the far East is an unwise move.
equivalent 10 another pin prick in the
sensitive flesh of a proud and suspicious
people.
II is quite as unpopular to put forward
the proposition that the decision to send
the fleet TO the Pacific Ocean was an
eGregious mistake. calculated to bring
trouble in the end. No consideration of
desire 10 point out the dangers that
may come from the parade Of the fleet
through far Eastern waters serves 10
excuse frank expression Of opinions 10
those who are part OF or close to the
present Executive government Of the
United States.
Yet while the administration is con-
demning criticism Of its policy in sending
the battle-ship fleet to the Pacific. this
condemnation being based on the claim
that such criticism is bound TO excite
suspicion and distrust Mr. Taft. the Sec
rotary Of War and the mouthpece Of
President Roosevelt. is preaching the doc
trine in his campaign addresses that the
Oriental thinks as well as sees with his
eyes. and it is necessary to give him
meaning Japan-an ocular demonstration
Of Uncle Sans sea power.
Just Showing Our Strength.
Just why it is necessary to give this
demonstration has never been explained
in an official way. but it is well under
stood that the display of antl-American
sentiment in Japan and the interpreta-
ton placed on President ROosevelt's spec
ial message Of last spring, in regard 10
the japanese school question. were re-
sponsible in part for the decision to show
the world that the United States had no
reason 10 be afraid Of anybody
The Presidents utterances on the school
question were construed in Japan and
Europe as indicating that the United
States would go to any extreme Of push
lanimity 70 avoid a clash with the jap
anese government At the same time the
reports Of heavy purchases of war ma
terial by Japan had much to do with
bringing about the decision that the fleet
should proceed 30 the Pacific
Before the departure OF the feet from
Hampton Roads il was noted in these
columns that Japans activity in the mar
kets. where munitions OF war are OBJ
tainable. was directed apparently bv the
situation in China and was not due 10
any intention to engage in hostilities with
the United States. That this view of the
matter was correct is now acknowledged
IN official quarters. II is doubtful If
there ever was a time when there was
any serious danger of trouble between
the two nations.
JaPHn's Policy DiSquieting
1t is realized here. however. that AT
some time in the future conditions in
China, and particularly in the Province OF
Manchuria may assume an aspect that
will cause disquietude in the capitals Of
many world powers.
According TO information from many re-
liable sources. the preponderance Of Jap
anese influence in northern China has
been exerted TO such an extent that for
eign nations which are entitled TO equal
treatment there, find themselves ham
pered seriously in conducting trade re-
latiOns. American manufacturers. ship
pers. and merchants have been Bandi-
capped badly IN their attempts TO regain
the trade which they lost at the beginning
Of hOstilities between Russia and Japan
and they. as well as Chinese business
men, have been making complaints TO
this government and petitiOning that
something be done 10 induce or compel
Japan to live up TO her agreement 10 OBJ
serve the principle OF the open door and
preserve "the administrative entity" of
the Chinese Empire.
10 communication on this subject has
been sent from Washington TO Tokyo. and
neither China nor any European govern
ment has approached the United States
with view to obtaining concerted action.
such as pursued AT the time OF the Boxer
troubles. when this government, through
John Hay. Secretary of State, took the
initiative in bringing about an under
standing between the nations interested.
Her Hold on Child Mennced.
That Japan fears that her hold on China
may be threatened is believed in well-in-