New-York tribune., 1910-01-11
JAPAN SHOULD GAIN
KNOY'S MANCHCRI4N
Plan F1TORS HER.
Washington Thinks Russia and
Japan Night Welcome
Chinese Purchase.
rFrcrn The Tribune Bureau. l

fErcfn The Tribune Bureau
Washington. Jan. 1o.-The State De-
psrrment is not perturbed over the at
titude of hostility displayed by part
OF the japanese press and some Japan
ese public men toward the proposal
made by Secretary Knox for the neu-
tralization OF the Manchurian railroads,
and no occasion is seen 20 abandon the
hope that the plan. as suggested. Will
ultimately succeed.
Some doubt is expressed that the ap-
parent hostility in Japan originates with
the present government. The assump-
ton that the proposal was made on tho
part Of the United states to prevent
Japan from enjoying the fruits of con-
guest acquired in the late war with Rus
sis is declared not only trivial but
groundless.
On the other hand. the opinion is ex-
pressed that Japan. more than any other
nation. would gain commercially
through the development Of Manchuria
hound 10 follow the removal of the one
source Of political disturbances which
has hitherto retarded the commercial
exploitation Of the country
To DEVELOP MANCHURIA.
Secretary Knox in his note to the
powers was actuated by one idea only
- develop Manchuria in. the most eco
nonlical way, preserving al the same
time. the policy Of equal opportunity TO
al the powers As 2 simple matter OF
business. the roads of Nanchuria could
be operated under single management
more effectively and economically than
under the control Of Russia, Japan and
it.. China The note made no reference TO
the compensation 10 he received by
Japan for relinquishiDg the advantages
she now holds. Iniyiew OF this reserva-
fion, the criticism from japanese sources
that the country viii lose by the trans
action. is at least premature
II is pointed out on the contrary that
Japan holding the advantage of prox-
unity 10 Nanchuria and having already
made extensive prepa rations to acquire
MaDchurian trade. would probably bene-
fir more than any other of rfle powers,
which are far removed from Manchuria
Hn5 which are al q natural disadvantage
+ in competing with Japan. The same
applies 10 Russia.
TIE detailed arrangements to be made
with these two countries would remain
70 be adjusted after the power. they in
cluded. had adopted in principle the
scheme proposed by Mr. Knox. The ap-
parent resentment with which the pro-
posal has been received by certain ele-
ments In Japan is, therefore, without
foundation, and viii have, it is believed.
consideration Of the question.
There is reason 10 believe that both
Japan and Russia might welcome an op-
portunity 10 dispose of their interests in
the railroads of Msnciluria to China. in
view OF the attitude OF those countries
rs described in recent diplomatic gos-
sip. II was said that the Russian Min
lister OF Finance, Iswolsky, who met
Marquis Ito only q few months ago. at
the time The latter was assassinated
was sent to confer with him regarding
the purchase Of the Russian interests.
The possibility of Harriman's taking
over the interests OF the japanese gov
\ eminent was the subject of current re-
u port only a short time before.
Moreover, as both countries will relin-
quish their rights by expiration of the
concessions within thirty years, when
the properties revert TO China. it is not
easily understood why either should
graveiy object TO an opportunity Of get
ting the roads, which are a severe tax
upon their depleted treasures. by q
method which would be of manifest ad-
vantage to both Of them.
IF the rich Manchurian territory de-
velops at the rapid pace contemplated it
is very likely that other roads yet to be
built will enter into competition with
the Russian and japanese roads. Such
= project is contemplated In the building
of the Tsitsihar road, to reach ultimate
~ 10 Aisun.
Secretary Knox agreed to this project
only under the stipulation that japan
should have equal opportunity to share
with the other powers in its control. II
Is not believed likely. therefore, that the
Japanese government Will see in his pro-
possf an adroit move TO eliminate Jap
anese influences from Manchuria.