The Washington herald., 1914-08-18
WILSON SAYS HE
TRUSTS JAPAN
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.

in bringing Japan into the world war
To this the japanese make reply that
the Kaiser is 10 blame II the racial
questions are raised, as he was the first
to make reference to the alignment OF
the Slavs against the mid-European peo-
pies. There is little belief here, how
ever, that the people of the west coast
of the United States will consider such
distinctions when II comes TO judging
the latest development in the Far East.
Would Be Menace to L. 8.
Japanese here assert that il Is most
unlikely that Japan will take the German
island possessions in the South Pacific.
which in many instances are side by
side with the islands which the United
States has secured and developed as
coaling stations and possible advanced
bases. 1t is declared on behalf OF Japan
that her interests are obviously in the
direction of the Asiatic continent, and
that she has no need Of islands in the
opposite, direction In other quarters
however. the opinion still prevails that
Japan, while she Is about II, will pick
up everything German that is Obtainable.
There Is no doubt that the seizure by
Japan of German positions adjoining
the American Samoas, the island OF
Guam. to which the navy is already turn
ing as a future advanced base, and the
Philippines would constitute a serious
menace to the plans Of the United States
army and navy.
Another possibility is the effect which
action by Japan may have on the revo-
lutionist movement in China 1t is
thought more than probable that the
revolutionists may deem the impending
disturbance an opportune moment for re-
newing their attempts to overthrow
Yuan ShihkaL
Rebels Want Japan's Aid.
The headquarters Of the Chinese revo-
lutionist leaders, including DR.. Sun Yat-
sen. have for some time been in japan.
to which the chiefs escaped from China a
year ago Irritation has been caused In
Pekin by the fact that the Japanese
government has apparently been willing
to wink at their activities. Recently there
was published in China a copy OF let
ter. said to have been written by Sun
Yat-sen, offering Japan practically any
thing she desired in China il she would
give assistance to the overthrow OF Presi-
dent Yuan. There are many Japanese
who would welcome such a step, in order
TO further Japanese ambitions in China
It is believed here that should China
again be thrown into a state of revolu-
ton Japan would find the necessary eX-
cuse for stepping in in the interests Of
peace in the Far East and the preserva-
ton of British and Japanese interests
there. Such action would, Of course, be
regarded as the preliminary TO permanent
incursions upon China proper and a de-
velopment which the United States would
be bound by its traditional policy In
China to view with much concern.
II is recalled how John Hay in success
fully placing all the powers under pledge
to respect the administrative entity and
territorial integrity of China, following
the disorders attending the Boxer up
rising, had worked hand in hand with
Germany. Secretary Knox, in his moves
to prevent the Chinese revolution Of 1911
being made the occasion of the dismem-
berment OF China likewise found Ger
many the power with whom the United
States could best cooperate in the Far
East, and by an exchange OF notes an
nounced 10 the world the determination
of the United States and Germany to
stand together against any projects
which would impair China
War Probable Result.
will refuse To aecsde to the demands Of
japan and that therefore. war will prob
ably result within a week
The German fleet, II is believed. will
stay within the protection OF the fortifi-
cations Of Tsing-tau, and refuse to be
drawn into an engagement with the vast
" superior Japanese fleet. The japanese
fleet on the other hand, will hardly dare
expose itself to the German guns at
Tsing-tau and will be compelled to con-
tent itself with establishing a blockade
and seizing what German commerce that
has not yet been withdrawn into neutral
ports.
Meanwhile a land expedition will be sent,
according to expectation here. from
Japan to the shores OF Riau-Chou, to take
the place by siege. II lie estimated that
not more than 5000 men will be used
in the campaign. There is no other point
in the Far East from which Germany is
10 be dislodged, with the exception Of her
island possessions which are unfortified.
The German garrison at Tsing-tau Is
variously estimated at from $500 to 5000
men Japan should be able to take the
place withaout any serious losses, 1t is be-
lieved here.