The Grangeville globe. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho) 1907-1922, 1914-09-03
JAPAN's MARTIAL ACTIVITIES.

1t was entirely to be expected that
Germany would not accede to the
terms of the japanese ultlmatum and
that war would ensue. There was
marked resemblance between the Jap
anese demand on Germany and the
Austrian ultimatum to Servia. 1t was
document that could receive but one
answer--or no answer at all.
While the action of Japan is DELHI
crate even cold blooded, one must re-
call thee German ultimatum of nine
teen years ago when the Kaiser
stepped between the rising young power
In the east and the fruits OF her VIC
tory over China. II Is recorded that
the japanese tauntingly copied the
ancient German phraseology In advis-
ing Germany to eliminate herself from
the far east. To Germany The ultima
tum must have come as an ancient dip
lomatic aggression returned home to
roost. sowing of the wind ami a reap
Ing of the whirlwind.
Yet humors of diplomacy do not
make for war. Naturally, there is a
deeper and more abiding reason be-
hind Japan's action. Nor must 1t be
assumed that Japan is prompted by
no greater reason than treaty obliga-
tions with England, for by the terms
of the treaty she is compelled to act
only for 1.-The consolidation and main
tenance of the general peace in the
regions of eastern Asia and India .
The treaty calls for Japanese Coop
Grafton with England when there has
been an ''unprovoked attack upon Brit
ish territory in the Orient Attention
need not be called to the fact that no
such attacks have occurred In the pres
ent situation
However. Japan has shown no evil
dence that she Is acting in other than
coca faith. She has announced that
the German holdings In China will be
returned to China In due time. That
II Is in the public mind to hold Kiau-
Chan as "a prize of war Is suggested by
uttesances OF the conservative Japa-
nese press, yet there is no present rea :
son to question the governments sin
cerity. II there were our cause for
alarm might be vastly increased
While the trouble between Germany
and Japan will be small affair so
far as the great world war Is concerned.
there is no other aspect of the vast con-
flict that so deeply concerns and In
terests the people of the United States
We have been assured that Japan will
limit the scope of her operations to
the far east, yet this announcement is
subject to a wide Interpretation. The
action of President Wilson In maintain
ing a strict attitude of hands OFF, in
the difference is to be commended
He Is fully justified ian the assumption
that 1t is not our quarrel and that
Japans fun sincerity is not to be ques-
toned.
But the United States must follow
Developments OF the future with the
deepest concern Should the Japanese
aggression extend to the German pos
sessions in the South Pacific we may
feel some cause for discomfort in the
extension of the Japanese line half
way across the Pacific. The question
OF whether we might then countenance
japanese naval and coaling station
on our line of communication with
the Philippines. within easy striking
distance of Hawaii, and ON the route
to the Panama canal might become a
pressing one
As to the japanese treaty with Eng
land. that need be no cause for con-
Germ on the part of the United States
since, so far as II operates upon us.
the treaty was practically nullified by
the Anglo-Japanese agreement of 1911,
wherein England was relieved from par
ucipation in war with any nation with
which she might have an arbitration
treaty agreement. Obviously. this ar
rangement was devised with the United
States in view. since we have such
treaty with England and England
would naturally have deepest aversion
TO making war upon us.
That England has an explicit under
standing with Japan as to the scope