Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-06-23
WHY JAPAN WANTS AMERICA AS ALLY
Toxic Believes That the Great Hour of Japan Has Arrived
With the European War and That Our Participation
Would Further Her Plans of Empire.
By STANHOPE SANS
II Recently Editor OF the Toxic Times

TT SEEMS at least probable that our pres
ent controversy with Germany may have
the somewhat startling result of allying us
with Japan. The two peoples would have
common cause, If not common war, against
Germany; and either of these relations might
easily lead to an alliance virtual If tenn
porary, with Japan, instead of the threatened
permanent alienation. Under the general in
fluence of such associations, Magdalena Bay
and Turtle Bay and "open-door" incidents
would soon be forgotten, and the two ma
tions might in the words o. Thompson,
grip hands round the warded world"
America and Japan have been allies be-
fore and may be again at any turn of the
world-wheel. Shoulder to shoulder and in the
friendliest rivalry, they marched to Picking
to put an end to the hellish orgies of the
Boxers" and it is not inconceivable that
they should again act together in the cause
Of peace and civilization.
Japan would welcome America in the war;
or her moral support of the Allies through
her breaking off diplomatic relations with
Germany. She would feel that another point
had been gained, another opportunity won,
in the great efforts she has put forth to ex-
pei German interests and power from the
Far East. 1t is true that she might soon see
America replace Germany as a commercial
rival; but the rivalry with America is and
always has been different, and Japan de-
spises and fears Germany, whose methods in
the Far East have ever been accompanied
by the mailed fist and by expanding power.
Japan's Erstwhile Rivals
Some years ago, when Japan first began
having visions of world-power, she had three
definite and dangerous rivals-England, Rus
STA and China. China she crushed from her
path by the war of 1894 by which she got a
firm footing in Korea-later annexed-and in
Manchuria Russia was rendered innocuous
by the victories of Port Arthur, Mukden and
Tsushima-and now by agreement with re-
spect to the present war and relations as to
Mongolia. England's rivalry was emascu-
lated by the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. But
these gains were largely offset by the tre-
mendous and menacing growth of German
influence and aggressive power in the Far
East and so the fourth and new rival had
10 be disposed OF in order to clear her way
for peaceful but none the less subJugating
invasion OF the northern territories of China
The vigorous part she played in the early
stages OF the present war, resulting in the
crushing of Germany's forces and the sweep
ing away of Germany's flag and trade and
every vestige of the Fatherland from the
Far Eastern lands and seas has achieved for
her an unchallenged supremacy in commerce
and martial power throughout one-half of
the world. Friendship in a common cause
with America would serve TO establish this
supremacy, by insuring the 1nality of Ger
man expulsion from the Far East
1t is interesting to recall that during Mr..
Wilson's campaign for the Presidency the
best portion OF the Japanese press and public
spoke OF him in the highest terms of appre-
citation, and has done so ever since. Even in
the trying periodic Japan-of the watch
ful-waiting" policy as to Mexico the jana
nese press and most influential officials Of
the Government declared that il was the
pacific policy OF a ruler who was not afraid
Of a just and necessary war. Baron Maxine.
Foreign Minister, said as much to me In a
long conversation on the Mexican and Cali
fornia questions. Baron Kato, present For
eign Minister, and his chief. Premier Count
okuma, have also expressed similar views.
To Toxic the great hour OF Japan seems to
have arrived with the present war WIN
these rivals beaten or removed from her
path, the conflict gave her chance to crush
the fourth and to plaeate the fifth. To her
all doors" are now open" especially those
that lead into the heart OF eastern Asia sha
can now proceed TO realize her stupensousl,,
magnificent vision Of an empire that ,gin
stretch its sceptre over all the Islands tbat
front the east coast Of Asia ana across tba
japan Sea as far as the Chinese 1yyau ana
the Amur The exact bounds Of this dream
empire have not been axeo but they win net
fan short Of the Chinese Wan close .