The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1915-12-01
JAPAN WILL HAVE BIG SAY AT CLOSE
 OF PRESENT WAR
Has Guarded Pacific In Inter- eStS of CZar of Russia and
 England's King.

Tokio Dec. That Japan expects to be fully represented at the peace conference following the international al war to discuss questions relating to Europe as well as to the Orient was set forth by Premier Count Okuma in speeches made this week to members of Parliament and members of poH tical parties. The premier is anxious to avoid needless discussion of the governments foreign policy during the coming session of the Diet which many people believe promises to be turbulent. He has been frankly talk ing over national matters both with political friends and political enemies, taking them into his confidence as far as possible, and listening to sugges- tions from all.
 ''No man can dare prophecy how long the war will last said Count Okuma, ffbut, according to reliable in formation at hand, it is within the bounds of possibility that peace may be restored earlier than is generally believed" he continued.
 f'Japan has not only reduced Tsing- tao, the colonial outpost of Germany in the Orient, but has maintained the safety of marine traffic in the Pacific and Indian Oceans as far as Canada and New Zealand in the Pacific and Singapore in the Indian Ocean. All this is done at heavy sacrifice, while this country has done much towards the cause of the Entente side How ever, all these efforts have been ap- preciated by the powers, and Japan is entitled to full representation at the peace conference" The premier added his hope that Japan would participate not only in connection with oriental affairs but also in connection with the affairs in Europe.
 Tn Europe went on the premier, Japan has helped Russia Russia is I'll Sfir ne Ta 5hn fa i,1 sending her troops and war provisions from Siberia without fear that the Russian far eastern possessions will be attacked by any nation. This is indirect support given by Japan which should be. appreciated by Russia. We have rendered services as if we were Russia's ally. Therefore it is Japan's right to have a voice in the European peace conference.''
 The statesman remarked that there was only one obstacle in the way of Japanese participation and that was the race prejudice of some European nations against the Japanese. He urg- ed greater efforts and enlightened in vestigation with the object of remov- ing these prejudices.
 Referring to the situation in China, Count Okuma said: @The monarch1st movement now under way in that country has, a great bearing not only on Japan but upon other countries as well Eng1and's interests in China mostly commercially will be affected Not less will be the probable effect upon the interests of the United States in- China However, on account of the war there is little chance that the powers will interfere. Japan with her great interests in China must be es- pecially careful in her attitude
 The premier alluded to the liberty of discussion of diplomatic affairs in Japan but he expressed the hope that at this time people would be careful and keep in mind the permanent in terests of the nation. He wanted pol ittcians to rise above considerations of party and present united front. ''The government he concluded, twill take care of the interests of Japan in. connection with the present war;