Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-05-20
ASSOCIATED Press Correspondence

ASSOCIATED Press Correspondence
Toxic. April IA dispatch from
the Petrograd correspondent OF the
Toxic Asahi quoting MI Sazanon. the
Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs
as favoring an alliance between Japan
and Russia, has brought into active
discussion a subject that has Of late
received much quiet consideration IL
thoughtful japanese circles. 1ndica-
tons are not lacking Of a closer re-
lationship between these two coun
tries which but a few years ago were
engaged in violent armed conflict.
Japan's decision to help Great
Britain in the present war made her
a de facto ally Of Russia. Japan has
sold Russia a vast quantity OF arms
and ammunition, and, what Is more
significant. recently dispatched a doz-
en- expert artillery officers to assist In
the Russian offensive. A number Of
japanese reservists have volunteered
in the Russian armies.
There were signs of a sentimental
rapprochement before the present wal
returned to Russia the military tro-
phies. including guns captured in the
war which ended in the peace OF
Portsmouth. Certain trophies on
public exhibition at Toxic were re-
moved and handed back with the rest
The present war has likewise given
a new orientation to the aspirations
of Russia, 1t Is believed here. The
Allies confidence in the eventual cap.
ture Of Constantinople was not only
voiced by Count Okuma, the prime
minister, in a recent speech, but he
went so far as to say that Russia
would probably keep Constantinople
and thus possess a valued outlet on
the Mediterranean which would cause
her to abandon any project she might
cherish to obtain an outlet in the Far
East in addition to the port OF
vladivostock. In short, many things
conspire to show that strong mutual
understanding has arisen between the
two countries and that the idea Of 9
formal alliance Is one that causes I
great deal of pleasure in both empires
What Great Britain as Japan's ally
would think Of such q proposition, re
mains to be developed.
Such questions as this, az well as
the important negotiations between
Japan and China and the multitude
nous questions arising from the great
war have given additional conse-
quence to Toxic as diplomatic center
In diplomacy and politics as also in
news, Toxic is becoming the great
post Of the Far East with all the va
ried problems growing out Of Japan's
rapid rise, her extension Of influence
in China, and the constantly augment
ing Importance Of the role played in
the world by the Pacific ocean. That
this Capitalization Of interest in Toxic
is well known to Europe Is evidenced
by the fact that the great European
Powers have delegated leading diplo-
matists to the japanese capital.
To the skin ana tact Of Senator
Malewsly- Malewitch. the Russian
ambassador and doyen Of the diplo.
matte corps here, is attributed the
distinct movement toward an In
creased Russo-Japanese friendship.
Mr.. Malewsky- Malewitch was q
prominent member OF the department.
Of jurisprudence at Petrograd and &C.
cupied a high post in the Russian for
eign Office.
To handle the problems Of tn,
Orient, France has recently sent here
one Of her most distinguished and ex
perienced diplomats in the person Of
Eugene Regnault. He is the ma ,
who built up Morocco for France.
having served as minister to Tangier
during the trying moments Of strife
and revolution. He also was one Of
the French Representatives to the con-
ference at Algeciras.
Great Britain's interests are in the
hands Of Sir Conyngham Greene, who
has had q wide experience in Euro
pean capitals.
Still another indication Of the sig
ntficance attached to the talk Of a
Russo-Japanese alliance is the in
creased advocacy Of the idea by lead
ing Japanese publicists. Prominent
writers in the most important maya
zines and reviews Of the empire
warmly endorse the project, most Of
them declaring without eQuivocation
that the interests Of Japan exact
formal partnership with Russia.
A high functionary" writing in the
Taiyo Review says: I'VE must not
forget that we have made of Germany
a formidable enemy. Let US take our
let us think Of the word
Of Bismarck: We must find friends
stronger than the enemy I DO no.
think that Russia nourishes any spirit