The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-05-02
RUSSO-JAPANESE
ALLIANCE PLANNED
Material Aid in War Is Taken
as Forecast Of Diplo-
matte Action.
KATO MAY 60 TO PEKIN
ny DR. MAsUJIRo HONDA,


TOXIC. March 27.-Heavy Japanese
howitzers OF the ogata type proved so
enective In the siege OF Ts,ng-tao that
they arc to be introduced into the new
reserve forces which Russia will or
gan!ze in May. Col. Miyagawa of the
gunnery school OF the imperial army and
eight other officers are ordered to pro-
coed to Petrograd. their mission being
to instruct Russian troops in the use
OF the howitzers. A military authority
in high quarters has said that when the
ogata guns are used against Cracow,
for Instance. their tremendous power Of
destruction would help materially to
bring about what Russia has been try
Ing to accomplish. These officers were
entertained In the Russian Embassy a
few days ago at farewell dinner and
were received in special audience on the
following day TO take leave OF the EN-
peror
This incident In but another indica-
ton OF Japan's cooperation with Rus
STA in the great war. But what about a
formal alliance OF the two countries,
which. as far as the press Is concerned,
is subject OF wide discussion on both
sides?
An answer to this question seems to
he suggested by the fact that as Count
okuma's Ministry IL likely to last for
some time longer. the Government will
continue. as II has done In the past,
TO avoid unnecessarily rousing the sus-
capabilities of China. The plighted
faith OF Japan imperatively demands
her respect OF the vested interests In
China OF all friendly Powers and OF the
principles OF territorial integrity and the
open door.
England and Russia have more At
stake in that country than any other
nation except Japan. The Foreign Min
lister. Baron Kato. Is so familiar with
European men and affairs that he must
know exactly whore national claim and
international Cancellation meet or clash
II China hoped for a better turn OF
things from ministerial change In
Japan she must be sorey dsappo,n.ed
by the returns OF the parliamentary
election. although the Toxic Government
also Is far from being satisfied with the
results OF the negotiations at Pekin
Some OF the Diplomatic Corps here. as
well as part OF the japanese press
express the opinion that Baron Kato
should proceed 20 the Chinese capital
and deal with President Yuan in per-
son. as they know and understand each
other so well. Freed from tho cares o.
party pp!ltlCS AT nome and having no
other serious question pending abroad,
the Foreign Minister may now find Il
feasible 10 take tho Chinese problem
In hand.
Nothing worse could happen to japan
than a partition OF the vast ne.ghbor!rg
republic, the best market for Japanese
Goods and the only outlet for surplus
As!atic population. The paradox OF the
situation. however, seems 10 inc!te Japan
to demand from China. al th,s oppor-
tunity, the utmost that could possibly
be claimed with a highly elastic inter
probation Of the phrases such as terri
tor!al integrity" open door" and equal
opportunity"
II is agreed on all sides that Ger
many after the war, whether victorious
or defeated, Is sure to try TO recover
her losses along the line OF least re-
s.stance and return to China with re-
doubled energy to reestablish her In
dustrial and commercial. even II not
political influence, an eventuality tina.
would spell an economic collapse for
Japan.
As Baron Kato's duty Ia to make
China view the pending negotiations In
this light. 80 his attitude toward the
American-Japaness question must be, as
he frankly expressed at dinner ten
dered 20 Dean Mathews Of Chicago
University a few weeks ago. that OF
asking the people OF the United States
to Judge the japanese and their dolngs
by the same standard with which they
judge Occidental peoples and affairs.