Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-12-03
RELATIONS Be TWEEN j. s,
AND JAPAN DISCUSSED
Many Articles on Subject Appear in
Tokyo Newspapers and
Magazines.
SOME "JINGOIsTIC" IN TONE
Cooperation With America I'm De-
velopmcnt of China Finds Favor
I'm Governmental and Nonufficial
Circles.

TOKYO. December 2-That tho re,a-
tons between Japan and tho United
States occupy the minds of the Japa-
nese people has been especially evil
dcnced during the last six weeks. when
a large number of articles concerning
that subject have appeared in news
papers and magazines. The authors
have addressed themselves with con-
siderable freedom and frankncss to the
question. Most of them have been pru-
dent and amicablc. seeking to find IL
solution OF matters at Issue, others
Linguistic in tone, have voiced pessi-
mism as to the future. The discussion
has hinged largely on China. 1t is TO
he noted, however, that more eminent
and representative writers have placed
themselves in the first class, while the
lesser known and more sensational
Japanese commentators belong to the
second.
Japan's present unprecedented pros
pcrity. which is due chiefly to tho Euro
pcan war. has swept through the en-
pire wave of satisfaction that tho
nation should be attaining such great
material progress, and it has awakened
all mindS to the vast possibilities of
continued and constantly -augmcnting
merce. Developments are to be noted
in all directions. and if the war con-
tinue for a long period Japan's position
will be greatly enhanced. She will re-
duco her national debt, she will rX-
pand her already immense shipping.
she will strengthen her Industries. and,
above all. she will extend her COM
mercc. II is the great nation Of China
To which Japan looks with eager eye
for commercial growth, and China is
the crux of the relations between ia
pan and the United States in the immc-
date future.
WANT TO BREAK DOWN
BARRIER OF DISTRUST
At Tokyo the belief prevails that
Japan will continue her cndcavor to in
crease her political influence in China.
But Japanese business men are con-
stantly ciamoriniS for a political asccn-
dancy that will not he so abrupt or 80
mprudent as To- cndanEer Il peaceful
economic conquest of the nciGhborng
republic. Put differently. conservative
Japanese want To break down the bar
rier of distrus; existing in China
against things Japanese and replace ii
with a feeling of confidence which will
establish free relations based on bust
ness factors.
The readiness with which the Chi
ncse recently granted American cap
talists concession to build a long
railroad and their hesitation in making
contracts with the Japanese has awak-
cncd the Japanese to the fact that as
cendancy in China. to be successful.
must be accompanied by some measure
Of trust and confidence.
At this particular moment the Japa-
nese idea is the dcsirability of CO.
operation with the United states in
the development of China. The idea
was suggested by Judge Ebert III.
Gary. chairman of the board of direc-
tors OF the United States Steel Cor
pora ton, during his recent visit to
Tokyo. and it is understood that some
plan of cooperation along broad lines
now is being tentatively elaborated by
representative Japanese commercial
leaders. Although the RuSso-Japaness
alliance. which calls for mutual CO.
operation In the defense Of their spe-
cial interests in China. is actively in
operation, there is no present proof
of prevailing fears that Japan will
permit the alliance seriously TO prove
inimical to the economic interests Of
America.
IDEA OF COOPERATION
IS FINDING FAVOR
The idea of cooperation finds favor
both in governmental and nononicial
circles. 1t is especially emphasi by
Niscount kentaro kaneko. member Of
the I'rivW Council. in the October num-
her of Chuo koron. or Central Review.
NiScount kaneko, who knows the
United States very well. and knows q
good deal about the temperament Of
the American people. comes out fatty
in favor of an economic alliance with
the United States in respect to China.
His reason Is that program OF har-
mony and understanding would avoid
needless competition and work to the