Omaha daily bee., 1916-12-17

fectly safe in the hands OF the new
premier.
Laisser Faire.
The Asahi. which publishes an edi-
ton in both Toxic and Osaka, adopted
different strain. 1t expressed its
astonishment that Count Terauchi,
who is very reticent to his country
men, should give such all important
ment, should give should an important
interview to foreign correspondent
in regard to his foreign policy. The
journal admitted disappointment
should the premier's foreign policy
develop as outlined by him, thinking
that while his internal administration
will be constructive. he will adopt a
"Laisscr Faire" attitude in his for
eign policy. 1t thought that the ia
panese people would prefer Count Te-
rauchi to reverse his program and do
some constructive work in diplomacy,
The Asahi continued: The land and
immigration questions have been
pending between Japan and America
for a number Of years and badly stand
in need OF a fundamental solution. in
stead Of being bolstered up by tenn
PORTING measures. Marquis Okuma
was too much pleased with the ap-
pellation of peace premier" given
him by the Americans 10 attempt a
solution OF any of the questions at
issue between Japan and America
Count Terauchi now openly declares
his readiness to succeed to the do
nothing" policy OF Marquis Okuma,
as pursued towards America. 1t is
quite possible that Count Terauchi's
inclination to put off the solution Of
difficult problems may have the effect
OF making matters more COMPOUNDED.
America versus China.
Besides the land and immigration
questions, which are pending between
Japan and America, it will be neces-
sary for Japan to know definitely
Americas attitude towards China.
Japan's position, vis-a-vis China, is
somewhat Of peculiar character, but
as long as the economic activities of
foreign countries in China do not
exert any political pressure on Japan,
it will not only not obstruct their
enterprises in China. but will welcome
them, as they will materially con-
tribute towards the opening up of the
resources of the country. For this
reason it is necessary that Americans
should be convinced OF the real inten-
tons of Japan and of the advantage
OF working conformity with the ia
panese in China.
"If Count Terauchi is really anxious
for friendly relations between Japan
and America, he should have dis
pensed with formal polite phrases and
frankly stated what he requires of the
United States. Honesty, after all, is
the best policy in diplomacy, as in
business. Leaving China in its present
condition is distinctly inimical to the
interests Of China itself as well as
those of Japan, and herein lies the
necessity for Japan to render as
sistance to China and to direct it
along the path OF civilization"
In connection with the so-called
American problems ii is to be noted
that several writer's, including Prof.
Shigeo Suhehiro OF the Imperial uni.
versity,' have recently advocated the
settlement Of the immigration and
land question, holding the gentle
mems agreement" as discriminating
and unsatisfactory to the dignity OF
the Japanese people.
Who They Are.
Viscount Motono, the new foreign
minister, like Marquis Okuma, is a
native OF Saga prefecture, and is the
son OF samurai of the Saga clan
Born in 1862 he went to France at
an early age and studied international
law at the University Of Lyons
Graduating with the degree of doc
teur en- droit' he returned to Japan to
enter the foreign Office. Later he was
secretary of the embassy at Petro-
grad and then minister to Brussels.
For five years he was minister at
Paris. He was appointed ambassa-
dor to Russia in 1906. While So
jourhing at Toxic he lectured con-
stantly on international law.
In 1907 he was created baron in
recognition of his services in con-
GLIDING the Russo Japanese railway
convention and was promoted to Wis
count last summer for his distin-
guishcd service to the state in con-
Guiding the alliance between Japan
and Russia.
Viscount Motono is regarded as
Japan's most accomplished diplomat.
Having spent about half his life in
Europe, either in study or in official
service and being regarded as one of
the intellectual lights Of the realm. all
Japanese deem him particularly fitted
for the post of foreign minister. He
is popularity supposed to be more at
home in French than in his mother
tongue, and during his long residence
in Russia as ambassador acquired a
knowledge of the Russian language.
Also he speaks English readily. Re-
garded as one Of Japan's scholars, he
is also considered by the Japanese as
a perfect type Of cultured Japanese
gentleman, Though deeply inAu-
enced by European civilization" says