Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-06-08
WHY NO JAP TROOPS ARE ON
WESTERN FRONT
BY Ralph Smith

Wy AsHINGTON, May 25.-why have japanese
w troops been transported to Europe to aid the
w entente allies the western battle front? Ihe
question has REQUIRED time and again since the com
ing of the Balfour of Vviani war missions to America
1t has been propounded members of these MISSIONS
but formal explanation or answer has been given
The question pertinent and fair especially
since the French and English have urged nsstently
that American troops be sent to the French 'front.'
Japan has a large highly efficient army of we'll
equipped soldiers
1t has been commonly reported that Japan was
being called furnish troops for the French
because had assigned the task of policing
east and restraining German influence In
that quarter But there is another reason-another
explanation plausible-that has gained
circulation in Washington. This is that Japan and her
army and navy be used largely in holding
Russia in line with the allies.
1t Is stated that the provisional Russian govern
informed a sufficiently emphatic man
that any of coalition with Germany will re-
suit in immediate attack by Japan on the far eastern
frontier. This it is explained is what has held back
the radicals in Russia who were for pushing ahead
with separate peace proposals and who only ceased
when they found themselves threatened with the re-
sponsibty for the total ACKNOWLEDGMENT of Russia
Japan, enlisted enterprise OF making Rus
STA behave, would be certain to take and occupy
large OF eastern Siberia as well as all OF Man
chura.
Under these the Russian radicals be-
willing to join in the organization of coalition
remain in the entente alliance, al
though they still insist that the other members of the
entente that when peace comes it shall carry
with it acquisition territory by conquest
ndemnites 1t is said that this attitude or the rad
calls is for Japan much if not more than for
any of the other powers.
The Russians, more especially radicals
dstrustful of Japan, and to entertain
suspicion that their country sold out practically
the Japan. They believe, in effect, that
old Russian autocracy been loyal and honest
the Russo-Jap might have had different ending,
and that Russia might today be the dominant power
Dalny.
transportation freight is less of a prob
lem than labor in connection with the canton
ments least which to be located at At
lanta. 1000 loads of material alone will
be required for construction of each cantonment,
of which be thrtytwo in ALL The present
shortage aggravates this problem.
The construction force at each cantonment will num-
Der from three thousand men, and the housing
this force during the construction period will offer
two environments, 1t is estimated that $50 miles
of roads will have be built. The cantonments of
course, will require thorough system of sanitation,
sewerage and water systems. heating and lighting
facilities, and adequate railroad connections
The magnitude of the work is better appreciated
when it Isl understood that the environments must be
ready for occupancy and complete in every detail in
two months time. The absence of water mains and
satisfactory systems, it is understood will
operate prejudice the government against
camp site otherwise acceptable The government will
lay the mains and put in the when necessary.
The proportions Of the work probably would prove
staggering the comparatively army force
working Colonel Littell quartermaster
department it for the volunteer O
technical who Washington through
the agency of the general munitions board the
Council of National Defense advise and assist
successful architects and builders United
giving their services to the government.