New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-18

Japan and China are the states standing
upon the foundation of the Oriental morality
while their peoples are brought up under the
moral training of similar school. As it is,
there can be no possibility of their being
estranged on account of their thoughts being
different, or their moral ideas being in con-
fict And yet, the two nations, | regret to
say. are not on as good terms as they
should be.
What is the cause of it? | am inclined to
believe that the whole trouble finds its source
chiefly in the difference of their respective
positions which they occupy in the world, or
the dissimilarty of their national strength.
Ever since her political revolution, fifty
years ago, Japan has made wonderful stride,
until now she is we'll qualified to hold her
equal with America and European powers IN
culture and strength. On the other hand, on
account Of political corruption China's ad-
vance toward civilization and the development
of her national power have been considerably
delayed so much so that she now finds her
self unable to Withstand the pressure and en-
croachment of foreign countries.
When one country obtains concession,
bound with the bondage called equal oppor-
tunty; imperial enjoyment of benefits"
Who can say that she will not be dismem-
bered if matters be permitted to proceed IN
the present state.
Japan is a new power in the world, coun-
try situated most close to China. This proXi-
mate geographical situation makes Japan feel
quite sensitive Of any action taken by other
powers in China, because their intrusion In
the country or their monopoly of markets will
at once affect her fate. 1t is only natural,
therefore, that we see her stoutly maintain
ing the principle of equal opportunity or
priority of her interests in China. From
Japan's own viewpoint this is not at all
extraordinary, because her mission in the Far
East is indeed very serious and important
one But to the Chinese such is the most un-
desirable thing. They wish to see Japan to
act altogether different from the role she is
assuming. Hence, they are dissatisfied with
Japan, nay, they apprehend and suspect her.
The Chinese, imbucd with modern thoughts,
are quite familiar with the general situation
of the world. Believing in the future Of the
Orient they try TO amelorate administration,
and bend their energies toward the advance
ment of culture and national power. They
realize that Japan is an advanced state and
repose great expectations in her. They look
upon the Restoration" of Japan as the very
exemplary of their recent revolution-the two
incidents which in themselves are nothing
but an attempt to better the political condi-
tons in their countries, but in some sense
signify the awakening of the Yellow Race.
International relations OF China being very
complicated, while she is fettered by the in
huence of different powers, she cannot reno
vate her home affairs so readily as Japan did
some fifty years ago. China realizes the i'm
portance OF freeing herself from this interna-
tional encroaehing bondage, because other
wise she will be unable to maintain her indie
pendence, her very existence, leave alone the
question Of reforms.
All sensible Chinese who look forward to
Japan hope that the above can be accom-
plished through her assistance. But has
Japan done anything to give them any hope
toward the end! Her policy, instead of
breaking down the letters placed upon China
by the European powers, has been for
strengthening them. This il the very cause
why the Chinese, who should feel very friend
~ toward Japan, are dissatisfied with her, and
look upon her with fear and suspicion.
Historically, the two countries had the re-