Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1918-06-25
Jap Leader Warns
Co,.ntry,eer Against
Peace With Germany
[By the Associated Press. j

Toxic, May 12.-Dr. Inaze Nitobe,
well-known Japanese educator and
author, who went to the United States
some years ago as a lecturer, has
warned his fellow countrymen against
making a separate peace, with Ger
many and told them that in the pres
ent world crisis they should be very
careful as to the nature of criticism
they may indulge in about the war. In
an article written for commercial
magazine, he, points out that Japan is
now the cynosure Of the powers and
expresses regret that, both before and
during the war, some bitter criticism
has been made by some publicists re-
garding the Anglo Japanese alliance.
Setting aside the question as to how
much advantage the alliance has
brought Japan, Nitobe thinks the
present certainly not the right occasion
for discussing its possible dement's. In
his opinion, it was scarcely an attitude
worthy of nation which prides itself
on beng most gentlemanly to bring
this matter up for discussion at time,
when Great Britain is confronted with
serious crisis. DR.. Nltobe continues:
1T is alleged that the opinion pre-
walls among a section of Japanese
business men In favor of Japan's con-
clusion of a separate peace with Ger
many, following Russia's example. 1t
seems that the advocates of this extra
ordinary course of action hold that
Japan can derive far greater com
mercial profits than at present by con-
verting herself into a neutral country
and by trading with both parties of
the belligerents.
Viewed purely from an arithmetical
standpoint. their theory may contain
some truth, but, the world situation
has taken such turn that all neutral
countries are now obliged to take sides
with either the one or the other group
Of belligerents. In days like; these, can
it he possible that aAcountry uphofds
it's national dignity long by assuming
an equivoca1 attitude?
"It is certainly not the way to add
to the national strength and dignity
for Japan to run with the hare ana
hunt with the hounds. For my part
believe in Nemesis in history. What
Japan sows she will be called upon to
reap.
: There is an almost incredible and
most shameful rumor that the view is
even advanced in<some quarters IN
favor of making common cause with
the central powers, utilizing the pres
ent opportunity OF the eastward adj
vance of German influence. Some
statesmen, it Is reported, think that
Japan will soon find herself sand
wiched between, two mighty world In
fluences-America on one side and
Germany, whose influence is already
felt in Siberia, On the other. When
placed in such position 1t will be-
come necessary imperatively for Japan
to contract a special friendship with
one or the other Of these powers IN
order to maintain her, position on
solid basis. Thus, they come to me
conclusion that ifsAmerica turns cold
shoulder to Japan there Is no alterna-
tive left but for Japan to join hands
with Germany"
In conclusion DR.. Nitobe asserts:
'Tf, by any chance, Japan should;
conclude q separate peace with Ger
many and incur the deep resentment OF
Britain and America. 1t Is easy to see
that her future development would be
very disastrously interfered with.
Moreover. the prevalence OF Prussian-
ism in Japan would be deplored by all
japanese except section OF military
men and professors, and the suffering
it would in6ict upon the Japanese as
WHOLE would be very far-reachins.
ut must also be remembered that the
territorial ambitions of Germany can
not be satisfied by her occupation OF
Russia and Siberia. for they are utter
ly Unsuitable.