The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-07-21
JAPAN PREPARES
TO STRIKE ENEMY

(From the Committee on Public In
formation. Washington.
All over japan the war drums are
beating In camp and cantonment.
and barrack yard and study hall.
great mobile army of rs corps-each
corps complete to the last idea OF
modern warfare--is getting ready to
prove its prowess against the High
Famous Japanese general officers, jus.
back from observing the fighting in
France ana Italy, are supervising the
reorganization OF the entire military
establishment OF the island empire, in
accordance with the decision OF the
general staff to abolish the brigade
system and form the fighting force
into corps OF two divisions, with three
regiments to a division. Officers and
men are putting into practice all the
lessons learned from allied and Ger
man innovations tested in actual at
tack and defense.
There is very little excitement.
Japan is moving swiftly and quietly.
The war plans OF the general staff are
proceeding with clock-like regularity.
Everybody. from the v~eran field
marshal to the youngest recruit.
knows just what he has TO do and does
1t. Discussion is left to the diet and
the newspapers. After many months
Of weary waiting for opportunity there
Is a general feeling among all parties
and classes that Japan is on the eve
of great events. Decisive blows are
going to be struck.
s Japan Was Ready.
The first phase of the war found
Japan ready for the work that had to
be done. Japan struck the German
at Tsingtau. Victory followed as
sault. The second phase of the war
found Japan ready. Huge munition
plants utilized every ton OF available
raw material and shipped vast quaint
ties Of shells and small arms ammuni-
ton into Russia Immense new ship
yards and the rapid extention of yards
long famous for shipbuilding of very
high order steadily increased the ton
mage at the service OF Japan and her
allies. And meanwhile, from Elsrope's
inland sea to Nippon's inland sea, the
japanese fleet was spread out like a
great, ever-moving fan, combing the
waters for German raider or German
submarine. The work was well and
quietly done. The third-and final
phase of the war finds Japan, as al
ways. ready to play her part with
silent. swift success. That is Japan's
way. Japan strikes first, and banzais
when the work is done.
German enemies of America are IA
miliar with the ways of Japan. They
are afraid of the silent islanders. So,
because they can not daunt or tempt
aside the quiet sons of Yamato. they
try to assault Japan and America in
the rear by whispering suspioions
manufactured out Of these very silent
Amertcan ears foolish questions such
as What Is Japan doing to win the
war 90
The German Whisper Again.
The German always remembers Ma
poleon's answer to the aid. Duroc,
who. after the rout Of the Mameiukes
at Aboukir, asked the Little Cor
porai' to name ''the generals most to
be feared" General Distrust and Cen
era1 Dfsunion," said Napoleon Cues
tons suggesting doubts as to the 10y
atty or services OF our friends al
ways originate among German en-
emies who are serving the kaiser's
subtle lieutenants, General Distrust
and General Disunion."
Because It serves to protect those
who might otherwise be deceived by
secret German enemies, the handsome
tribute paid to Japan's loyalty and
services by British Foreign Secretary
Arthur Balfour was welcomed by
American and Japanese officials I'm
Washington. Mr.. Ralfour confirmed
the complete confidence In Japan ex-
pressed by Secretary Lansing in his
recent message to Baron Goto, foreign
minister Of the Japanese empire.
Neither disclosed information which
the German enemy Is anxiously seek
ing to obtain.
just where Is Japan going 20 strike?
She is not telling the German enemy
Japan's allies are not telling the Ger
man enemy, who fears this silence be-
cause he knows 1t is the impenetrable
screen behind which new millions are
marshaled for strokes that will be as
decisive the blow at Tsintau. which
delivered China from the German men
ace during the first phase of the
war. These things add significance
TO the roll Of the war drums now
heard once more in the news coming
by cable and mail from Tokyo, Japan
kamakura's swords are being sharp
ened for the final phase Of the war.