Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1918-04-06
QUESTION MOTIVES
OF JAPS' ACTIONS
IN SHANTUNG PROV.
SUBSTITUTION or CIVIL FOR
MILITARY ADMINISTRATION
SUSPECTED
CHINESE PROTEST BUT HEAR
1T WAS FOR THEIR OWN
GOOD
CHINESE HATE THE JAPs IN
SHANTuNG - WILL NOT
TOUCH JAP FISH.
(Ry The Associated Press.)


PEIIGNG, April 3.-Substitution b
the Japanese of civil administration
for military rule in Tsingtau an.
along the Tsingtau-Tsinan railway
which is regarded here as giving tht
appearance Of permanency to Japan;
occupation in Shantung wrested ION
occupation of that territory in Shan
tung wrested from the Germans al
the beginning Of the war, has arc is
ed the indignation of the Chinese 10
cal population. This has been eH
pressed in petitions to the central
government, to the governors OF
other provinces and to influential
Chinese organizations.
The Chinese government has pro
tested to TOXIC and has received a
reply stating in effect that the in
auguration of civil government was
done with the idea that it might
please the local population better
than a. military rgime.
Japan's point OF view, as described
here, is that any obligation to vacate
the territory in question after the
war, which exiated by virtue OF
Japan's declaration at the time OF its
occupation, has been annulled by
China's declaration of war against
Germany and the consequent can
collation. of existing treaties.
1t is understood in Picking that
japan holds the ultimate disposition
Of this territory must be the subject
of further negotiations between China
and japan.
Meanwhile Japan is perfectinlg and
extending her civil administration on
the ground that it is her duty TO
maintain peace and prosperity IN
the territory she captured from Ger
many. Leading Shantung men, who
view with despair Japan's action
saw much capital is being made oi
the Lansing4Ishii agreement. Ac'
cording to these authorities the Jap
anese declare that their position as
special guardians of that territory IS
now fully conceded and that no pow
er can resist it.
The bitterness. which has deVel
oped on the part of the Chinese is
Indicated by the paragraph in a
written proaest by the Shantung
Provincial Assembly, which reads:
"Our fellow men in the province
OF Shantung in their struggle to be
released from political calamitles
have determined never to taste Jap
anese fish or meat even though
they starye."
Causes of complaint cited in pro
tests which are raining in upon the
central government follow:
"In Tsingtau, Fangtze, ChangtieE
and Tsinan the Japanese have es
taIblished civil administration depart
ments with disregard for Chinese
sovereignty. The Germans durin;
the entire time of their occupation
it is pointed out, never attempted Z
institute civil administration am
left China the right to police %h'
railway. There are already Japan
ese consuates throughout Shantun;
to look after the welfare of Japan
csc residents making unnecessar.
the establishment of civil admins
tration.
Japanese civil officers have al
ready assumed jurisdiction in case'
CT rents and debts.
"Whereas the Germans only en-
1oyed priority in acquiring mining
rights, the Japanese actually inter
fere in some instances with mines
already owned and exploited thi
Chinese, even to the length of pro
hibiting the sale of the products
@The building o roads, establish
ment of industrial schools and thu
taking over of control of a railwa!
hospital and the hospital fer gen
darmes in Tsingtau is regarded a.
evidence of intended permapent oc
cupation."