Evening star., 1918-02-17
BY CHARLES M. PEPPER.

0APAN has her Russian troubles.
Like her allies, they are due to
cU the bolsheviki though they are
somewhat different in character.
Japan. also. as consequence of the
Russian anarchy. has to meet Germany
In a new role. 1t is that both of a
tempter and OF a threatener. The
temptation is q trade alliance as the
bribe for a separate peace. The threat
b of being undermined through Russia
II she does not make a separate peace
The bolsheviki SO far, under Trotzky
and Lenine. have not drawn an indict-
ment against japanese Capitalism
Is they have done against Ameri-
can and British Capitalism" They
appear to have ignored Japan as
capftalistic power and as an indus
trial nation in which capital. as well as
labor, has a part in industry. In the
anarchy that has resulted from their
course situation which is embarrass-
ing for Japan has been precipitated.
The bolsheviki have denounced and
Hepudiated the treaties entered into by
the cars government. Specifically,
they have designated the war treaties,
but their course would indicate that
they also mean treaties entered into
Is whether within the next few years
there will be any sort of Russian ma
ton or whether number of frag-
.mentary nations will have to be reck-
f0ned with, none Of which can be held
TO treaty obligations.
~
The Immediate question for Japan re-
1ates to the developments at vladivos-
101. At various times the presence Of
japanese troops has been reported at
this transsfberian port. These reports
have been followed by explicit denials
: The denials usually have been accom-
panied with the statement that Japan
realized her responsibility to her allies
rs the only power which, from her geo.
graphical situation. was in a position
Vladiyostok.
This meant to protect the vast guam
titles OF munitions which had been
stored there for transportation to the
western front, when Russia was still in
the war as one of the allies. Japan her
self has supplied part of those muni-
tions. Their manufacture and sale have
been one of the sources of the phe-
Momena1 prosperity which she has en-
5oyed during the last three years.
Many reasons are apparent to the
student of far eastern affairs why
Japan should be averse to landing
troops on Siberian soil. They are both
International and domestic. But there
are also other reasons which might
prove more potent and cause Japan to
take this step. II it be taken at any
time unquestionably it will be with
the consent of the allies. possibly on
their request.
This situation, which might be called
q military one, bears indirectly on the
various Russo-Japanese treaties. The
bolshevik anarchy and the question of
what sort Of Russian nation or ma
the Russo-Japanese treaties has di-
rect bearing.
Among the treaties is the one re-
lating to Sakhalien. the barren island
OF the Siberian coast, A treaty signed
at Toxic after the rapproachement be-
tween Russia and Japan, due to the
war with Germany. covered a good deal
more than Sakhalien. The Portsmouth
treaty. under which the Russo-Japanese
war was ended. gave Japan one-hal1
the island. Under the Toxic treaty II
was said that Japan at the end of the
present war would acquire the othel
half Of Sakha1ien. This would extend
her authority over the entire island
with an area of 10000 square miles
IL greater to Japan than to Russia
since. geographically. it is compile
ment of the Japanese group of islands
The consideration which Russia re
ceived, while temporary one. wal
declared to be fair equivalent Larg'
bodies of Russian troops held in east
ern Siberia. along the border of Man
churia, were released for service oil
the western front. This was mad
possible by the withdrawal of Japanes
troops stationed as guard in centra
and western Manchuria- Japan an,
= Russia had been at peace for ten years
but they found II necessary to keel
an eye on eaeh other in Manchuria-
n ~s sa4d .t tise time that thee
were a3so collateral features to th
Toxic freaty. Among these were con