The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-03-06
JAPAN'S GREAT CHANCE.
BREAK UP OF RUSSIA GIVES OPP.
POItTUNITY TO OCCUPY 81.
IBERIA,
Necessities of War May Force Entente
Allies to Cooperate With. Japan i'm
Seizure OF Russian Territory.

Washington, Feb. 28.-An early de-
cision probably will be reached ON
the momentous question as to wheth-
er America and the entente allies shall
join Japan in q campaign in Eastern
Siberia to counteract pro-German ac-
tivities in that quarter and save the
great supply of military stores ac-
cumulated at Vladivostok and interior
points on the Siberian railroad.
1t had been understood that this
decision might await the arrival in
Washington of Viscount Ishii, the
newly appointed Japanese ambassador
to the United States, but it was said
tonight recent developments. includ-
ing increasing pressure from entente
sources, very likely will cause a more
speedy determination of the question.
1t is learned that this is not regarded
as problem for the consideration at
the present stage at least Of the su-
preme war council in France. which
If it treats the subject at all, will deal
with 1T only as a military matter. The
question of policy has been decided
by the governments of the entente
allies and America.
1t is freely admitted in official Cir
cles that this is very grave question
indeed. A radical departure from
established rules Of international law
would be involved in the forcible en-
try into neutral country. and con-
sideration must be given to the effect
upon the Russian people of such
course in their relations to the pres
ent war. Already there has been
some apprehension that great num-
bers Of Russian soldiers rather than
return to their farms and shops
would voluntarily join the central
armies, and some evidence of foun-
dation for this fear is found in Berlin
dispatches announcing the entry into
the German army of several regi.
ments of Esthonians.
On the other hand growing indica-
tiOns that Japan can not much long
er be restrained from taking some ac-
tion in Siberia are causing serious con-
sideration of the Japanese invita-
tion to the entente allies and Americ 4
to participate. The alternative would
be to let Japan undertake singlehand-
ed the weight of the campaign in ST.
IBERIA.
1t is learned that the issue is ap-
preaching the critical point in the
opinion Of the Japanese government
which has concluded that some such
action as it proposes to take in ST.
IBERIA is imperative as a defensiv.
measure against German aggression
and control of the wreck of the late
government machinery in Siberia.
Such information as officials have
been able to gather indicate that
most of the larger cities and towns in
the interior and along the line of, the
Siberian railroad are under the con-
troll of the Bolsheviki. In that coun-
try this element is largely composed
Of eXiles and descendants Of eXiles
from European Russia who are filled
with hatred OF monarchical institu-
tions and lmbued with anarchstit
views and may be counted as radical
supporters of the Bolsheviki govern
mcnt.. Their numbers are not known
but they are the dominating force
in a considerable portion of Siberia.
Conditions in Vladivostok are con-
fused. There arc number Of Boil
sheviki in the town but this after ali
is under control for the present of a
local zemstvo which has paid very lit
tie attention to orders issuing from
Petrograd, and the conservative forces
are greatly strengthened by the pres
ence in the harbor of two Japanese
cruisers.
Washington. March 1-The presi.
dent will no pp,noWoro1 to