Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1919-06-13
Japan and Peace.

The possibility of an alliance between Germany and
Japan LAS been, according to plausible report, a bugbeaf
of entente diplomacy for some time. Henry Wales dis
patch indicates that this bugbear has been by no means
disposed of by the defeat of Germany and Austria. Per
haps the persistence of France in demanding drastic
terms against Germany is caused in some measure by be-
lief in the early restoration of German strength by means
of an arrangement with Russia and Japan. Certainly
there are considerations which favor such a regrouping
Just as there are weaknesses in the present alliance.
Japan is not altogether satisfied with the British ALI
ance. At best it is a matter of the barest expediency.
AS soon as it does not pay it will be repudiated. japan
understands that she cannot depend upon English force
in a serious trial of strength against the United States.
Even if a British government and some British classes
might enjoy seeing us Inundated, the only issues or in
terests over which we should go to war with Japan would
be issues involving British policy as well as our own.
Canada and Australia can no more afford to accept Japa-
nese utilization than we can, nor would it suit England
to have Japan in undisputed command of the Pacific
through the possession of Hawaii. If Japan could
reach an understanding with a conservative or military
Siberian state, and, farther in the future, make alliance
with a partially restored Germany or a central European
alliance to act as a counterpoise against England and
France, she might feel that her hands were freer in her
own ambitious sphere than they could be under any
agreement limited by British interests in The Pacific and
Latin America.
Indeed, no sane man will dogmatize on the %possibili-
ties of the international situation at this time. The
world is in fux and what combinations will be made to-
morrow in the kaleidoscope of interests, fears, and am
billions, only time can reveal. But this the American
WI
to rely upon anything but its own strength at such a
time. At Washington, Daniels, a follower of Bryan, tells
us that we must wait to see what the league of nations
DEGREES before we go on with our naval program. Baker,
we fear, will give no sincere support to an adequate army
program. The pressure for reduction in taxes in the re-
action from the war spirit will resist adequate measures
of defense, and unless the American public clearly sur
veys the world situation and honestly faces it's possibili-
ties, we shall neglect our duty to maintain our strength
and presently find ourselves imperiled.
OF all folly nothing could be worse than to rely upon
the league of nations as a guaranty of our safety or
substitute for our own strong arm. Yet we know that
the sentimentalists of the anti-preparedness organizations
have learned nothing from our recent experience or from
the demonstration of the fallacy of their most conspicu-
Gus opinions. They are back in Washington now lobby
ing against rational defense.
Meanwhile the calm voice of Marquis Okuma, elder
statesman of Japan, may be heard above the CHATTER of
shrilt and shallow pacifsm, announcing that, inasmuch as
it is problematical how far the stipuations of the league
of nations will be effective in maintaining the peace of
the world. Japan will remain on the safe side in keeping
her military strength in a state of preparedness.
Trust Japan not to lose herself in an emotional dream
of miIenial peace. She will not put her faith in dreams
and documents, but in her own good strength. SO will
every nation that has any strength to rely on. Shall it be
every nation except the United states?
Chicago Tribune.