New-York tribune., 1919-07-26
China Versus Japan
Millard Turns Searchlight
On Recent Oriental Intrigue

QUESTION. AyD Ay rhomas Tns F. hASnhFN slilIaTi.
Inc Century Company New York
The case Of China against Japan
is vigorously and effectively presented
in this book. Mr.. Millard is bitter in
his denunciation Of the predatory and
unscrupulous imperialism which, in his
opinion, has characterized Japanese
foreign policy throughout the war. So
far China has been the chief sufferer
from this policy. But the author feels
that Japanese Imperialism, unless it is
curDed, is likely to constitute o very
serious menace to the future peace of
the world
Mr.. Millerd draws a prolonged and
ingenious parallel between Japan and
Germany. Both nations only recently
emerged from comparative obscurity
and rose with phenomenal rapidity to
the rank of great powers. Both con-
slstently cultivated spirit OF ag-
gressive militarism. Both clung to the
archaic >theory of divinely inspired
ruler. Coming down to a discussion of
Japan's conduct in the war, the author
insists that it was dominated through
out by the most selfish oppoytunism.
1t was not any flame of moral enthusi-
asm, it was not even loyalty to the al
lance with England that prompted
Japan to enter the war; it was rather
desire to secure a foothold in China
and to obtain control of the German
possessions in the Pacific. When it
seemed as if the war might end in
favor of the Central Powers the in
splred press of Toxic displayed q
marked GOODNESS toward England and
openly hinted at the possible desirable
ity of rapprochement with Germany.
No. Millard interprets Japans rather
puzzling attitude toward intervention
in Siberia in the same spirit. AS
long as there was q prospect that
Japan would receive free hand in
the occupation and exploitation of Rus
sia's Asiatic provinces the project was
cherished with enthusiasm. But, when
this plan was given up, on account of
American opposition, and joint inter
vention by all the Allies was decided
upon, Japanese ardor cooled percep-
tibly.
The author accuses the Japanese
government of practicising a policy of
systematic corruption and intimida-
ton in China. In order to reduce the
country to a state Of impotence the
civil war between the northern and
southern factions . was insidiously
stimulated Loans were granted to
both sides, especially to the northern
militarsts, at ruinous rates of inter
est. Moreover, the Japanese took ad
vantage of China's helplessness to
establish domination over greater
stretches OF Chinese territory, such as
Shantung and Manchuria. The famous
open door" principle of John Hay,
which assured equality of economic op
portunity to all foreign nations dealing
with China, has been repeatedly set
aside by Japan in her own interest.
In conclusion Mr.. Millard lays down
eleven points which, he feels, are in
dispensable to the future security and
integrity of China. These points PRO
vide for the removal of the special
"spheres of interest" now possessed by
various foreign nations, for the cam
collation. of all exclusive and monopo-
istic "concessions" which impair
Chinese sovereignty, for the relnquish
ment of all leases Of Chinese terri
tory and the substitution Of inter-
national control until China's obliga
tions are fully satisfied. Some of MI
Millard's conclusions probably will in
press Japanese sympathizers as ex
tremc and unfair. The book as whole,
however, throws a great deal of light
upon the obscure network of present
day Oriental commercial and political
intrigues. W. II. c..