Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-07-23

Fruit-a tives'" T. r. ADAMS.
soc a box, for $3.50 trial size 25c.
At dealers or from FRUIT-A- TIVES
Limited, OGDENSBURG. Y. Y.--Adv.
Portsmouth, and as part compensa-
ton from Russia. China is no
worse off, but far better off, to have
this railroad and rights in the pos
session of the Japanese. for instead
of military line for strategic pur-
poses as it was under the admins
tration Of Russia, it is now great
commercial railroad, serving the in
terests of the people and affording
them an immediate market for
everything they can raise.
No one rejoiced more than the
United States when Japan drove
the Germans out of kiao-Chau and
closed that port as base for Ger
man submarines and German COM
merce destroyers. BY treaty with
England and France. she was the
acknowledged successor to the Ger
man rights in Shantung. Why not
let her enjoy the fruits of her vic
tories without this constant nag
cling? To turn Shantung over to
the Chinese Government now would
be surrendering the territory to
banditry and outlawry. since the
central government of China is
without funds and without re-
sources and without power that
anyone respects. Japan is quite
ready to surrender the sovereignty
of the country to China; she natur-
ally seeks commercial advantages
ard the protection of her commercial
interests. She is very human and is
aCtUated by the same impulses that
would actuate our nation"
There is force in this argument
that merits consideration. On the
other hand the assumption that this
country would never go to war to en-
force the open door in China is one
which may he doubted, and, any
way, is i'll advised at this time.
That this country would declare
disregarded the policy of the open
door, and the rights of China as
nation, is conceivable, indeed proba-
BILE. But such an attitude could not
fail to develop into a source of irri-
in war ultimately If policy of dis
armament is to prevail. recognition of
nr; SC
essential. Without il disarmament
would at best be but temporary. The
to properly adjust matters in the
Pacific, must prove Intellectual. The
conference table with clean hands
and the other powers should clean
theirs. The enormous economic bene-
~ to be obtained from limiting ex-
penditures for warlike purposes ought
to he sufficient to appeal to enlight-
ened selhshness if nothing more.
Furthermore, the assumption that
China will be better off under any
control of Japan will be questioned
by all who have had experience in
dealing with the japanese in the
Pacific states and those who recall
the terms of the 81 articles Japan
sought to enforce in China when she
thought she had the opportunity will
conclude Japans selfishness needs
enlightenment She is Enthusiastically
human, very human and very ambi-
tious. China, on the other hand is
trying to find herself If she may be
given a chance she will succeed. If
we, by neglect or by direct assistance
help Japan 20 rob China of that
chance it will be q disgrace to our
people. China deserves better at
our hands. And We are under no
obligation to Japan other than to- deal
justly. That we will do. 1t is graft
flying to find Japan recognizing the
wisdom OF our proposals. Our ex-
pressed desire to Shave japan and
China adjust their difficulties with
cut interference from outside should
assure her of our good intentions.
The more the conference PROPOSE
ton is considered, in this country as
we'll as in others, the clearer becomes
the conviction that it was wisely de-
vised. There is every indication that
the American people are supporting
this in the proper spirit, and that
must elicit like response from 9TH
ers.