The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-07-26
Japan Is Cautious.

Japan is notably sensitive and reti-
cent when it comes to discussing and
celebrating policies to govern the re-
lations of nations in the Pacific and
the far east. She wants to know Just
how far such a proposal commits her
before consenting to consider it along
with other nations. Japan is very
crafty. She has not always observed
the best of faith in living up to her
promises. But she recognizes that
the white light of public opinion would
beat so intensely on any arrangement
of far eastern matters at the present
time that it might not be so easy to
escape compliance Herewith. Hence
she hesitates and bubbles.
Japan desires a recognition of her
superiority among nations of the far
east and the paramountcy of her in
terests. She points to the American
Monroe doctrine as furnishing a pre-
cedent for her claims. But there is
not much of a parallal between the
two situations. And besides this rec
ord of the past dozen years indicates
that Japan is much more aggressive
in her attitude toward her neighbors
than is contemplated by the compare
lively negative Monroe doctrine. The
latter has confessedly lost much of
its urgency, but there would probably
be little objection to conceding to ia
pan all that is honestly implied by it.
1t is conceivable that, Japan might
rightfully object to the requirement
by other and outside nations of hold
ings in her proximity that would en-
danger her. She has a right to pro-
tect her national integrity of other
nations. In other words, her right Of
self defense does not embrace the
right to exploit the territory of other
countries in opposition to the wishes
of their inhabitants and in derogatiop
of the rights of other countries. But
Japan's record in Korea, in China and
in Siberia proves that that is her
conception of an Asiatic Monroe doc
trine.
Japan's alleged rights" in China
We're obtained through negotiations
with other powers. But concerning any
proposition looking to their relinquish-
ment she prefers to deal with China
direct. She thinks the latter may not
be able to help herself. And it is the
same way with the Siberian issue. 1t
is the situation which causes japan
to hesitate before consenting to a
frank, open consideration of joint
international policy regarding matters
in, upon and around the Pacific.
The ak, however, is at the root of
the tree. If Japan should refuse to
participate in such a convention, she
would unquestionably increase sus-
picion of her motives and purposes,
Inasmuch, however. as she failed to
get an offensive and defensive alliance
with Great Britain, she may reluet-
antly consent. She can hardly as
sumo responsibility of declining, much
as she would like to do so. The pro-
posed disarmament conference com
prehends momentous possibilities
touching upon the peace and progress
of the worId.-The Chattanooga News.
Sentiment For Division OF State.
Should the state of Florida be di-
vided so that the northern boundary
line would extend east and west
from Daytona to Cedar Keys. south
Florida would have much the larger
tide wafer frontage than Florida |
(northstate people will not stand for |
north FIorida'D. The Gulf and At. |
lantic tide water trade of south Flor |
ida is out of balance with the dis |