Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-12-20
TUESDAY. DEcEMBER 20, 1921.
Japan tho Jugslcr

n QUOTATIONS between me CnlheSe ana
Y Japanese for a settlement OF the ceie-
brated Shantung case have reached dea~-
lock that could not fail to amuse the ordi-
nary mind if it were not for the fact that
an effort is being made-perhaps in good
iaith-to heal one OF the sorest of sore
spots in the Far East. The two nations
directly concerned in the future of this rich
Chinese province are seeking some means
OF agreement which will take Shantung out
of International politics, out of peace con-
ferenccs disarmament conferences and all
other conferences.
Time and again ii has seemed that the
Chinese and Japanese negotiators were on
The point OF final agreement, but no sooner
has this prospect been heralded to the world
than some fresh obstacle appears. The
Chinese make some unacceptable PROPOSE
'tion to the Japanese or the Japanese kick
over the bucket of milk with counter
proposition that is impossible.
After days OF dickcring the two groups
agreed upon all other questions except that
of the Shantung Railroad a piece of line
less than 500 miles in length, built and
operated originally by the Germans This
road since the German withdrawal from the
Far East has been operated and controlled
by the japanese. Also they haze ctock
ownership in the line, having acquired it
The japanese have stated that they
wished 10 be reimbursed for this property
before delivering il 10 the Chinese To this
the representatives OF China have assented
with enthusiasm. stating that they would
pay outright for the road. After much hag-
Cling, it was agreed that for 100000
gold marks the Jap71iese would surrender
title to the railroad. But where was this
much money 10 come from the japanese
asked From Shanghai, where the fund
was then on deposit. The transaction at
that point seemed simple enough, but i,
could not progress The japanese suddenly
remembered that China owed them some
S25O,OpV,oo0 and the Shanghai fund ought
10 he used III part payment Of that debt
In time, however. this barrier was cleared
Inc japanese decided they would accept the
p:!ce onered. but they wanted 10 fix the
terms Of payment The Chinese saw no need
Tor that, since the payment would he in cash
and all at once. Then the japanese AN.
hounced quite .oemniy that they wanted
no cash. They wanted to loan China the
money WIFE which TO pay themselves for
tile railroad. or if not that they wanted The
payments made OH an lnstallment plan OF
twenty annual payments
Such business dealings amaze the aver
age American Nnancier We are used ia
taxing cash when il is offered II is rare
mat credit is forced upon customer in
THIS country. Bnt japanese do their bust
ness differently, particularly their business
with the Chinese The secret of the thing
OF course, is 10 he found in the reluctance
WIN which the japanese part with tho
Shantnng Railroad They realize that they
must give it technically they arc
determined TO keep string tied to il. They
"ahe cohtoi ana this can best be secured
"a 20 Ne
SO runs the course of international noro
tiations The Shaniung issue. long maj,
Ter OF passionate debate here in Europe and
IN ASA some day Will be settled. we sup
pose but u is no wonder that i, drag:
through years % discussion with govern
lnents qnibbl'nr as have China and Japar
during the Washington conference.