Evening star., 1921-01-18
OKUMA RAPS us.
0ND|SARMAMENT
Proposal Selfish, Says Japa-
nese Leaders-Papers De-
fend Langdon Shooting.
By the Associa ted Press.

BY the Associated Press.
TOXIC, January 17.-American pro-
posals that Japan, Great Britain and
the United States take a naval holi-
day" is eloquent proof that. despite
the fabulous riches of America, she
wishes to curtail national expendi-
lures, and therefore the proposals are
intended more to help America than
to contribute to the peace of the
world, said Marquis Shigenobu Oku-
ma. former Japanese premier, in an
interview here today. He asserted
America should first consult Great
Britain relative to the suggested sus-
pension of the naval program.
only when. an American-British
ed. "can Japan be in a position to con-
slider this proposition. Japan's naval
program is fixed at the minimum nee
essary for national defense"
Belfttle LangdOn Affair.
Charges that it appears the Ameri-
can government is giving the Incl
dent arising out Of the death Of Naval
Lieut.. Langdon, at Vladivostok, undue
Importance are made by the Kokumin
Shimbun.
IF. as believed" the newspaper con-
tinues, "America goes as far as to
bring up Japan's basic policy in ST.
IBERIA, including the question of the
japanese troops. it is likely fresh
cause for discussion has arisen be-
tween the two governments. M0re%
over. such a question would cause a
dispute between the japanese foreign
office and military authorities here.
Surprise at what it terms the
"timidity of the government" is ex-
pressed by the Hochi Shimbun.
Paper Defends Sentry.
1.-The government is doing every
thing to apologize to America, when.
according to information reaching
Japan" the paper says, mo fault was
found in the actions Of the sentry who
shot Lieut. Langdon. Apparently the
American consumption, and the other
for the Japanese"
The Yamato Shimbun argues the
sentry was merely performing his
duty. and asserts there is no reason
for the death Of an officer in a foreign
country being regarded as serious
International incident.
Press advices from Vladivostok de-
clare Lieut.. Langdon walked to the
cruiser Albany, saluted the gangway
guard and collapsed before making
any statement.
British Praise Omcer.
The Yo Roazu Niroku declares in
today's issue that the japanese SEN
try acted in accordance with his duty
and that the blame rested upon the
American officer. The Japanese Off
cials are open to criticism for their
"apologetic attitude" to America. the
newspaper insists, and that their
"subservient demeanor" is likely to
cause interpretations. in the diet.
The Vladivostok correspondent of
the British-owner Japan Chronicle
sends q tribute to the high character
of Lieut.. Langdon, describing him as
teetotaler, with a kind of physical
dread of alcohol. and a non-smoker.
The lieutenant spent most of his
evenings quietly with Russian friends
in official circles and was making
rapid progress in learning the Rus
sian language, the correspondent adds
Gleaves Leaves China.
By Cable to The Star and Chicago Daily News
SHANGHAI. China, January 18.-
The United States cruiser New Or
leans, with Admiral Albert Gleaves,
commander r-in-chief of the Asiatic
feet. on board, left here today for
Vladivostok, where an inquiry into the
shooting of Lieut.. Warren H. Langdon
by a Japanese sentry is to be held,
Feeling among Americans here runs
high against the japanese.