Evening star., 1936-03-02
Inscrutable Japan.


With the ascendancy and excesses Of
militarism in modern Japan alongside
her progress and achievements in the
peaceful arts, the land of the rising sun
has long presented an enigma to the
outside world. Never was the paradox
more amazingly displayed then by last
weeks events at Toxic, with their record
of assassination and revolt, eliminating
in the astounding revelation that the
supposedly murdered Premier Okada is
still alive and continues, nominally at
least, to be the head of the government.
Whether even his fortuitous escape
means that the admiral-statesman will
remain in Office is open to the gravest
doubt. Decisions about the premiership
are now in the making, as Prince Saionji,
surviving member of the Genro, former
council of elder statesmen, confers with
Emperor Hirohito. Opinion is widespread
that Okada's prestige is irreparably
shaken. New blood at the helm will
probably be deemed necessary after the
convulsions through which the nation
has passed. There is demand for
strong man." of authority and influ-
ence sufficient for the herculean task
of keeping the militarist hotspurs in
check and rehabilitating the country's
shattered morale. Even if and when
such genius is installed in the premier
ship, his ability to control bitterly hos
tile elements will from the outset be
problematical.
For the moment the rebellious forces
have been suppressed. The alleged
leader of the abortive revolt, Capt. Ando,
was permitted to take his own life, on
the reported advice of army authorities
that only thus could he save his honor"
Uncontrolled rumors persist that other
young officers active in the blood purge
have also committed suicide. The thou
sand-odd revolving troops who held pos
session of government buildings sur
rendered without struggle in the face
of threats to blast them out of their
positions, and have returned to their
barracks under promise Of forgiveness.
An appeal to them in the name of the
Emperor proved irresistible. On the face
of things, conditions are restored to
normalcy.
How long they will stay so is the ques-
ton. American well-wishers Of Japan
will hope that the optimism on that
score, voiced in a weekend broadcast
by Ambassador saito. will prove to be
we'll grounded. Denouncing militarists
as "menaces," Mr.. saito prophesied that
they will never gain control of the Jap
anese government because the common
sense and true patriotism" of the people
will prevent it. The Ambassador is con-
fident that peace will not only remain
undisturbed, "but will be more securely
established"
Impending developments will show
what foundation there is for this
roseate hope. If Gen. Araki, or any
other man of unmistakable tendencies
toward Fascist military dictatorship,
inherits the premiership, the outlook for
such future as Ambassador Saito FORE
shadows will be far from promising. It
will indeed require a strong man" to
defect the army from its longings to
bring North China under the Japanese
yoke and to precipitate conflict with
the Soviet for the mastery Of Asia. The
militarists, should they obtain the upper
hand, will at least be chastened by the
undoubted resolve Of other powers not
meekly to permit the subjugation OF
China, as well as by the knowledge that
the Soviet is now in position to offer
effective opposition to japanese aggres-
sion in the direction of Outer Mongolia.
Siberia or Vladivostok. But until 1t is
evident whether the mailed fist or civil
ian authority has emerged triumphant
from the present upheaval, the issue OF
peace or war in the Far East will hang
in the balance.