| Show JAPAN ON THE OUTLOOK close observers of events in eastern asia believe that japan Is actually preparing to strike a blow somewhere at no distant date the formation of a military council composed of the marshals of the country the commander comma ader in chief of the army and an admiral and the return of general kawakami to active duties are regarded as infallible signs of preparations tor for hostilities the last named officer is the strategist of the country it is his duty to lay plans of attack or defense defenses as the case may be and upon the military council devolves the duty of devis devising ing means for the carrying out of his plans the summoning of these officials to to their posts of active duty appears to be but the preliminary of a crusade IW 1 some direction can it be that the mikado believes that time has come for a test of strength with russia in some quarters it is regarded as aa probable that such a contest would not be entirely to the advantage of the latter country japan has now an army double the size of that which was available during the war with china her navy is modern in every respect the pall mall gazette believes that japan could finish off all the russian and german warships east of the suez canal in short order and that even great britain has not a vessel la iri the north pacific capable of standing in battle against some of the japanese ships nor is this estimate of the strength of the flowery kingdom believed to be exaggerated the people themselves have supreme confidence tj li their ability to fight and the recent change of ministry indicates the prevailing determination not to suffer without protest the humiliation of loog in one advantage after another secured secure dp by the treaty of peace it is not unlikely that the precipitation of hostilities by japan would be followed by dire consequences it if great britain closes the suez canal and all coaling stations to the combatants neither russia nor germany would b I 1 in a position to send a sufficient squadron to eastern asia the Jap japanese aneg would soon be swarming all over corea and would perhaps invade russia jk territory to send reinforcement several thousand miles over a railroad aa likely to be destroyed in places by hostile soldiers and beat beal back an army within easy reach of supplies would be no easy undertaking tor for russia japans strength and military ambition are subjects of interest tor for tile the reason that it Is believed that her government may some day show special interest in the fate of the Hawaii hawaiian alb islands |
