| Show JAPAN SEALING QUESTION the japanese do jot propose to be leu lett in the rear in the march of pro eress rese though geographically located locate ii where decadence in ID civilization la Is popularly supposed to have full sway away the government and people of that land have made wonderful strides io in keeping pace with western civilize atou aioo in its development of material interests int reate they rhey now propose to be on an equal looting with the nations of 14 europe drope and america by having an international conference in which they will play a prominent part and which they intend shall be hold held in their thriving city of tokio it may be wondered what special topic can be madette made the subject of an international conference in the land of i be mikado but bu one has baa been found in the much discussed sealing question the rhe tobo kyosai oriental I 1 As cassacia sacia tion which numbers among amone its ite mem bore bers some of the tn baet at influential personages in japan has baa taken the matter up and made a step that may be note worthy in the history of diplomacy it has baa presented to the minister dent of state through count its pirt presiding siding officer a memorial urging upon ube govern government meat abo importance of f opening com communication muni cation with the U cited states slates great britain and russia with a view of holding a co conference ulfer in tokio opt on the subject or of retsu lating seal fisheries in the north pacific rhe refers t the import rt ance ot of adopting me mes urea for the pro lection of the seal fishery along the islands on the west c mat ot of the north pacific and sets seto forth that to accod climb this ihla it is necessary to extend the usual niile mile limit of territorial waters japan Js is specially interested in this thia question since anoe the settlement of the anglo american difficulty and the holding of tto the anglo russian c joven DV tion through which the north islands have become the principal center of sealing log operations operation japan recognizes that the arrangements now in force are of a temporary nature and that russia is particularly dissatisfied with existing this fact 14 1 taken as AN evidence that russia would engage in the proposed conference it is also stated that the american government is not content with the present outlook of the ceal it iff teresta rests and would gladly enter ener into an international arrangement that would perma antly improve its condition this step would bring england in of necessity and thus the four governments most moot concerned would be ju in consultation and might evolve an agreement satisfactory to all on the seal question as well aa others japan ia 18 anxious to conclude equal treaties treat es with the great powers and to take position on the same plane as is mccu pied by them |
