MANCHURIAN RAILWAYS, The proposal by the American Gov-orement that the Manchurian Railways should be neutralized is occupying, as might have been expected, the attention of the Japanese Press_to the exclusion, I almost, of every other topi "The Japan Chronicle publi-hes telegram, dated January 11, from San Francitoo which says: Opposition to Mr. Knox'
San Francisco Chronicle," content for the United States to deviate from the Moproe doctrine, and take an active in the settlement of the Manchurian question, The journal also _arks what could be done if the Japanese and Rassian Governments demanded the "open door" in Cubs and compares American interference in Manchuria to Japan and Russia interfering in Cuban affairs, 'A' message from New York, also dispatched on the 11th instant says The leading merchants of New York and other centres now regard Mr Knoz's proposal as impracticable, thas taking the same line as "The New York ing Post."
London telegram, onder date Janoary 12, which is published by the can be regarded 8 authentic, France is not enthusiastic over the proposal. This moseage reads: The attitude of the French Government towards the Man-chorion proposal is shown in the following—semi-official communique bad been made by the United States Goveroment that all railways in Manchuria be tarned over to China and also that a line from Chinchow to Aigan by way of Tsitsihar be constracted; that no doubt fands could be provided by nationals of the different Powers with which to meet the neceesary outlay, not ely for those lives already constracted, bat also for the) tone last mentioned and others which it might seem for the interest of China to build in the fatare. He added that of course the parties most nearly concerned were Japan, Roesia and China, and it reemed to his Gov: eroment that they would naturally be eager to solve all contention and difficalty ie the manner pointed and to aid the Chinese Government in the peaceful development of its own domain, The Ambassador pointed out. that some years ago the United States presented to the Powers a flan by mich each should undertake to forgo cee for the commercial of all, The Powers acceded to this enggestion and the one now advanced is simply " logical step in the same direction. The United St Government believes that a plan having for ite parpose the principles above stated woold result in lasting benefits to all concerned.
Kokumin Shimbun" apparently on high author Japan will deal with the centr pro a friendly manner, as it comes from a friendly country, whether it consented to or not. It is, however, erroneous to ray that Manchuria is storm centre. The conditions in Man-already been settled, omiog greerents with Japan aod Russia, and Japan's agreement with Rassia, Those three countries are now on friendly terms with each other. The argument that the neutralization scheme will gaarantes peace does not apply to Mancharia, in view of the fact that it infringes China's territorial right, already established and deprives: others of privileges properly acquired there. It would lead to farther complications, Russia's lors of the Chinese Restern Railway would threaten her Siberian territory. It would be improper to neutralize part of China's interest.
it-] in view of the fact that Chita coo question, recover the railways in Manchuria ape will merely observe neutrality the expiry of the concession, The Rassia, She will never act American-Japanese agreement of 1908 way likely to offend the feeling is based on the maintenance of China's Japan and Great Britain. If an into independence and territorial integrity, national syndicate should be formed. and the preservation of the common France will take part therein on an interesta of the Powers in China. If the absolutely equal basis with the others.
Japanese and American Goveromest The French Press regards the proposal always stick to this determination, there as Utopian, An interview with Mr. O'Brien, the The editor of the ""Kokumin Shimbun"
appeared with several inaccuracies in the United States Ambassador to Tokio, also writes in his Tokio Letter column that unnecessary to discuss the vernacular press, and Mr. O'Brien in American proposal so seriously, as it consequence supplied"TheJapan Adver-is absolutely impracticable. It depends: riser" with a correct account of what upon the consent of China, Japan and took place. Asked for a statement in Rassis, but they will not consent. regard to the proposal the Ambassador Russia's maintenance of the Chinese replied in substance that a suggestion Eastern Railway, even at an enormous cost, is to preserve the basis of ber Oriental policy. If China is now to ear big loan to recover the Man-chorion Railway, ber finances will be imperilled at once. The proposed railway centralization would be better applied France and Germany, among other Powers, easily abandon their railways io Yunnan and Shantang Viscount Aoki, former Foreign Minister and subsequently Ambaseador in Washington, says that the new typically American, America have regarded Japan as child, and may be jealous of Ji sweeping victory over Rosia, The Present question depends upon Japan and Russia, BARON GOTO's VIEWS, Baron Goto, formerly President of the South Mancharia Railway and now Mioister of Commanications, being interviewed said that the Into Mr, Harriman secretly proposed to secure international control of the railways, boat he failed. The maintenance of territorial integrity as urged by A practically disturbs it, as arbitrary interference with country's territory. If there li statesman in Chios, he will any foreiga interference, in view of the fact that the Mancharian question bed already been solved by the agreements with Japan and Rossia, It wae oot yet known to what extent Am prepared to push this matter, bat Japan shoald bear in mind that America will endeavour to her face,"" as she bad already made the proposal.
JAPAN 18 KOREA, Viscount Sone, Resident-General in Korea, who returned to Tokio on Janoary 9, was interriowed and said that the federation movement was too hasty, and was rather troublesome to him, though it might have been well intended. His view and the Tokio Government's policy were fixed. The Japaneee ought carefully to consider how to manage Korea. It was erroneous to consider Korea as a barbarous Protectorate. The country bad iis own history and its own national pride, Korea was different from Formosa, It would be inadvisable to overload Korea with innovations, The assassination of Prince Ito and the attempted assassination of the Korean Premier were traceable to Korean amour [propre, which la difficult to eradicate, and which often caneed a disturbance of order, but it could be utilized if Japan set properly about that task. The Koreans disliked to be overwhelmed with new things from outside, but woald be glad of a resurrection of their old civilization. Owing to their vanity, the Koreans had broken down economically. It was thus advisable to help them to recuperate rather than too hastily to complete political arrangements. Japan most develop the industrial spirit of the Koreans, and induce them to o0- operate with respectable Japanese merchants. It was also necessary to teach the Koreans to trast the officials. Japan mast aot assume the attitude of
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.