London, Apr. 28.
The political and economic. importance to Japan of her relations with Chine; and the needs of her geographical position are universally Tecognized, says a leader in "The Times" to-day.
They entitle her to a foremost place in any international conference Chinese affairs, but they do not Jusy her claim to a monopoly of It is because Japan's recent state ments seemed to make this claim with an arrogance that recalled the days of the Shoguns and the "closed Empire," that they have caused such widespread uneasiness.
The Japanese Government, "The Times" continues, seem now to wish allay the anxieties which—their spokesmen have aroused, Surely they can best achieve this end, and obtain a hearing for their views on Chinese affairs, by ce-operation rather than. friction with other civilized mations. In this case, the Japanese Prime Minister, Viscount Mf. Saito, would still have a few experts in Chinese affairs, and would be actuated by more than material considerations in desiring the progress, stability and independence of ghe Chinese Republic.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.