CONCERNING PORT ARTHUR.

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 92, 16 October 1915, Page 14

CONCERNING PORT ARTHUR.

Port Arthur was • first wrested from China by Japan. The Continental Powers formed a ring to oust her, and Germany gave her formal notice to quit. (In 1914 Japan, in almost identical terms, gave Germany notice to quit Kaochau; and later evicted her.) Feeling herself over-matched — this was in the days preceding the Anglo -Japanese Alliance — Japan quitted Port Arthur, which then fell to Russia in the form of a "lease" by China., In the RussoJapanese war Japan stormed Port Arthur, and has since held it. The following story is told by the late Japanese diplomat, Count Hayashi, and represents a dialogue between him and the Russian Foreign Minister, Count Muravieff, which took place shortly after Russia had extorted from China the famous lease : — Count Muravieff said to me, "fThe agreement for the lease of Port Arthur has been signed. As, however, events have moved so rapidly we have no map of that region. Now, as Japan once held Port Arthur it is probable that you have a good map of that territory. If this is so, would you be so kind as to lend it to me?" I smiled as I looked at the Count, and I replied, "Certainly Port Arthur .was once occupied by Japan, and we have very good maps of that region. . But we have none of them in our Legation here. ' And even if we had I could not comply with your request, though if I can accommodate you in any other way I would be glad to do so." The Count smiled grimly and said, "You are quite right, and I don't blame yon."'