The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1907. THE “BIG STICK” POLICY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2199, 1 October 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1907. THE “BIG STICK” POLICY.

In a notable speech delivered prior to the lust election for the United States Presidency,', Mr. Theodore Roosevelt, whilst discussing the nation’s foreign policy, declared that he was an ardent advocate for peace, but believed in carrying a big stick. This is precisely the course that has been followed by America’s greut statesman in the ease of the present dispute with Japan. When the Californian riots occurred President Roosevelt left no stone unturned to effect a settlement. In his endeavor to protect the rights of the Japanese in San Francisco, he went as f/ir as it was possible to go, but the antipathy of the Californians to the Asiatics was too strong to permit of a settlement that would he satisfactory to the Jupanese authorities in Japan. The matter may still be settled amicably, and negotiations are in progress, but in the meantime the President has arranged for the United States fleet to take a cruise in the Pacific Ocean. Ho has declared that there is no speoial significance in this action, but all the diplomacy in the world will not convince the average American or the average Japanese that it is net an illustration of the “.big stick” pol*icy. In other words', the President naturally prefers to have the United States fleet where it is likely to bo of the most service in the event of his ■country being forced into war. That the position is extremely grave is ■shown by the statement made by the Washington correspondent of the ‘Netv York Times. After an interview with President Roosevelt he •wired to his journal that the cruise ■was decided upon only after “America’s patience had been completely exhausted in trying to meet tlio captious Japanese.” At the same time the move now being taken by the Americans, which was -condemned ■when first announced as being unnecessary and provocative, will possibly turn out to make for tho peace of the world. "Were tho Japanese to declare war against America, with the latter’s fleet still in Atlantic waters, there is no question that — whatever the ultimate result of the contest might be—the little brown ■men would commence with a distinct advantage. With the whole of tlieir first-class navy in tho Pacific they could seize the Philippines practic'ally without a struggle, and it would bo exceedingly difficult to prevent both Honolulu and San Francisco from fulling into their hands. It seems scarcely likely that a vast nation like the United States, with enormous wealth and a huge population of intelligent, energetic citizens, would remain for any lengthy period tho under-dog in such a trial of strength, but the Japanese have .given the world many surprises in recent years, and it is at least certain that the Mikado’s navy might eauso extensive damage and serious ‘inconvenience in the land of tho "ulinigb y dollar.” Under these circumstances President Roosovelt is ■taking a wise course in brandishing tho “big stick,” and once the Y.ankeo fleet is on hand in the Pacific ho ■will bo in a much better position to discuss with Japanese Ministers the delicate question of the right of European races to keep the Asiatics out. Strictly speaking, neither America nor Japan really desire war. The first mentioned has extensive commercial interests with Japan that are really increasing in import- 1 mice, and has absolutely nothing to ■ gain by engaging . in a war that i

would, at tho least, prove very costly, and bring no compensating return, oven should victory vest with the American eagle. Japan, on the other hand, has nothing ol the resources tlmt America lias to back her up iu such a war, and just now, with her treasury depleted as the result of her severe tusslo with Russia, it would appear an act of madness to provoke another war. At the same time it is only natural that n nation, young in civilisation, which has achieved such success as tho Japanese have of late years, should form an exalted opinion of its possibilities, and a section of tho Orientals lias undoubtedly gained the impression that the world is for tlio Asiatics, and aro in no way disposed to subpiit to anything that looks like a sacrifice of national dignity. While tlio Mikado’s Ministers tore doing their best to attain tlieir ends by diplomacy, the Opposition party in that country is taking advantage of tlio anti-foreign feeling to stir up the populace against tho Govorn■ment, niul with this influence lit work war is being openly advocated at Tokio. On tho other hand, it now appears that a section of that vilest product of twentieth century journalism, tho American “yellow” press, is adopting a provocative attitude, aiul between theso two mischievous factors anything may happen. Tho probabilities are all iin favor of peace being maintained, but tho conditions are such tlmt the greatest tact and care on tho part of the responsible officials at the head of tho two nations must bo exercised to prevent an outbreak of hostilities.