THE JAPANESE ELECTIONS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2423, 31 March 1915, Page 8

THE JAPANESE ELECTIONS

ERA OF A DEMOCRATIC RULE. "The political position in Japan for some years preceding tho General Election which nas just been decided, was very complicated," said Mr. Jlotosaku Tsucliiya, of "The Asahi Shimbun," in an interview which lie gave a reporter yesterday morning. Sir. Tsuchi.va is a well-known Japanese journalist who is on an extended visit to Australia and New Zealand. One of tho most important matters that has been settled b.v Count Okuma's viotory is tho policy of tho Army Party to establish' two new divisions of the Army, in Korea for the defence of that "That," said Mr. Tsuchlya," is a most important thing. It has been a bono of contention in Japanese politics for some time past, the people rather resenting the provision which the military authorities were supposed to have already made in that direction without the authority of, the Parliament. As Mr. Tsuchiya expressed it, the Korean matter was a very long-hanging question, the plan not being very popular, because the people were rather tired of fighting. Japan has at present practically an army of nineteen divisions, _ and until quite recently the majority of the people thought if it was necessary to defend Japan's right in Korea they could send the requisite army over from Japan in a very short time. Already Japan has one Army Division in Korea and another at Port Arthur, but these were not permanent establishments. They were occasionally changed. The two divisions will now be permanently in Korea.. Tho result of the elections, Mr. Tsuchiya says, will make no difference to the Navy. One other important point in connection with this election, he added, is that it means a popular endorsement of Count Olaima's policy in regard to China. The Premier was very fortunate in leaving that question > to put before t'he people -at this election, and the successful operations at Tsingtati would no doubt tend to increase Count Okuma's popularity. It may he tr.ken that the recent swift changes in Japanese political rule will be at an end for some time. Tlie power of the single clan that with the assistance of the armv and the elder statesmen controlled the Government of Japan in recent years, has now been broken, and Japan enters upon an era of more democratic rule. There will be a greater harmony between the electors and tho Government. Count Okuma is not only an able, but also a very popular, man. Especially has ho increased his popularity bv his handling of the Chinese question. "AATiat will be tho position'now in Tegarrl to the alliance with Britain?" "That," replied Mr. Tsuchiya. "will be strengthened. Count Okuma has a great admiration fof tho British."