The Dominion MONDAY, JULY 10, 1916. ISOLATED AMERICA

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2819, 10 July 1916, Page 4

The Dominion MONDAY, JULY 10, 1916. ISOLATED AMERICA

•The treaty between Kussia untl Japan is a further extension in the treat network of alliances which has een one of the most" noteworthy, features of tho world's history daring tho last half-centnry. 'About 1883, Germany, Austria, and Italy 'formed the Triple Alliance'. This combination compolled ■ other nations to reconsider their position, and was gradually. followed by a general regrouping of tho Powers. Prancc and Russia came together in 1897, and during the opening years of the twentieth century the Triple Alliance found itself facc to face with a most formidable company of nations. Italy became reconciled with France, France with England, and England with Russia. In 1902 the Alliance between Britain and Japan was formed, and a few'years later this great entente was further strengthened and consolidated bv the reconciliation of Franco and Russia- with Japan on the basis of the recognition of the status quo in the Far East. . Since the outbreak of the present war, Italy has withdrawn from her alliance with Germany and Austria, and has thrown in her lot with the Entente Powers, and the bonds between the members of tuis combination have been tightened by. very definite and far-reach-ing agreements as to concerted action, commercial as well as political, i For some time past Russia and' Japan have been drawing together. They have both felt that a better understanding would be to their mutual benefit. The recent visit of 'the Grand Duke George MikhailoyiTCH was regarded as a significant indication of the trend of events, and quite lately a leading Japanese newspaper published a report of a remarkable interview between its Petrograd correspondent and M. J)AZONOFF,_the'Russian Foreign Minister. When asked for his opinion as to the possibility of a RussoJapanese Alliance, M. Sazonoff spoke frankly and. dircctly. "A Itusso-Japauese Alliance," he said, "would be niost desirable. Such an alliance will in no wise adversely affect Japan's alliance with Great Britain; the first will materially strengthen the second. The present war has brought Japan and Russia close together, and there is no reason why the two.nations should, not cement the ties of friendship already existing by entering into an alliance." The treaty has now been signed, and we are assured that it is regarded with satisfaction by Britain. It is stated that it will have the cffcct of strengthening the agreement and of consolidating the relations of all tho Allies as far as the Far East is concerned.

But the Russo-Japanese treaty gives no satisfaction -to the United States. During recent years tho relationship between Arncrica and Japan has not been too cordial. The two nations are suspicious of each other. It is felt in America that tho new Alliance may involve possibilities of great danger to the United States. "We need to act," says the New York Times, "unless wo are to be content to see our commercial opportunities in China pass to other hands." The war has resulted in the annihilation of German power in the Far East. Russia and Japan have come to a definite, understanding in reference to their rights and interests, and in view of the fact that these two Powers are in close alliance with Britain it may lie Kumcd that the British Government has been kept informed of what has been happening, and that' British interests have been safeguarded. Indeed we arc definitely assured that Britain welcomes the agreement, and that tho Allied nations have expressed satisfaction With it. But it is

not surprising that Americans view the flciv situation with serious misgivings. Tlioy evidently fear—and not without reason—that it may tend to place restrictions on the expansion of their ' commcrcial activities in the Far East. Amerjca has chosen a policy of isolation, aticl she is beginning to realiso the danger of standing alone. America stood by without protest and saw Germany brutally violato the treaty rights of Belgium, and,focble ;-.ad ineffective have been het efforts to restrain Germany's utter disregard for 'the law of nations. To keep out of_ trouble at all costs has' been the guiding principle of tho foreign policy of tho Wilson Government. America is now discovering that this timid and selfish attitude is placing her in a very difficult position. It is impossible for a nation which has commercial interests in all.fiarts of the world to live entirely to itself. No' country can afford to act the passive part of a disinterested onlooker, caring nothing about tho rights and wrongs of others. Tho isolated State is m danger of being shouldered, aside, and may find it extremely difficult to assert its. claims. A nation that is indifferent to tho fate of other nations may find those other nations equally indifferent when it most needs their holp and friendship. America is .alarmed because Japan and Russia have agreed upon a oourse of action which may seriously conflict with her interests in tho Far East. She is being forced to take notice of what other Powers are doing just as other nations are.watching her actions very closely. Tho proposed increase in her army and navy is not regarded in Japan as a matter of no importance. Rightly ov wrongly, Japan believes that ' it . is th 6 desire of the United States to dominato tho Pacific, and to play a conspicuous role in the diplomatic drama in the Far East. This is the view taken by an influential Tokio newspaper, which goes on to declare that tho Japanese -are the guardians of the peace of the Far East, and "cannot remain serene and quiet when a disturbing element looms on the horizon.'' _ Japan has strengthened her' position by her alliance with Russia-, and America is discovering tho disadvantage of the policy of isolation which l\<r rulers have chosen to adopt.