Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 January 1905 — FIVE LEADING CAUSES OF THE DISASTROUS WAR. [ARTICLE]

FIVE LEADING CAUSES OF THE DISASTROUS WAR.

First—After the Boxer disturbances', the powers agreed to maintain the territorial integrity of China. Russia reserved the right to oecupy Mnnehurin, agreeing to evaenate when peaee was restored. April, 1903, jvas the date fixed for this evaeuation. This was afterward extended to Oet. 8. Russia, despite the objections of Japan, still continued in its occupancy of Manchuria. x, Second—Tlie fear on the part of the Japanese that should Russia abssrb Manchuria It would inevitably follow that Russia would absorb Korea. Third—The Russian occupancy of Korea would be a vital restriction of the commerce awd peaceful activities of Japan in the most promising field for Japanese development in Asia. Fourth —The action of Russian agents in pursuing a course indicating a design to control important strategic points. Fifth—The warlike preparations of Russia in Manchuria, and Japan throughout its territories, during the time when both countries were mutually engaged in diplomatic negotiations.