BARON KANEKO'S LECTURE

Baron Kentaro Kaneko 2nd, L.'78, h.'99, gave his last lecture, on "The Situation in the Far East," in Sanders Theatre last evening. B. S. Kimura, Gr.Dv., president of the Japan Club, presided, and the speaker was introduced by Professor J. H. Beale '82.

Though Port Arthur was Japan's reward for the war with China, Baron Kaneko said, she surrendered it at the request of France, Germany, and Russia. By secret negotiations and by taking advantage of the Boxer rebellion, however, Russia converted Manchuria into a fortified Russian province which threatened the freedom of Korea and China and the existence of Japan.

On February 28, 1903, the Japanese government began negotiating with Russia for an understanding regarding Manchuria and Korea, but Russia's only reply was successive delays and the rapid strengthening of her forces until Japan was forced to send to St. Petersburg, on February 5, 1904, an ultimatum stating that she would defend her "menaced position."

After the decisive defeat at Chemulpo, Russia declared that she was wholly unprepared for this violation of international law. But Russia fired the first shot in the war, while the presence of her battleships and soldiers at all strategic points, and her naval demonstration just before the outbreak of hostilities, is conclusive proof that she was fully prepared for the struggle.

The war has been called a fight between Christian and Pagan; it is not a crusade, but a struggle in defence of the national honor of Japan, on which the term "yellow peril" has no bearing.

That the war is not a government move for territorial gain the spontaneous support of all Japan people is unfailing proof, and believing that she is right in defending her existence, will fight to the end.

Tomorrow evening Baron Kaneko will be the guest of honor at a dinner given by President Eliot at his house. He will remain in Boston until about May 10, but will speak informally only, at private dinners. He will visit New York, Philadelphia, and St. Louis, returning in June, to attend Commencement.