It is possible, of course, that Japan may act alone.
A " distinguished Japanese diplomatist," who is clearly, at all events, a man of ability, has been interviewed by the Doily News, and has spoken, if not with authority, at least with freedom. He apprehends that public opinion in Japan, which is greatly excited, will overbear Marquis Ito, and will compel him to take serious action. This action will not be a declaration of war, but a demand that the Korean Army shall- be entrusted to Japanese officers. In other words, Japan would assume the protectorate of Korea. If Russia
declared war to resist this proposal, well and good, and if not, Japan would have secured a dominance in Korea which to her is vital. The active party in Japan wish the war to occur at once because they think their Fleet superior to the Russian, and believe that a great naval victory would terminate the war. The difficulty for them is the possible action of France, but we do not think the ideas thus reported quite so dreamy as they will seem to most of our readers. The Japanese are convinced that they must fight sooner or later, and their experience at Pekin has given them a certain con- tempt for Russian troops.
