Page:The Truth about China and Japan - Weale - 1919.djvu/51

 indeed to-day the highest importance; for they reveal the fact that the first attempt of Japan to accommodate herself to a type of relationship alien and antithetical to Eastern culture was made in a spirit of equality. The written, precise agreement, which Europe owes to Roman Law, here appears in flowing, ceremonious language; and what should have been from its very nature clearly and absolutely defined from the very beginning is only vaguely touched upon.

Listen to the language.

Article I declares:—

Article II declares:—

Now that friendly relations subsist between the two countries, this friendship shall without fail be of an intimate and reciprocal character. Should either state experience at the hands of another country injustice or slighting treatment, on communication being made to the other state the latter shall give assistance or shall use her good offices in mediating