The significance of this meeting can scarcely be overestimated. It is a perfectly conclusive answer to the attempts made in various quarters “to foment an anti-Japanese crusade on the ground of racial and religious prejudices.” Japan stands before the world as a champion of “the equality and fraternity of all races.” The so-called “Yellow Peril” is a myth, a fantasy, a delusion; the reality is to be found in the “Golden Opportunity” to win the Orient for Christ through Japan’s leadership. H. E. Count Katsura, in his official capacity as Prime Minister and speaking in the name of His Majesty the Emperor, has given assurances that the “Yellow Peril” is a myth, and that the religious liberty guaranteed in the Japanese constitution is to be enforced. He has stated most emphatically that “Japan stands for religious freedom.” The leading statesmen of Japan, whether in or out of office, assert most positively that Japan’s interests in the Far East are practically identical with those of Great Britain and the United States, and that she desires to work in harmony with those nations.[193] The cause of Christian civilization in Japan has been indirectly benefited by this war. The people, with minds broadened by the responsibilities of their country, and with hearts touched by the practical sympathy of Christian nations, are listening with deeper interest to the presentation of Christian truths. The noble work of the Young Men’s Christian Association at Antung proved so successful that the military authorities soon requested its extension to other portions of Manchuria. The Japanese have felt that though their nation is nominally non-Christian, yet it is fighting the battle of Christian civilization against a nation nominally Christian. The war has been one of the most momentous in history, and decides whether the Far East is to be dominated by conservative, despotic Russia or directed by progressive, liberal Japan. CHRONOLOGY OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR Feb. 5, 1904. Severance of diplomatic relations. 8-9. Japanese naval victories at Fort Arthur and Chemulpo. 9. Russian declaration of war. 10. Japanese declaration of war. 23. Treaty of Japan with Korea. 24. First attempt to block Port Arthur. March 13. Marquis Ito starts on special mission to Korea. 27. Imperial Diet passed War Budget. Second attempt to block Port Arthur. 31. Fiftieth anniversary of Perry’s treaty with Japan. April 13. “Petropavlovsk” sunk by Japanese mine. 25. Transport “Kinshiu Maru” sunk by Russians. May 1. Battle of the Yalu River. 3. Third attempt to block Port Arthur. 15. “Hatsuse” and “Yoshino” sunk. 16. Pan-Religion Mass Meeting, Tōkyō. 25, 26. Battle of Nanshan.