The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-08-15


the occasion OF your visit to Pekin-a visit that we
know to be one of pleasure and that should not be
troubled by business. should have ventured
upon such liberty IL l had not been informed by
the Viceroy of the kind manner in which you
ceived his illusions to the matter and your known
devotion to peace and justice / feel that should
apologize even for the reference l have made.
which would not have ventured upon but for the
report of the Niceroy and our conviction that one
who has had so high place in determining the affairs
of the world can have higher interest than
furtherng peace and justice.
General GRANT, told the viceroy that any thing
could do in the interest of peace my duty and
my pleasure. can conceive of no higher office for
any man. But am not in Office l am merely q
private citizen. journeyng about like others. with
no share in the government and no power. The
government has given me ship of war whenever
can use it without interfering with its duties but
that is all.
MESSAGE FOR JAPAN.
Prince KuNG-I quite understand that and this
led to the expression OF my regret at entering upon
the subject. But we all know how vast your in
fuence must be. not only upon your people at home
but upon all nations who know what you have DONE
and who know that whatever question you con-
sidered would be considered with patience and wis.,
dom and desire for justice and peace You are
Emperor and will have opportunities of presenting
views to the Emperor of Japan and Of showing
him that we have policy but justice.
General GRANT-Yes, am going to Japan as the
guest Of the Emperor and nation.
Prince KUNGThat affords the opportunity
that cannot overlook. The viceroy writes us
that he has prepared statement OF the whole case
drawn from the records of our Empire. and he will
put you in possession of all the from point
of view
General GRANT-The King of the Loochoo Islands
has. believe, paid tribute to China az well as
Japan?
Prince KUNG-For generations I do not know
how long with Japan but for generations Loochoo
has recognized the sovereignty of China. Not alone
during the present. but in the time of the Ming En-
perors. the dynasty that preceded our own. this
recognition was unchallenged. and Loochoo became
well known as an independent Power in the East
owing allegiance only to our Emperor any other
part of dominions
General GRANT--Has Japan made her claim upon
Loochoo u subject Of negotiation with China? Has
she ever presented your government with her view
of her claim to the islands?
HOW JAPAN TREATED CHINA.
Prince KUNG-Japan has Minister in Pekin. He
came here some time since amid circumstances OF
ostentation. and great Importance attached to
the time, and it said that the interchange of
Ministers would be of much Importance to both
nations. We sent Minister to Japan. able and
prudent man. who is there now. This showed our
desire to recprocate. We supposed, of course that
when the Japanese Minister came there would be
complete explanation and understanding in Loo
choo We welcomed his coming in this spirit
and in the interest of peace. When he
came to tho Yamen, and brought up
Loochoo. he knew nothing about the subject,
nothing about the wishes the attitude of his gov
eminent. We naturally inquired, what brought
him hero Minister? of what use was Minister
If he could transact business of such vital
sequence to both nations and to the peace Of the
world. He said he had certain matters connected
with the trade Of the two countries to discuss
something of that kind. 1t seemed almost triaing
with us to say When presented our case lie
said that anything would write say he would
transmit to his government-no more. He
only post Office. When our Minister in Japan
presented the subject TO the authorities he had no
better satisfaction. and was dissatisfied that he
wrote to asking permission to request his pass
ports and withdraw. But told him to wait and
be patient and do nothing to lead to that
might be construed as seeking war on our part.
"ANYTHINa BETTER WAR"
General GRANr-Any course short of national hui
War in itself is great calamity that it should
only be invoked when there is no way of saving
nation from greater War. especially in the East.
and between two countries like Japan and China.
would be misfortune-a great misfortune.
Prince KUNG-A great misfortune to the outside
and neutral Powers we'll War in the East would
be heavy blow to the trade upon which Other
tions much depend. That is one reason why
China asks your good offices and hopes those Of
your government and Of your Minister to Japan.
We have been told of the kind disposition of Mr..
Bingham toward Our Minister has told
us of that; and reason why kept our
Minister in japan under circumstances which would
have justified another Power in withdrawing him
was because knew of Mr. Bingham's sentiments
and were awaiting his return. 1t is because such
war as Japan seems disposed to force China
would be peculiar distressing to foreign Powers
that we have asked them to interfere
HOW JAPAN CAPTURED Loocnoo
General CHAMELEON far have the Japanese gone
in Loochoo?
Prince KuNG-The King of the islands has been
taken to Japan and depossd. The sovereignty has
been cxtingushed. Japanese official has been set
up. We have made study of international law
writtoa by your English and American authors.
whose text books are in Chinese II there is any
force the principles OF international law recog
nized by your nations the extinction of the Loochoo
sovereignty is wrong. and one that other nations
should consider.
General GRANr-It would seem to be a high handed
proceeding to arrest ruler aud take him out of the
country. unless there is grave provoca-
ton.
Prince KUSG-n there was provocation. If Japan
had suffered any wrong in Loochoo that justified
extreme action. why does not her Ambassador at
Court their own ministers at home in dealing with
embassy give us an explanation? China is a
peaceful nation. Her policy has bean peace. No
nation will make more sacrifices for peace, but for
bearance cannot be used to our injury. to the h,-
initiation OF the Emperor and violation OF our
rights. On this subject feel strongly. and when
the Yceroy wrote the Emperor from Tientsin that