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

III SA4S1SM&SSSNWIzIMltlzMassSss
sense more than could any conversation With am
bassadors.
GOOD OFFICES PROMISED.
General GRANr-I am much complimented by the
confidence you express and in that expressed by the
viceroy. 1t would afford me the greatest pleasure
I know OF no pleasure that could be greater-to be
the means, by any counsel effort Of mine. in pre-
serving peace and especially between two nations in
which feel so deep an interest as do in China ana
Japan know nothing about this Loochoo bust
ness except what have heard from the viceroy and
yourself and occasional scrap in the newspapers.
to which paid little attention had no interest
in it. know nothing of the merits of the case.
am going to Japan, and shall take pleasure in in
forming myself the subject in conversing with
the Japanese authorities. / have idea what
their argument is. They. of course. have an argu-
ment. do not suppose that the rulers are inspired
by desire to wantoniy injure China. Twill acquaint
myself with the Chinese side of the case. as Your
Imperial Highness and the viceroy have presented
it, and promise to present it. will 90 what can
to oarn the japanese side. Then IL can In CONVEX
sation with tho japanese authorities do anything
that will be service to the cause of peace you may
depend upon my good offices. But. as have said.
opinion may entertain when have studied 1t.
THE PRINCES THANKS.
Prince KuNe-we are profoundly grateful for this
promise. China is quite content to rest her case
with your decision. given, as we know 1T Will be.
after care and with wisdom and justice. II the
Japanese government will meet us in this spirit all
will be WELL shall send orders to our Minister in
Japan to wait upon you as soon as you reach Japan
and to speak with you the subject. Your willing
ness to do this will be claim to the respect in
which you are held in China, and be a continuance
of that friendship shown to by the United States
and especially by Mr.. Burlingame. whose death we
all dcpored and whose name is venerated i'll China.
ARBITRATION.
An allusion was made to the convention between
Great Britain and America on the Alabama ques
tion-the arbitration and the settlement of matter
that might have embroiled the two countries. This
was explained to His Imperial Highness prcce-
dent that it would be well to follow The
Prince was thoroughly familiar with the Alabama
negotiations.
General GRANT-An arbitration between nations
may not satisfy either party ut the time. But it
satisfies the conscience Of the world. and must
mend itself more and more q means of adjusting
disputes.
THE RESOLUTION OF CHINA.
Prince KUNG-The policy Of China is one of feli-
Element that is honorable and that will be cousid-
cred by other nations as honorable to us. We de-
sire no advantage over Japan But. at the same
time we are resolved to submit to wrong from
Japan. On that point there is but opinion in
our government. IL is the opinion of the Viceroy.
one of the great officers Of the Empire. and. like
SELF not only great soldier. but advocate always
of peaceful policy. of concession. compromise and
Cancellation. 1t is my own opinion. and Lhave al
ways largely concerned in the affairs of the
Empire and knowing what entails. been in favor
of peace. 1t is the opinion of the Yamen. do not
know of any dissentient among those who serve the
throne. Our opinion is that we cannot. under any
circumstances. submit to the claims of Japan. We
cannot consent the extinction of sovereignty, of
an independence that has existed for long a
time under our protection. If Japan insists upon
her present position there must be
WHAT CHINA WANTS
General GnANT-what action the part of Japan
would satisfy China?
Prince Kuxo-we would be satisfied with the situa-
ton as 1t was.
General GRANr-That is to say. Loochoo paying
tribute TO Japan and China
Prince KuNG-We do not concern ourselves with
what tribute the King of Loochoo pays to Japan
any other Power. We have done so. and al
though there is every reason why an Empire should
vassals we arc content with things as they have
been not only under the dynasty OF my own
ancestors and family. but under the dynasty of the
Mings We desire Japan to restore the King she has
captured and taken away. to withdraw her troops
from Ioocnoo and abandon her claims to exclusive
sovereignty over the island. This is position.
Other questions are open to negotiation and debate.
This is not open. because 1t is question of the in
tcgrity OF the Empire And the justice of our posi-
ton will be felt by any one who studies the
and compares the violence aud aggression Of Japan
with the patience aud moderation of China.
General GRANT, shall certainly see the yiceroy
on my return to Tientsin and converse with him,
and read the documents l understand he is prepar-
ing snail also when meet the Japanese authori-
ties do what can learn their case. Ii can be of
any service in adjusting the question and securing
peace shall be rejoced, and It will be no less a
cause rejoicing IL in doing 40 can be of any
vice to China be enabled to show my appreciation
OF the great honor she has shown TO me during my
visit and Of the unvarying friendship she has shown
our country.
MANNER OF THE CONFEDERATION.
The Prince spoke during this interview with great
animation His voice is low and soft and his gcsticu
lations more those of an Italian than a .Chinamau
At the pauses in the conversation, while Mr. Ho-
combe was interpreting into English what had been
said in Chinese. the attendant would hand the Prince
his pipe, and. leaning back in his chair he would
take two or three whifis. Sometimes a thought
would occur to him. ana he would again break into
the translation with rapid and nervous expression
When he spoke of Chna's resolve to defend her
cregnty he showed emotion, something extraordi-
nary IN an Oriental, and mastering himself
with sudden wrench though he were
selling the reins Of escaping stecd apologzed for