The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-08-16

accomplished fact. as something done, an inciuen'
about which had nothing to say. A
Governor was appointed. Loochoo was maue an
integral part of the Japanese Empire. and unless
something is done to restore things to their former
position the world would the extinction OF ma
ton with which other nations had made treaties
for no fault Of it's own and not an act OF war; II
that could be done of what value is international
law?
General Grant thought 1t was unfortunate that
there should have been negotiations so that some
thread could be found which could BIO taken up ana
pursued to a harmonious aud honorable result.
CHINA WILLING TO MAKE ANY CONCESSION.
The VIcERoY-we have strained every effort to
open negotiations. Apart from the feeling of
wounded honor in the Chinese mind at tho sudden
extinction of a nation that has been friendly aud
tributary there other reasons. II you look at
the map you will find that the Loochoo Islands
block the coast OF China that they spread between
our shores and the Pacific Ocean, and virtually COM
inand all the channels of commerce. Such q
command in the hands Of q Power like Japan is q
menace to our commerce.. At any time it may be in
terrupted. Then the Loochoo Islands come close to
Formosa. We have already had trouble about For
mosa. The possession OF Loochoo brings Japan
within step of Formosa, which is but step from
our coasts These are considerations that OF course
when you add them to our unquestioned rights
under treaty law and international law they Will ex
plain our own feeling and especially what you heard
from Prince Kung in Pekin.
General Grant asked it, in the absence of negotia-
tons. the Viceroy in possession of any unoff-
cial information as to the views of the Japanese
government?
THE MIKADo DISPOSED TO PEACE.
The Viceroy said from all he could learn the Mi
kado was not in favor Of any policy like that shown
in the occupation of Loochoo. But there was o
party-among them men like the Princes of Sat
suma--who were urging the Japanese to annexation.
His own belief was that If the foreign Powers were
to strengthen the Mikado resisting the wishes Of
this party its influence would die out. and the Loo
choo Islands be restored
General Grant wished to know If the yiceroy had
had any expression from the foreign Powers.
The Viceroy said he believed that Mr.. Bingham.
the American Minister. was friendly to the views Of
China. He supposed SO, at least, from the anxiety
in Pekin to have Mr.. Bingham return to Japan. OF
the wishes of the other Powers he had no informa-
ton beyond rumor.
General Grant felt certain that Mr.. Bingham would
consider the matter He (Mr. Bingham) had just re-
turned from home. and no doubt had been in con-
ference with Mr.. Evarts. He would see Mr. Bingham
as soon as he reached Japan and learn all the facts
He did not know what he could do or how far he
would go until he saw Mr. Bingham.
The Vceroy asked IL the General found on reaching
Japan that Mr.. Bingham had given attention to
the subject or had formed opinions hostile to nego-
tiation, he would then pursue the matter.
The General said the Viceroy supposing q
condition OF things that could not exist MT.
Bingham was an able man, one who had had large
experience in affairs conspicuous lawyer.
especially fitted in overy way to enter into the
sderation of question resting. this appeared to
rest. on treaty and international law.
THE vIcERoY Is ANXIOUS.
The Viceroy still pressed the point. and asked
whether the indifference of the Minister. which he
only spoke of possible thing. would prevent the
Generals giving these good offices requested by
Prince Kung.
General Grant said. Of course. IL he found that SO
important question had been overlooked by the
Minister. and if 1t was in position where he as q
would do all he could. But he had every confidence
in MIR. Bingham.
The viceroy said this confidence shared by
the Chinese. But Prince Kung ana himself laid
especial stress upon the name and influence OF the
General The Loochoo question could not be con-
sdered as within the range Of diplomatic action.
The Japanese had not allowed it diplomatic stand
ing. Consequently there no chance OF reaching
a solution by the ordinary methods of diplomacy.
How can you talk to ministers and governments
about matters which they will not discuss? But
when man like General Grant comes to China and
Japan he comes with an authority which gives him
power to make peace In the interest Of peace China
asks the General to interest himself China cannot
consent TO the position Japan has taken. On that
point there is no indecision In the councils of the
m hal ro~-
of the consequences Of any conaict which Japan
would force upon China.
THE GENERAL OFFERS HIS COUNSEL.
General Grant said his hope and belief were that
tho difficulty would end peacefully and honorably.
He appreciated the compliment paid him by the
Chinese government. The viceroy and Prince
Kung overrated his power. but not his WISH to pre-
peace. and especially to prevent such de-
plorable thing q between China and Japan.
When he reached Japan he would confer with Mr..
Bingham and see how the matter stood. He would
study the Japanese carefully as he proposed
studying the Chinese case. He would. II possible.
confer with the Japanese authorities. What his
opinion would be when he heard both sides he
could not anticipate. If the question took such a
shape that with advantage to the of peace and
without interfering with the wishes OF his own
government. he could advise aid in o solution. he
would be happy, and rs he remarked to Prince Kung
this happiness would not be diminished If IN doing
his action did not disappont the Chinese govern
inent.
THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION.
An allusion was made to the proposed constitution
now pending In California.
General Grant said he had information from
California that enabled him to have opinion of
his own to it's People who knew the
country best informed him that it would be defeated.
The best people in California hoped for its defeat.
There other questions besides the Chinese
which tho constitution covered which excited
deep feeling at home. But California has had pecu-
liar experiences. There the best aud the worst
people in California. The best men had to strug-
gle before in the days of tho Vigilance Committed
They may have to do it again ii the bad influences
gain the supremacy But in the long run, whatever
fate of the constitution, the best people will