The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-11-22
JAPAN'S CORDIAL REPLY
TO THE UNITED STATES OFFER OF
MEDIATION
Gives the State Department Much satisfao-
tion-Tbe Decision Makes Minister
Dun the Central Figure.

WASHINGTON, d. c.. Nov. A.-The
State Department has received cable
reply from Japan through Minister Dun,
at Toxic, to the United States susges-
ton of mediation. The Japanese legation
here has also received from the loreign
office in Japan a cable stating lndt
reply had been made and giving its
terms. Both cables were received here
Sunday afternoon.
The cable to Secretary Gresham is ac-
Z Tpanied by the unusual dignity and
f, nality, in having the Imperial sane
ton of His Majesty, Emperor OF Japan.
/. is rarely that the Emperor speaks in
diplomatic negotiations 50 that his ac-
ton in this case is evidence OF Japan y
desire TO express its appreciation Of the
course of the United States. The mes
sage is in two parts the tirst giving the
Imperial expression of good viii and say
ing that the success of japanese arms had
been such that China should approach
Japan directly. The second part is more
directly irom Minister Dun and eX-
presses the view of the Japanese foreign
office, that as China has no minister to
Toxic to submit the direct proposition, II
could be made by China through Minister
Dunn. The cable TO Minister Kurino is
substantially the same as the fOrego-
ing.
Inc replies were decided on at a spe-
cial meeting OF the Japanese Cabinet on
Saturday, and We're sent from Toxic Sat
urday night, but the transmission delayed
them until Sunday.
TERMS or THE NEGOTIATIONS.
The tone of the reply and the express
sons Of Imperial good will give much
Satisfaction 10 the officials here, and
:. " that the facts are known no further
reserve is maintained as to the terms OF
the negotiations, which have hitherto
been withheld
1t appears that at the outset Secretary
Gresham col suited Minister Kurlno, as
fsslg NAn VI Ia
would be otherwise than agreeable to
Japan. At conference between the
Secretary and the Minister, at which
Secretary Carlisle was present, the en-
tire purpose of this country was made
clear This was before Mr. Gresham had
sent the message TO Japan. suggesting
American mediation. 1t was made clear
that President Cleveland had no desire
to mediate the trouble. but on the con-
trary, felt that the exercise Of good Offices
Of the United States might entail a seri-
our burden and responsibility. and possi-
bly, excite ultimate ceiling by one party
or the other. Under these circumstances
no action would be taken 4 Japan felt
II would create an awkward situation.
Particular stress was laid on he fact
that japan would be entirely free 20 act
as she saw tit; that there was no pres
sure 10 have her accept American media
ton; and that the entire proceedings was
due to the belief that this country was
in "a position to render service to
both beligerents. These sentiments were
cordially reciprOcated by Minister ku-
rino, so that Mr.. Gresham had the CO.
operation Of the japanese minister before
the message was transmitted to Japan
through Minister Dun. Since then the
Minister has further co-operated with the
Secretary. and the kindly reply. with I'M
perial sanction, is the result
rHINA's OPPORTUNITY
A new and important situation is now
presented by Japan's proposition that
- a through
States Minister Dun at Toxic. This
makes Mr.. Dun the interesting centre Of
negotiations from this time forward, un-
less the United States should decline to
allow him to act as the direct represent
tativc of China in submitting an offer.
This is not anticipated. however. II is
said that the usual course would be for
the State Department to notify Mr. Dun
and also Minister DENLY, at Pekin, that
they were at liberty 10 transmit from
China to Japan such direct peace over
lures as the former desired to make. II
would then be for China to formulate its
offer to Minister DENLY He in turn
would transmit it TO Minister Dun as
China's direct offer. ana not as an inter-
mediary offer through the United States.
| The State Department undoubtedly would
be dppriZed Of the action of MeSsrS
DENLY and Dun, but would not be the
channel Jf their communication, aS
it is the basis Of Japan's new propo-
stiou that the offer come direct from
China and NOT through the mediation OF
so conciliatory and receptive that it is
pointed out that Minister Dun's skill as a
diplomat has scope for conspicuous service
IN terminating the war.
ACTION or EUROPEAN POWERS.
The action Of European powers on the
new phase of the question is now await
ed with much interest. Japan's suggps-
ton that Mr.. Dun will be an accepta.
BILE medium of communication from China
in effect eliminates Great Britain, France
and the other powers from being fac
tor in the negotiations. 1t is believed
however from official information re-
ccived here that Russia, Italy and Ger
many will certainly look with favor on
Chra's dealing through Minister
Dun. The samn sources indicate
that Austria will probably give
her adherence, as her membership
In the Triple Alliance makes her
foreign policy similar 10 that OF Ger
many and Italy. The position of Ger
many has been SO closely analogous to
that Of the United States that It has been
a question Of doubt within the last few
days whether Germany might not be
substituted for the United States i'm the
offer Of mediation. As there IS 10 be
mediation. Germanys position still re-
mains favorable 10 an adjustment along
the line suggested by japan. Italy has
already notified the allied powers that
she cannot consent 10 forcible interven-
ton. which Is equivalent 10 declara-
ton in favor of a peaceable settlement,
such as would come through China's offer
10 Minister Dun. II can also be stated
positively that Great Britain has favored
the recent offer OF mediation by
the United States. on the ground that
II was presumed that II would save China
from utter destruction, and thus preserve
the British trade with China. Under
these circumstances II Is believed by Of
6ci.Is and diplomats who are familiar
with all the correspondence that the Eu-
ropen powers cannot, with propriety, in
terfere