The Helena independent., 1894-11-21
BULLETS OF PAPER.
Firing Between Japan and China Through
the Mails Before tho War Was
Declared.
THE CORRESPONDENCE GIVEN OUT


Washington. Nov 2O-The Japanese
government has anticipated the recent
oner Of China TO the foreign powers to
furnish the complete Official correspon-
dence leading up to the present war,
and has itself made public this corre-
spondence. II is published In full as n
part of recent proceedings OF the Jap
anese diet, which have been received by
the japanese legation here. Most OF
the controversy has already been made
known 10 the public, but the official let
ters between China and Japan give the
FIRST account of the sharp diplomatic
fencing between the countries up to a
few days before the war. The letters
run from June 10 July "A, They are
numbered from one 10 nine. No. is
from Wang, Chinese minister 10 Japan.
IL informs Japan that a telegram has
been received from Ii Hung Chang stat
Ing that the Corean government has re-
quested China 10 send troops TO sup
press IA rebellion OF the Tong Haks.
Viceroy Ii, II says. considers the rebel
Hon serious. and therefore complies
Nihh hNf lNHhtdl W DEhNftA
'our tributary state" first notifying
Japan, in accordance with the treaty
provision that each shall inform the
other before entering Corea.
No. is from Mutsu, minister of for
eign affairs OF Japan. IL very pointed
ly states: "In reply, | beg TO declare
that although the words tributary
states appeared in your note. the Jap
anese government has never recognized
Corea as a tributary state OF China"
No Is notice from the japanese gov
Iernment that II intends sending troops
TO Corea 10 suppress rebellion. No. 4 is
a letted from the Chinese cabinet to the
Japanese minister at PelSln. The let
ter expresses surprise that Japan should
send troops TO Corea, when II has not
been so requested by Corea. IL adds
the following significant language:
The sole object of your country in
sending troops is evidently to protect
the legation, consulates and commercial
people In Corea, and consequently IL
may not be necessary on the part OF
your country TO dispatch n great num-
ber of troops, and besides. as no appli-
cation therefor has been made by Corea,
IL is requested that no troops shall pro-
ceed to the interior OF Corea, so they
may ilpN NduHt dltll III W
moreover, since IL is feared that I'm the
event the soldiers Of the two nations
should meet on the way cases OF unex-
pected accidents might occur. owing to
the difference of language and military
etiquette. we beg to request, In addi-
tion, that you will be good enough to
telegraph the purport of this communi-
cation 10 the government OF Japan"
No. is Japan's answer. i'm which
Japan says: "As TO the number OF
troops to be sent to Corea, the Japanese
government Is compelled to exercise
their Judgment. Although no restric-
ton is placed upon the movement OF
Japanese troops In Corea. they will not
be sent where their presence is not
deemed necessary. Japanese troops are
under strict discipline and the japanese
government is confident they will not
precipitate "A collision with Chinese
forces. II is hoped China has adopted
similar precautions
No. 6 is the offer of the Japanese gov
ernment TO join China in general re-
adjustment OF Corea on modern lines
No. Z is China's rejection of the offer.
in which she says: THE idea may be
excellent, but the measures OF improve
ment must be left to Corea herself.
No. 4 Is from Japan To China, stating
that Japan cannot longer disregard the
law OF self-preseryation, which impels
her to reform the deplorable condition
of Corea, at the root Of her frequent
rebellinns. No. Is also from Japan
10 China, stating that as China has de-
cllned to Join In the administrative re-
form OF Curea, the only conclusion de-
ductable is that the Chinese government
'is disposed TO precipltate complica-
tIons."
This closes correspondence, the last
letter being dated eleven days before
the Chinese transport, Kow Shing. car
rying Chinese troops to Corea, was sunk
by Japan. Japan's declaration OF war
foliowad six days later.