The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-09-17
FUTURE SAFETY.
Is Chief Object in japan's
Treaty With England.
A Big Fleet Of Transports Has Left
Japan For Chinese or Corean Ports.


YOKOHAMA, Sept. II. - The revised
treaty between Japan and England was
ratified at Toxic Aug. 60. For the first
time the United States has failed TO take
advantage of Japan's desire to treat
primarily with the great republic In an
international transaction.
The opinion expressed in Japan Is that
negotiations Mt Washington might have
been concluded long ago II the state de-
partment had been disposed to act upon
Japanese proposals. As it is Great Britain
stands ahead In the enactment of the treaty
which the Asiatic empire has been urgently
striving for more than 20 years to secure.
On the previous occasion the business
was barely brought to conclusion by
Count Okuma, but at the last moment his
plans were defeated by the violent public
demonstrations N Japan against his
method of adjusting the vexed question OF
the judiciary. 1t was, therefore, thought
expedient TO keep these latter negotiations
strictly secret and TO allow none of the
proposed conditions to become subject OF
popular discussion until the affair was abb
solutcly terminated.
Twas . Surprise.
The announcement first made by the
emperor was surprise to every one,
though vague rumors OF what was CON-
templated had circulated during the pass
few weeks. The treaty confers no imme-
diate advantages on Japan. At least five
years must elapse before it goes into oper-
alton, and IL Is for Japan to say whether
or not the interval shall be longer, but
until 1899 everything must remain as 1t is
now.
The purpose Of this delay is that Japan
shall perfect her judicial system to an ex-
tent warranting the abolishment OF
English law courts. The existence OF
foreign tribunals is one of Japan's chief
grievances, and this, so far as Great
Britain Is concerned, will cease at the ap-
pointed time. The other grievance-inter-
ference with the tariff-will not be done
away with until 1910 when complete au-
tonomy will be resumed by the simple
process of terminating the treaty
But from 1899, or whatever date the Jap
anese sign for the agreement to esme in
force, III years later, when it may be can
celled by either party, a partially new tariff
will be adopted somewhat more favorable
TO Japan than which now regulates her
commerce, but not strikingly SO.
Two Privileges withheld.
The position of Englishmen in Japan
will be, in most respects, identical with
those of native subjects. Only two priv
ileges will be withheld-the right of coast
wise trade and the right to own land.
Buildings may be owned, but land must
be held on leases.
1t is evident that in negotiating this
treaty Japan has not consulted present
O..
Difficulties of the existing system have
grown to be intolerable 20 her and she
would almost have consented to sacrifices
for a time to be assured Of positive release
at designated period Five years hence
British extraterritorial jurisdiction will
be abolished. and Japan expects the other
powers will likewise close their consular
courts. Sixteen years hence she hopes
similarly to be rid of all commercial re-
strictions The burdens of the interval
for ultimate freedom.
Had For ii.
The report is circulated that Ii Hung
Chang, though now "a years old, will be
ordered to take personal command OF the
armies on the continent, Notwithstanding
the dissatisfaction of the courts of the re-
suits Of his management up to this time.
The humiliation inflicted upon him has
gone no further than the withdrawal OF
suspension Of his decorations and the ap-
pointment Of two high officials to watch
his proceedings. But If the navy or army
should meet with serious disasters, his po-
sition will be extremely dangerous.
A Fight Near at Hand.
SHANGHAI, Sept. 17.--News has reached
Tien-Tsin that fleet of 81 Japanese
transports, conveying 10000 troops, sailed
a few days ago from a japanese port. II
Is supposed that it is the intention of the
japanese commander to land his forces at
some point on the Chinese coast The
Chinese fleet, under tho command of Ad.
miral Ting, has sailed south for the pur-
pose of intercepting the Japanese Orders
have been sent TO all the Chinese ports "a
maintain n most careful watch for the ap.
proach Of the enemy.
A later dispatch says thar advices from
Naqasaki show that a number of Japan.
csc troopships, conveyed by a man of war
have left hiroshima, island OF Hondo
bound for Chemulpo Corea These prob
ably are the vessels above mentioned as
being bound with large Japanese force
for China. Doubtless exaggerated, IL was
received in Tien-Tsin, and it was taken
for granted that the destination of the
army was China, and its object the cap
ture Of some port which could be used as
base of operations for future movements
1t is now admitted that the Chinese were
defeated with a loss of 800 men in an en-.
gagement that took place Aug. l3.
A dispatch TO The Standard from Berlin
says that Prince Wing, head of the foreign
office at Pekin, has induced the emperor
TO issue decree, ordering that hencefortf
no Chinese viccroy shall meddle In foreign
affairs.
The viceroys have been informed that
the foreign policy will be conducted In the
future exclusively by the foreign Office
This it is added. is unpleasant for l.
Hung Chang. The viccroys OF Nankin
Canton, Manchoria and kashgar have al
tnterfered more or less In such matters.
United States Preferred.
LoSDoN, Sept. 1.-THE Chronicle pub
fishes an Interview with Governor O'Brier