Huntsville gazette. [volume] (Huntsville, Ala.) 1879-1894, 1894-11-17

of Japan, and the Bloody and One-Sided
War in tho Orient May Soon be Termi-
mated.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13.-Although the
formal acceptance by Japan of Amer
lean mediation already agreed upon by
China has not yet reached the depart
ment of state, no doubt whatever is en-
tertained in diplomatic circles that it
will be forthcoming as promptly as the
japanese government can act without
sacrificing ceremonious avoidance of
undue haste. The reply to the
proposition of President Cleveland
is momentarily expected, and con-
fidence is felt that it will
convey Japan's assent. 1t is un-
derstood that while President Geve-
lands offer to mediate simply pre-
sented a general proposition without
details as to procedure. Japan has
been made aware that China comedies
in advance most of Japan's probable
claims as far as cash indemnity and
Corean independence are concerned,
but does not expect that any partition
of a portion of her territory will be in
volved.
1t is also understood that the assur-
ance which China has given respecting
the proposed mediation of the United
States between China and Japan do
not favor arbitration, but look only to
the use by the United States Of its
good offices in bringing the two hos
tile countries together with n view to
peace negotiations. The officials at the
Chinese legation maintain diplo-
matte silence respecting the progress
that is to be made. but no doubt is en-
tertained that the end Of hostilities in
the east is nearly in sight.
Meanwhile Japan is pushing her
rapidly as the physical conditions of
the country will permit. While there
is little doubt that Japan will accept
the friendly offices of the United
States, as proposed by President Cleve-
land, there will be no cessation of ag-
gressive movements on their part un-
til definite arrangement has been
had. Our government is fully aware
of Japan's purpose to continue the
war until some decision looking to
peace has been agreed upon, and for
this reason there will be no delay if
both countries agree to mediation in
bringing them together at the earliest
moment in order that further blood
shed may be avoided.
China viii Have to Consult Great Britain
Before Answering.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 13.-At a late hour
yesterday afternoon nothing official
had been received at the state depart
ment from either China or Japan. The
japanese ministry, it is we'll known,
are considering President Cleveland's
proposition, but it is matter of too
great import to be settled hastily.
The Emperor of Japan, whose head
quarters are at Hiroshima, will be con-
suited and these various consultations
require time. 1t is believed, however,
that definite replies will be received
from both countries by tomorrow.
So far as China is concerned, it was
not expected that her reply would be
formally given until she had consulted
Great Britain. That she is anxious to
bring to close war SO destructive to
her interests, is well known, and it is
this that has led the Cleveland admin
istration to believe that she will accept
any honorable terms made by Japan.
1t was said yesterday, however, by
those who are in a position to reflect
the views Of the Chinese minister. that
China will not dare to determine the
matter absolutely, until after Great
Britain shall have been heard
from. And it is not believed
that Great britain viii be will
ling that the United States
alone shall gain the prestige which
, will naturally belong to this country
from bringing the war to a close.
Great Britain is more anxious than
this country that hostilities should
cease, but she wishes to have voice
in effecting this result. China, it is
thought, will not for this reason, of
fend Great Britain by rashly accept
ing the proposition of the United
States until she first learns the tenn
per of the Britt sh mind.
Another stumbling block will be the
amount of the indemnity. Japan will
doubtless hold out for 100000, 900,
while China will regard not more than
half that amount as the proper figure.
Aside from the very natural desire OF
China to reduce the indemnity as much
as possible, it vii be q matter of great
embarrassment in her present impov-
erished condition to raise SO large a
sum as that which Japan will exact
1t can only be done by increasing her
duty on foreign importations, which is
now about ; per cent, and which, IN
view of her treaty obligations, will not
be easy. Great Britain. who is the
largest exporter of manufactured prod
ucts TO China, would b. the first TO pro
test against this increase in customs
duties, and this it another considera
ton which will cause China not to act
precipitately, but to await Great Brit
aims pleasure.
4 sixty Thousand Dollar Blaze.
FRANKFORT, Ky. Nov. 13.-Fire yes
terday morning destroyed the three