The herald., 1894-11-22
FIRM BUT COURTEOUS,
Japan's Rejection Of Uncle
Sans Offer.
The Reply COuched in Friendly
Language.
China Must Treat Direct With Her
Enemy.
Minister Dun, However, May Act as the
Medium Of Comm un icatiOn.
Japs Closing In on
Fort Arthur.

oy tne hs5OCiHtcu iCnts
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2l.-The state de-
partment has received cable reply from
Japan, through Minister Dun at Toxic,
to the United States, suggesting media
tion. The Japanese legation at Wash
ington has also received from the foreign
office in Japan a cable stating reply
bad been made and giving its terms.
Both were received here Sunday after
noon. The fact that they had been sent
first became known through dispatch
to the Associated Press from Toxic. This
much having become known, officials
here made no further concealment OF the
details of the reply.
The cable to Secretary Gresham is &C.
companied by unusual dignity and for-
mality, having the imperial sanction OF
his majesty the emperor OF Japan.
1t is rarely an emperor speaks in dip
lomatic negotiations, go his action in
this case is an evidence OF Japan's de-
sire to express it's appreciation OF the
United States. The message 10 in two
parts, the first giving imperial expros-
sion of good will, and saying the success
of the Japanese army had been such
that China should approach Japan di-
rectly. The second part is more directly
from Minister Dun. and expresses the
view Of the Japanese foreign Office that
China. having no minister at Toxic,
should submit direct proposition
through Minister Dun. The cables to
Minister Kurino are substantially the
same as the foregoing.
The replies were decided on at spe-
cial meeting OF the Japanese cabinet on
Saturday and were sent from Toxic Sat-
urday night, but the transmission de-
layed them until Sunday. The tone oi
the reply and the expressions Of i'm
perial good will give much satisfaction
to the officials here, and now that the
facts are known, no further reserve Ii
maintained as to the terms of the nego-
tiations which have hitherto been with
held.
1t appears that at the outset Secretary
Gresham consulted Minister Kurino az
there was no desire to take action which
would be otherwise than agreeable to
Japan. At q conference between the
secretary and the minister, at which
Secretary Carlisle was present. the
entire purpose of this country was
made clear. This was before Mr..
Gresham had sent his message to
Japan suggesting American mediation.
1t was clear that President Cleveland
had no desire to mediate the trouble,
but on the contrary felt that the exer-
cise of the good Offices of the United
States might entail a serious burden
and responsibility and possibly excite
feeling by one party or another. Under
these circumstances no action would be
taken if Japan though it would create
en- awkward situation. Particular stress
was laid on the fact that Japan would
be entirely free to act as she saw fit F;
that there was no pressure to have her
accept American mediation, and that
the entire project was due to the belief
that this country was in a position to
render a service to both belligerents.
The sentiments we're cordially reoip-
rocated by Minister Kurino, so that Mr..
Gresham had the corporation of the
Japanese minister before the message
was transmitted to Japan through Min-
lister Dun.
Since then the minister has further
co-operated with the secretary and the
kindly reply with imperial sanction was
the result.
new and important situation ia now
presented by Japan's proposition that
China make direct offer through Min
lister Dun at Toxic. This makes Mr..
Dun the interesting center Of negotia-
tions from this time forward, unless the
United States should decline to allow
him to act as the direct representative
of China in submitting an offer. This
is not anticipated, however. 1t is said
that the best course would be for the
state department to notify Mr.. Dun and
also Minister DENLY at Pekin that
they are at liberty to transmit
from China or Japan such direct
peace overtures as the former
might desire to make. 1t will then be
for China to formulate its offer to Min
lister Denby. In turn he would trans
nit it to Minister Dun at Toxic and not
as an intermediary through the United
States. The state department un-
doubtedly would be apprised Of the &C.
ton of Messrs. DENLY and Dun, but
would not be the channel OF their COM
munica ton, as it is the basis of Japan's
new proposition that the offer must
come direct from China and not throug b
the mediation of the United States.
The reply of japan Is so conciliatory
and receptive that it is pointed out that
Minister Dun's skill as a diplomat has
scope for conspicuous service in term
mating the war. The action of the
European powers upon the new phase oil
the question is now awaited with much
interest. ~
Japan's suggestion that Minister Dun
would be an acceptable medium of com
munication from China, in effect elimin-
mates Great Britain. France and the
other powers from being factor in the
negotiations. 1t is believed, however,
FROM official information received here,
that Russia. Italy and Germany will
certainly look with favor on China's ne
Rotiating through Mr.. Dun. The same
sources indicate that Austria probably
will give her adherence. az her mem ber-
ship in the triple alliance makes her
foreign policy similar to 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 question OF doubt within the last