Evening star., 1894-12-22
A PLEA FOR PEACE
China Appoints Two Commissioners to
Confer With the Japanese
Probable Action of the Latter-An
Armistice May BE Established
Pending Negotiations.

Secretary Gresham has received advices
from Minister DENLY, at Pekin, confirming
the report that the Chinese government
has appointed two peace commissioners,
Chang Yin Huan and Shao, and that they
will proceed at once on their mission to
the Japanese capital.
Chang Yin Huan is at present a member
of the Tsung Ii Yamen. or Chinese imperial
council. He was a few years ago Chinese
minister to Washington, and has the reputa-
ton of being thoroughly skilled in the di-
plomacy peculiar to oriental countries.
Shao is now acting governor Of the rich
Chinese province of Huan. and, In addi-
ton, holds several minor offices in the i'm
perial government.
Now that China has appointed her COM
missioners, the expectations are that ia
pan Will promptly name commissioners to
meet them. AS Japan was Informed more
than two weeks ago. through the interme-
diary of the American minister at Toxic
that China would sue for peace and ap-
point an embassy to conduct the negotia-
tions, the presumption Is that the Emperor
of Japan has already selected those per-
sons whom he desires to represent his gov
ernment.
Probable Personnel Of Japan's Conn
mission.
The announcement of the appointment,
accordingly, Of Japan's commissioners LIS
expected daily at the japanese legation,
and the impression prevails that Mr.. Nut
su. the minister of foreign affairs, will be
her chief representative. Count Inouye, at
present minister to Corea, would no doubt
have also been appointed one of the COM
missioners were he now in Japan, but II is
not considered likely that he will be re-
called from Corea to assist In the negotia-
tions. Toxic, the capital OF the japanese
empire. will probably be the meeting place
Of the commissioners, although 1t Is said
at the Japanese legation that Hiroshima.
where the emperor and his council now
are, may be decided upon.
China's practical demonstration of her
desire for peace as evidenced by the ap-
negotiations looking thereto. will, 1T is be-
lieved here. be sufficient assurance to
japan of China's earnestness in the mat
ter. and under these circumstances the
belief prevails at the Japanese legation
here that an armistice will be declared.
The Japanese government, while II has
not sought peace, has indicated its willing
n ss to consider peace proposals, and now
that China has taken steps which look to a
contamination OF that object a temporary
cessation of active hostilities seems prob
able.
Another View Of the Armisticc.
There 10 considerable speculation INDUCED
in, however, by other foreign representa-
tives here. They are aware that such
course is usual in the case of wars between
civilized countries, but think there is rea-
son to believe that the japanese are indis-
posed to trust the Chinese in the smallest
degree. and believe that IL an armistice is
arranged 1t will be upon such conditions
as to assure the japanese that they will
lose none of the advantage of position
which they now hold.
1t is stated that the United States nin-
listers to Japan and China have never un-
dortaken to discuss the terms of final
peace. All such matters as the amount Ct
the war indemnity to be paid by the de-
feated country, the guarantee of the inde-
pendence of Corea, the occupation of Port
been left untouched for the discussion Of
the peace commissioners, and the sole ef-
forts of our ministers have been directed
to bringing the principals together to dis
cusS terms of peace,