The record-union., 1894-11-24
ignatures to new treaty of amity and
commerce between this country and

office hours, and the fact that it now
awaited only the ratification of the two
governments was exclusively announced
py the Associated Press yesterday.
Gresham will now transmit the new
treaty to the United States Senate as soon
as 1t convenes, and Mr.. Kurino will for
ward 1t TO the Japanese Foreign Office to
pe approved by the Emperor of Japan
and the Privy Council.
Coming at the present time, the sign
ing OF this treaty is considered of much
Importance beyond its actual terms. as it
establishes cordial relations between the
countries when foreign Powers are en-
deaVorIng TO show that Japan's rejection
OF peace mediation was a snub 10 the
United States.
The signing of the treaty concludes
labor which had been in progress for
hiteen years, and 1t was with a special
view OF closing the long negotiation that
hurino was taken from an important
post IN the Japanese Foreign Office and
sent to Washington.
The event also will cause much COM
ment in Great Britain, France, Switzer-
land and other foreign countries as the
action of the United States affects similar
treaties abroad. That with Great Britain
IS closed, and the ones with France and
switzerland are largely dependent upon
the close OF the American negotiations.
Inc chief feature of the new treaty is
IN It's recognition of Japan as civilized
country. Previous treaties have as
sumed that the native courts were so
primitive and punishments so brutal
that it would not be safe TO trust British,
American and other foreign citizens to
their Jurlsdidiction. The new treaty
recognizes the Japanese courts, and does
away with the offensive foreign Consular
courts. But in order that they may be
given time for the Japanese judicial sys-
I'm taI ha data
When they assume their new functions is
postponed for five years, viz: January,
1899. The same provision is in the treaty
with Great Britain, and in those about to
be concluded with France, Switzerland
and other countries, so the full recogni-
ton OF Japan's civilization will be ush-
cred In IN the twentieth century.
The restriction of japanese immigra-
ton to this country is an important teat-
ure Oh the new treaty. Japan has already
acceded to this, because, as she claims,
her citizens are not deslrous of emigrat-
ing i'll large numbers to America, and
also because a Japanese law prohibits
them from emigrating contrary to the
America contract labor law
The main features of the treaty are said
TO be framed with view of developing
the commerce of both countries. Within
previous treaties japan has been re-
strIcted to per cent. ad valorem on
~AhiCllOdh lIu DOIlS, anu Ln6 actual COllGc-
tlons at the Custom-house have been
about per cent. ad valorem. The exact
terms OF the new arrangements are not
known. The treaty also gives Americans
greater property rights in Japan, allow
ing them the privilege, not heretofore
granted, OF leasing lands in the interior
OF Japan, as we'll as at the treaty ports.
and allowing all property rights except
the right to own land in fee simple.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23.-The latest
China-Japanese developments disclose an
interesting game of diplomacy. The
cable advices stating that the British
officials are delighted with the rebuff
sustained by the United States in Japan's
rejection OF the mediation, causes much
amusement among the diplomats here
who are familiar with the facts. While the
British assertion that the United States
acted entirely alone in its offer. and with
out the cooperation of Great Britain is
literally true, yet it is known that her
maJesty's Government, for trade or
commercial reasons, heartily desired
the success of the movement, for it was
feared continuance of the war might
hurt British interest in the East The
sentiment of British diplomats on Japan's
rejection of our overtures is, therefore,
tempered by financial consideration.
From the outset of the negotiations
Great Britain has shown the greatest
anxiety to have the war terminated, and
the Foreign Office has twice put in an in
tervention. The interest of Great Britain
In the matter was known to rest on no
sentimental ground, but because of de-
sire to preserve China. one of the greatest
commercial markets of English mer-
chants. In official circles, it was UNDER
stood that the British offer was at the
instance of China. The United States
declined all overtures from England, but
at the request of China made the inde-
pendent otfer of mediation. The request
coming from China, and being in the in
terest Of Great Britain's policy of preserv-
ing China, was known to have the moraI
support of her majesty's Government,
even if it lacked the open corporation OF
the Foreign Office, which would be in
acceptable to this Government if it in
volved any entangling alliance. Since
then China has bent every effort to have
the American proposition accepted, and
owing to the relations between China and
Great Britain it is not doubted that the
latter country has desired the American
proposition to be accepted.
Any delight which the British officials
may express at Japan suubbing the
United states is attributed but to personal
reasons, and not to the failure of the OBJ
ject Great Britain has earnestly sought
The latest phase of the controversy, in
the departure of China's Minister of Gus
toms tor Japan to arrange terms of peace
further assures the officials here that
China has embraced the peace policy
along the lines openly proposed by the
United States and covertly desired by
Great Britain. 1t is regarded as natural
that English diplomats should prefer that
their ultimate aim-peace-should be ac-
complished with as little distinction as
possible for the United States as medi-
ator.
But there is another and very pertinent
reason why any expression of delight at
the snubbing of the United States is en-
tirely out OF place at this point. State
Department officials say that the United
States has not been snubbed at all. The
reply of the Japanese Governmental our
overture wass courteous in ex-
preston and in spirit, and it did not by
any means amount to a rejection. On the
contrary, it pointed out way in which
the United States could assist in restoring
peace, il China should be in the proper
frame of mind. That was by authorizing
our Foreign Ministers in Japan and
China to transmit proposals. This au-
thority has been conferred by our State
Department, and so, in the persons OF our
Ministers, the United States Government
is really to-day in the place Of mediator,
with the consent of Japan's Government,
and consequently in fair way TO attain
its object, irrespective of the sentiment of
the European powers.
ENGLISHMEN DELIGHTED.
LONDON, Nov. 23.-The rumors from
Washington that Great Britain is sup
porting or cooperating with the United
States in an attempt to mediate between
Japan and China is declared in official
circles here to be altogether incorrect.
The United States Government is under