The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-11-13
His Interference I'm Chino-Japanese
port Than the Public Realizes.
MEANWHILE WAR GOES ON
CONTRADICTORY RUMORS AS TO THE
CAPTURE OF PORT ARTHUR.
Interesting Batch of Reports from
United States Consuls-Lycurgus
Dalton Seriously III.

WASHINGTON. Nov 12-Japan has not
yet accepted the offer of the United States
government TO act as mediator i'm the
war between Japan and China. Lengthy
kilograms are passing, however, between
the Japanese capital and Washington, with
the prospect that a final decision will not
long be deferred. A cable from the Japan
ese authorities was received this morning
asking for more explicit details. Details
were given which will show the Japanese
the desirability of the arrangement. China
has already formally notified Secretary
Gresham that she will join Japan i'm ac-
knowledging the independence of Corea,
and will also pay cash indemnity. The
amount she will pay is not specified. 1t is
felt in official circles here that the gravity
of the action taken by the United States
is not yet fully realized by the public as
it contemplates foreign policy TO which
the Hawaiian incident is said to be trifiing
in comparison. Should Japan and China
accept the United States as mediator it
will close the greatest war since the
Franco-Prussian conflict, anc this country
will, for the first time, occupy command
ing position In deciding Asatic questions
which have heretofore had the attention of
European powers only. At present the
European powers endeavoring to reach
an agreement among themselves by which
they will forcibly intervene.
Five days ago France presented a propo-
sition to Secretary Gresham to join in for
eign Intervention. This was rejected, as
the proposition Of Great Britain had been.
While the European powers are thus ar
ranging the details OF their intervention
the United States comes forward independ-
emily Of other foreign powers and offers
to act mediator il China and Japan re-
quests this service. In view of the avarice
to secure new territory which is believed
TO inspire the European powers. il Is felt
by officials and diplomates here that Japan
will accept the mediation of the United
States. although the hesitation of the Toxic
authorities is taken to indicate that they
want China to fix the exact figures Of the
cash indemnity. which cannot be, in the
judgment Of those best posted, less than
one hundred million dollars. Japan's final
reply is expected almost hourly. If favor
able, as it is anticipated here, an armistice
would undoubtedly be proclaimed by both
countries and the battling about Port Ar
thur. wiju and Mukden win terminate.
The French ambassador. NJ. Patenotre,
was an early caller on Secretary Gresham.
His visit had reference to the settlement
of the war, but, SO far as is known. his
government. has not yet clearly defined its
position. 1t is assumed by some diplomates
here that France is really urging the United
States to effect a speedy restoration of
peace single-handed, since we will not join
with the other powers in intervention, and
the latter seem to be unable to effect their
purpose without our aid. But in other
rr,o orfo fhar fc hali inf hat T~,,-
ropean powers do not at all relish the ac-
ton taken by the United States in volun-
teering to mediate and thus bring the war
to termination without allowing them to
join in the guarantee of Corea's ,independ-
ence and to achieve certain other designs
which they had cherished, such as securing
a considerable addition to the number of
treaty ports and perhaps some territorial
extension under the guise OF protectorates.
They feel that their interests are so much
more extensive than our own that they are
entitled to voice in the settlement. and
the apprehension that some of these pow
ers may suddenly make a bold and decided
move, is likely to cause japan to speedily
| accept our offer of mediation il she really
| cares to end the war at this stage and place
| her interests in the hands of a nation
which she knows to be disinterested.
Rumors Regarding Port Arthur.
LONDON. Nov. IA dispatch received
| here from Shanghai says that the Japanese
| captured Port Arthur yesterday morning
| after meeting with a feeble resistance on
| the part OF the Chinese. Port Arthur was
| bombarded previously to its surrender. The
! Chinese laid down their arms and consid-
| cred themselves prisoners of war. The
| Chinese commanders abandoned Port
| Arthur on the night of Nov. 6. 1t is re-
| ported that some OF the representatives of
foreign powers will start for Peking i'm
| mediately.
The Times tomorrow will publish a dis
/ patch from Che-Foo saying that two mill
| tary generals have deserted Port Arthur.
| but that seven generals are yet there, Gen
/ Cnang commanding. A Japanese feet
| made reconnaissance between Che-Foo and
| Wei-Hai-Wei last night. The Many ang
/ ships have joined the Pei-Yang fleet. 1t is
| reported at Che-Foo that the Japanese are
| still thirty miles from Port Arthur.
| Disastrous Blow to China.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12.-The japanese