Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-11-20

Hoist the White Flag-DOn Cameron De-
clines to Further Deny That He Is
COquetting with the Silver People, but
His Friends Speak Out-News Notes from
the National Capital.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 20.-The China
Japan incident so far as the United
States offer of mediation is concerned, is
considered closed for the present by those
In position to understand the situation
AT the state department and at the Chi
nese and Japanese legations there is only
negative Information to the effect that no
positive answer to the American sugges-
ton of mediation has been received.
While it is believed to be literally true
so far as Japan's answering by positive
acceptance or declination Of the sugges-
ton, yet those well informed on the sub
ject say Japan has made her position clear
TO this government in such way as to
avoid the embarrassment of positive de-
cilnation, and yet show that an accept
ance would have to be based on certain
definite conditions.
Wants to See That White flag.
1t is believed that the essential condition
on which Japan would consent to any
mediation is that China will raise the
white flag of truce, the emblem recognized
the world over as an indication that a con-
tcstant wants to treat for terms of peace
China has not yet made any direct offer TO
Japan and the latter is not disposed to
consider roundabout offers which overlook
the recognized International emblem of
the white flag. The reports that Japan
would demand n surrender of the entire
Chinese ilect and the ceSSion of several
Chinese ports is not credited here 1t is
pointed out that these reports come from
diplomatic sources at Shanghai. where
| as the diplomats in China are at Pekin or
lien Tsin. While such Il surrender of
| fleet and ports might ultimately be de-
| manded il is pointed out that they would
be contingencies TO follow the first essen
tial of China raising the flag of truce
As to Resolutions of Inquiry.
The statement is made in congressional
circles that President Cleveland's coming
| message to- congress will throw light on
the China-.japan question and will fore
stall any resolutions of inquiry. As the
secretary of state, unlike other cabinet Of
ficers, makes no annual report to congress.
the presidents message ordinarily deals
luiiN WIFI lOrclSu illAlfS III winch TINS
government has any part and as the re-
cent negotiations with China and Japan
are the most important foreign questions
the department has handled in some time
it is concluded that Mr.. Cleveland will
make clear the position of this govern
ment. Up to the present time there is no
official information on the subject. and
the state department has not even stated
officially that negotiations with China
and Japan We're in progress. - -: ,. =
Presidents Explanation Outlined.
The reading of the presidents message
is the first business of congress, so that
1t would precede the contemplated intro
duction of resolutions of inquiry by Rep
resentative Bellamy Storer. 1t is believed
by those familiar with President Cleve-
lands position against foreign entangle-
ments that such reference as he may make
to the subject in his message will be on
the ground of humanity, urging that
while this government need not reach
abroad for conquest and acquisition it
can well adopt an enlightened policy
which will aid in maintaining the peace
and progress of the world.