The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-12-20
JAPAN nAIL NEWS.


Yokohama- Dec. Per steamer EN-
press OF India 10 Vancouver, Dec. -
NO news respecting the movements of
the nrst army In Nanchuria has been re-
eeived this month. and the announcement
OF sudden change OF commanders opens
new Held or speculation as to it's future
operations Gen. famagata has resigned
ana rs succeeded by Gen. Nozu, whose
promotion from the grade of lieutenant
general Is understood 10 be an appropriate
reward Tor his successful MANAGEMENT
OF the fingyang campaign Gen. Yama-
gatas retirement Is said to be caused by
illness The emperor has sent one OF the
surgeons OF his household TO attend the
invalid, who Is expected TO return 10
Japan without delay.
The winter cold Is already severely felt
In Manehuria- At Fuhe whang the tenn
perature averages 5 degrees below zero.
The Yalu river In frozen over at wiju,
and can be crossed ON horseback near
Moukden
III Is reported that orders have been In
sued by the japanese marine authorities
that the Chinese ships-of-war are not 10
be molested hereafter. except under cir
cumstances OF absolute necessity AS
japanese navy II IS considered desirable
that they suffer as little Injury as .possi-
bic In the interval. To these Instructions
the immunity OF the Chen Yuen from at
tack may perhaps be attributed That
vessel is now lying beached at Weihal-
Wei. In position which might be reached
without much difficulty by the japanese
long-ranse guns. but thus far not a shot
has been fred at her. Her helpless con-
dltlon Is owing to striking upon a rock as
she was entering the harbor some weeks
ago. The belief Is very freely expressed In
Shanghai that the occurrence was not en-
trely accidental
In consequence OF the alarm expressed
by the foreign residents In the open ports
and their urgent demands for protection.
an agreement has been made between Eu-
ropean and American naval commanders
IN these waters by which suitable vessels
are detailed. without regard to national
lily, to the localities most seriously en-
dangered. The United States ship Petrol
has. under this arrangement. been sta
tened for the winter at Newchwang
near the head OF the Leoatong peninsula.
The attitude OF the II family and OF the
stin powerful faction OF which the vice
roy or Cali Is the center, IS regarded with
deep interest The conviction is general
that IL Hung Chang saw a great oppor-
tunity open before him two months ago
and that X he had chosen 10 act with
promptness and energy the destiny Of
China would now be In his hands. But
as on former occasion he wasted too
ruch time IN weight the chances. ana
allowed the enthusiasm OF his strongest
supporters to grow cold while he was
making up his mind 20 strike the de-
clsive blow. The Peiho at Tunrchoyy
might have been bis Ruhicon. bu, be
woald not cross Il when he could have
done 80 q the head of a fierce sufficient
10 dominate the situation. ard now he
dares not venture heyon3 bis of'icial
quarters ia Ttentsin. Although several
times summoned 20 the capital, he re
fuses 60 stir. evidently fearing the In
tFlgues Of his enemies who are row in
the ascendant at court. Experienced oa-
servers declare THAI II he had proclaimed
himself dictator at the FIRST sign Of the
empsror's hostility the entire course q
events might have been greatly simpli-
bed and tie worst OF Chiua's disgFaces
Hverted Z would have been in his power
either 60 maintain his counsel with i'm
piicit obedience or 10 establish q new
dynasty and seat himself upon the throne
I Either IN TIE character Of an ambitious
usnrEer or sincere patriot Re would
have found few Obstacles 70 the accom-
plishment ot RS ends.
Unua the inevitable hour OF 3islnteSra-
ton arrives. TIE Chinese people ask for
nothing but a government OF reasona bic
moderation. ADMINISTERED on lines With
which they are familiar ana whseh they
can easily understand. while "a TIE ri
cneer az a reformed foreign policy no
ruler would Re Esore cordially welcomed
by the nations Of Europe and Araersea
than the aEe3 statesman. whose Instincts
have always leanc3 towards progress. and
wha, almost alone among hts Fsce. - a IA
ting - open his country TO the lunu-
eucsS % Fuc3srn civilization Notvith-
Standing his failure % assert himself az
tire gxspstious mosnen5. 8; Is aifReult for
taose who knew him 80 believe that be
means e. be driven from the political
reid without struggle.
Reports are prevalent IN Tientsan and
Shanghai 90 the eject thar hs remains IN
aetgve in The expsctatioa that. when The
sttermost aepth - tucoEapetency has been
sounded al Peking. his claie. 20 TIE as
een&ancy VIII be inssisputahle ana all re-
1G4rs 10 eaors - sG0st&as4Aae IL lie