The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-11-24
NEVER SNUBBED Us.
Consequently Great Britain Hasn't Cot the
Laugh on Us for Offering to
Mediate.
UNCLE SAM is NOW MEolArlNc.
In the Persons Of His Ministers at Toxic
and Pekin-News Of the
War.

Washington, Nov. 23.-The latest
China-Japan developments disclose an
Interesting game OF diplomacy Gable
advices stating that British officials are
delighted with the rebuff sustained by
The United States In Japan's rejection
or mediation, causes much amusement
among diplomats here who are familiar
with the facts. While the British YER
sion that the United States acted en-
tirely alone In lta offer, and without
the cooperation OF Great Britain, ~
literally true. yet It IN known that her
maJesty's government. for trade or
commercial reasons. heartily desired
the success OF the movement, for IL was
feared "A continuance of the war might
hurt British interests In the east The
sentiment Of the British diplomats on
Japan's rejection of our Overtures IL.
therefore, tempered by financial con-
sideration. From the outset Of the ne
gotiations Great Britain has shown the
greatest anxiety to have the war ter
minated, and the foreign Office has twice
put IN Intervention.
The interest of Great Britain I'm the
matter was known TO rest on no senti-
mental ground. but because OF desire
To preserve China, one OF the greatest
commercial markets of English mer-
chants. In official circles II was under
stood the British offer was at the In
stance of China. The United States de-
clined all overtures from England, but,
at the request of China. made an inde-
pendent offer of mediation. The re-
quest coming from China, and being in
the interest of Great Britain's policy OF
preserving China, was known TO have
the moral support of her majesty's gov
ernment, even IL IL lacked the open CO.
operation of the foreign office, which
would be unacceptable to this govern
ment, IL II involved any entangling al
lance. Since then China has bent every
effort TO have the American proposition
accepted, and owing to the relations be-
tween China and Great Britain, IL is
not doubted that the latter country has
desired that the American proposition
be accepted. Any delight which Brit
ish officials may express at Japan snub-
bing the United States is attributed TO
personal reasons, and not to the failure
OF the object Great Britain has earnest
ly sought.
The latest phase of the controversy.
In the departure of China's minister of
customs for Japan to arrange terms OF
peace further assures officials here that
China has embraced a peace policy
along the lines openly proposed by the
United States and covertly desired by
Great Britain. IL is regarded as natu-
raj that English diplomats should pre-
fer that their ultimate aim, peace,
should be accomplished with as little
distinction as possible for the United
States as mediator. But there is an
other and very good reason why any
expression of delight at the snubblng
OF the United States is entirely out of
place at this point The state depart
ment officials say the United States has
not been snubbed at all
The reply of the Japanese government
TO our overture was extremely courte-
Gus In expression and In spirit, and IL
did not by any means amount to rejec-
ton. On the contrary, IL pointed out
the way that the United States could as
sist In restoring peace II China should
be I'm the proper frame of'mind. That
was authorizing our ministers In Japan
and China to transmit proposals. This
authority has been conferred by our
state department., ana 50, IN tnS per-
sons OF her ministers, the United States
government is really to-day in the place
OF mediator with the consent of the
japanese government, and consequent
ly is in a fair way to attain its object.
irrespective OF the sentiment OF the
European powers.
London, Nov. 23.-Engllsh newspapers
attach great Importance To the mis-
sion of the commissioner OF imperial
customs at Tien Tsin, who left China
for Japan In order to arrange terms foI
peace. The Globe, this afternoon, COM
menting on Delering's departure for
Japan, says IL confirms the reported re,
lection Of the mediation of the United
States. The Globe says that this was
the course to be expected, In spite of
Washington reports that negotiations
would be conducted by the minister at
Toxic.
The Daily News, referring 10 the
same subject says: "rhe peace COM
missioner was not sent a moment too
soon. But he can hardly hope TO reach
Japan before the japanese forces close
upon Port Arthur for a large. decisive
struggle"