The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-12-25
FEELING FIRST RATE.
The Japanese Are, According TO the Tenor
Of the Speech From tho
Throne,
cHlNHs PEACE ovERrUR1s DOUBTED
That Country Still Trying to Buy Warshlps
and Enlist Foreign Officers In It's
Service.

Toxic, Dec. 2l.-ParlIament wns
opened to-dny. The speech from tho
throne briefly referred to the victories
achieved by the Japanese troops In
every engagement, and says they are
steadily pressing forward In the enc
my's territory, adding that Il is espec-
Tally satisfactory 10 note that I'm spite
OF cold and hardshlps the troops are
more than ever distinguishing them
selves by their valor. The relations OF
Japan with neutral powers are more
friendly than ever. Revision OF treat
les has been accomplished with some
countries. and with other states the
negotiations are making favorable prog
ress In conclusion, the speech says:
Having been placed I'm such n giorl-
Gus situation, we wish more than ever
to promote the civilization of the coun-
try, and enjoin the parliament to take
notice OF the state OF affairs at home
and abroad. and by securing harmony
between this government and the peo-
pie assist in the furtherance OF imperial
wishes"
The government is stlll skeptlcal in
regard 10 China's peace overtures. and
points out that no authoritive state
ment has been made by China in regard
10 the mission, and while China now
processes to wish peace. news has
reached the government OF Japan that
China is negotiating for the purchase
of the entire squadron of the Chilean
navy, and agents OF Won Hannekin In
Europe are trying to enlist a number of
officers for service In the Chinese army
and navy.
London, Dec PA dispatch to the
Times from Tien Tsin. which will be
published tomorrow, says an edIct has
been issued continuing Admiral Ting,
In charge OF the fleet. The foreign Of
ficers In charge of the fleet. Il appears,
sent To Prince Kung. president of the
admiralty, as well as president of the
Sung Ii Yamen, a unanimous protest
against the punishment of Admiral
Ting, who has been blamed for not pro-
tecting the dock yards at Port Arthur
against the Japanese fleet, as well as
for the defeat of the Chinese fleet at the
battle fought off the Yalu river.
The foreign officers declare that the
charges against Ting are unjust and
that they will resign II he is punished.
The Chinese naval officers also sent a
petition to Prince Kung, asking for
Admiral Ting's retention. The Foo
Chow clique, which ousted Admiral
Ting, ls now, the Times dispatch adds,
conspiring against Admiral Ting, and
Is promising the censors with false ac-
cusations in order 10 avenge the exc
cution of their comrade, Admiral Fong.
Japanese cruisers have lately been
examining the Chang Tung coast. They
appear to be selecting "A landing place
near Wei Hal Wei, preparatory to at
tacklng that place.
Shao Loo Yien. late governor of For
mosa. VIII o, with Chang Yuing Houen,
member Of Tsung Ii Yamen, was APP
pointed imperial commissioner to treat
for peace with Japan, has been found
to be ineligible for that office, as he is
accused OF having offered rewards while
governor of Formosa for Japanese
heads.
a dispatch from Pekln to the Times,
which Will be published tomorrow.
says: American mediation proves 10
he but formal compliance with the Tien
Tsin treaty, without any practical re-
suits Hence China will dispatch a
fresh mission. under American advice,
and Will endeavor 10 negotiate direct