The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-11-11
SOME TALK OF PEACE.
The United ST ates May Arbitrate
Between China and japan.

Between China and Japan.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 10.-As a result of
negotiations now pending it is con fdently
believed that the United States will very
soon be asked to mediate between Japan
and China with view to permanent peace
on bas is satisfactory to both countries.
1t can bs stated positively that the United
States has declined to join with European
powers in any arbitrary Intervention to
force settlement. But while unwilling
10 act in an arbitrary mannfr, either indi-
vldually or Jointly with European nations,
the representatives to the countries at
war have been given to understand that
the good Offices of this Government would
be gladly exercised TO secure peace in case
such IS their expressed wish. Naturally
Japan insists that China shall take the
initiative in any negotiations looking to a
restoration of peace, but that she is en-
tlTely willing 10 accede to any reasonable
proposition is not doubted.
From the beginning OF h0stilities the
Chinese have been anxious to have the
United States arbitrate the differences be-
tween themselves and the Japanese which
led to the war. hui of course there could
be 10 arbitration except upon the request
OF both parties, and that was lacking But
after the battles of Kiu Lien Chang on
October % last. when the Chinese suffered
their severe defeat at the hands of the
Japanese troops who crossed the Vain
River and were obliged to retreat toward
Moukden. they became thoroughly alarmed
and convinced that something must he
done to terminate the war. Thev could
not, however, so humble their pride as to
sue Tor peace directly to japan, but cast
ing about for some means of opening peace
negotiations hit upon the treaty with the
United States Of 1913. The first article of
TINS treaty pledges the United States. in
case emma IS OppTessively or unjustly !
treated by another power, to use its good
offices TO arrange the difficulty. Il is SINH |
lar IN scope TO the first article in the |
American treaty with Korea, which led /
Secretary Gresham the beginning of the |
trouble to write the note 10 the United
states Minister at Toxic relative to the
japanese occupation of Korea which has
eXeted so much comment. Encouraged by
the attitude OF the United States at that
time, the chinese Government appealed
10 United States Minister DENLY at Pekng
10 cause MS Government t. intervene, and
MI DENLY transmitted the application to
Washington, where it was laid before the
PRESIDENT, who has had 1t under considera-
uoh lor week or more. As Americas |
representations in the case Of the oceupa-
uon OF Korea bad little effect, there was
no reason 10 SUPPOSE that different result
"ouIo follow an attempt to use American
good offices in favor OF China.
AS already indicated. this Government
was lndlspoSed TO cooperate directly with
the European nations in any effort to CO.
cree either parry to the war. and for this
very reason was an Independent interme-
dlary ID bringing about peace. Both China
ana Japan were assured that America was
free from any Of the suspicion of a desire
TO secure accessions of territory in Asia
which hung over the great European now
ers, and their confidence in American
hEmness and impartiality was strikinelv
manifested by the selection of the United
States by both nations to care for their
subjects in the others territories. The
United States is at present placed in a Do
sition in which she would naturally he
looked to bJ both China ard japan 10
serve as an arbitrator in case of a difficulty
in arranging terms of peace, and it is
|
forfeit this position by yielding now to
China's request 10 intervene.
8rbitrate this country may, but inter
vene she cannot, is the manner in which
the situation is summarized in official
circles here. If the Chinese Government
desires the United States TO present peace
proposals to Japan this may be done
through Minister DENLY but it is felt here
mat the better way would be for China to
suomlE her proposals directly 10 Japan,
when 1t would be entirely within the
ooundS OF propriety for the United States
10 express The qualification it would feel as
nation friendly TO both combatants to
see peace restored on honorable terms.
An Official of the State Department con-
versant with the Chinese attitude saws:
emma no longer conceals her inability to
prosecute war. She recognizes that she
was caught unprepared and that 1t is the
part OF wisdom for her to make the most
OF bad situation by getting peace on the
best terms possible. She does this with
the expectation and assurance that Japan
Will come hall way. Japan began the war
Tor the purpose, as she said, of securing
Koreas complete sovereignty. This China /