The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1894-11-28
KNOWS HER VANTAGE.
JAPAN is NOT DISPOSED TO SURREN-
DER ANY OF 1T.

IS Very Much Obliged to Uncle Sam, but
Can Manage its Own Little Affair--Dun's
Services Will be Allowed China.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21.-The State
Department has received a cable reply
from Japan through Minister Dun at
Toxic to the United States suggestion
of mediation. The japanese Legation
here has also received from the For
eign office in Japan cable stating
that reply has been made and giving
its terms. Both cables were received
here Sunday afternoon. The cable to
Secretary Gresham is accompan-
led by unusual dignity and
formality in having the imperial
sanction of his Majesty, the
Emperor of Japan. 1t is rarely that
the Emperor speaks in diplomatic
negotiations, so that his action in this
case is evidence of Japan's desire to
express its appreciation of the course
of the United Ssates.
The message is in two parts, the
first giving the imperial expression
of good viii and saying that the sue
cess of the Japanese arms had been
such that China should approach ia
pan directly. The second part ismore
directly from Minister Dun and ex-
presses the view of the japanese For
eign Office that as China has no Minis
ter at Toxic to submit a direct propo-
sltion it could be made by China
through Minister Dun. The cable to
Minister Kurino is substantially the
same as the foregoing.
The replies We're decided on ata spe-
cial meeting of the japanese Cabinet
on Saturday, and We're sent from To
kio Saturday night but the transmits
sion delayed them until Sunday.
The tone of the reply and the ex-
preston of imperial good will give
much satisfaction to the officials here.
and now that the facts are known no
further reserve is maintained as to the
terms of the negotiations which have
hitherto been withheld. 1t appears
that at the outset Secretary Gresham
consulted Minister Kurino, as there
was no desire to take action which
would be otherwise than agreeable to
Japan. At conferences between the
Secretary and the Minister, at which
Secretary Carlisle was present, the
entire purpose of this country was
made clear. This was before Mr.. Gres-
ham had sent the message to Japan
suggesting American mediation. It was
clear that President Cleveland had no
desire to mediate the trouble, but .a11
the contrary felt that the ezA1
the good Offices of the UAf
might entail sersous -
sponsibi1ity, and possl
mate feeling by one
Under tbesy-ieetlss = < =
would be taken r a felt II would
create an awkward situation. Partic-!
ular stress was laid on the fact that
Japa2 would be entirely free to act as
5he saw fit, that there was no pressure
to ave her accept American media
ton and that the entire proceeding
was due to the belief that this country
was in a position to render service
to both belligerents. '
These sentiments were cordially re-
ciprocated BY Minister Kurino Sc that
Mr.. Gresham had the cooperation of
the japanese Minister before the mes
sage was transmitted to Japan through
Minister Dun. Since then the Minis
ter has further co-operated with the
Secretary and the kindly reply, with
the imperial sanction is the result.
A new and important situation is
now presented by Japan's proposition
| that China make direct otferthrough
United States Minister Dun at Toxic.
This makes Mr.. Dun the interesting
centre of negotiations from this time
forward, unless the United States
should decline to allow him to act as
the direct representative of China in
submitting an offer. This is not an
ticipated, however. 1t is said that the
usual course would be for the State
Department to notify. Mir. Dun, and
also Minister DENLY at Pekin, that
they were at liberty to transmit from
China to Japan such directpeace over
lures as the former desired to make.
1t would then be for China to formu-
late its offer to Minister DENLY. He
in turn would transmit it to Minister
Dun as China's direct offer and not as
an intermediary offer through the
United States. The State Department
undoubtedly would be apprised of the
action of Messrs. DENLY and Dun,
but would not be the channel Of their
communication, as it is the basis of
Japans new proposition that the offer
come direct from China and not
through the mediation of the United
States. The reply of Japan is so con-
ciliatory and receptive that it is point
ed out that Dun's skill as diplomat
has scope for conspicuous service in
terminating the war.
The action of the European powers
on the new phase of the question IS
now awaited with much interest. ia
pans suggestion that Minister Dun
will be an acceptable medium of COM
munication from China in effect elm
mates Great Britain, France and the
other powers from being factors in the
negotiations. 1t is believed, however;
from official information received
here that Russia, Italy and Germany
will certainly look with favor on Chi
mas dealing through Minister Dun.
The same sources indicate that Austria
probably will give her adherence. as
her membership in the Triple ALI
ance makes her foreign policy similar
to that of Germany and Italy. The
position of Germany has been so oclose-
| fy analogous to that of the United
States that it has been question OF
doubt within the last few days wheth-
er Germany might not be substituted.
for the United States in the offer of
meditation. As there is to be no me-
diation, Germanys position still re-
mains favorable to an adjustment
along the lines suggested by Japan:
Italy has already notified the allied
po :-ers that she cannot consent to for
4 L IL. =, ont