The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-11-21
INCIDENT Is CLOSED.
Offer of the United States to Mediate
Has Received No Answer.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19.-The China
Japan incident, so far as the United
States's offer of mediation is concerned,
Is considered c.osed for the present by
those in a position TO understand the sit
uatiOn At the state department and at
the Chinese and japanese legations there
is only negative information to the effect
that no positive answer to the American
suggestion of mediation has been re-
ceived. While it is believed to be literal
ly true, so far as japanese answering by
positive acceptance or deelinatiOn of the
suggestion, yet those well informed on
the subject say Japan has made her po-
sition clear to this government in such
way as TO avoid the embarrassments of
a positive declinatOn, and yet 10 show
that an acceptance would have TO be
based on certain definite conditions. II
is said that Japan could state this posi-
ton with such expressions of good will
for the kindly motives Of the United
States and such hopes that the time
might come in the future when the good
offices Of this country would be most ac-
ceptab.e, that it would leave no cause for
friction. but would rather increase the
good feeling between Japan and this
country.
The statement was made in congress
slonal circles today that President Cleve-
lands coming message to congress would
throw light on the China-Japan question
and would forestall any resolutions of in
quiry. As the secretary of state, unlike
other cabinet officers, makes no annual
report to congress, the presidents mes
sage ordinarily deals fully with foreign
affairs in which this government has any
part and as the recent negotiations with
China and Japan are the most important
foreign questions the department has
handled in some time, it is concluded that
Mr.. Cleveland will make clear the posi-
ton Of this government. Up to the pres
ent time there IS no official informatio
on the subject, and the state department
has not even stated officially that negO-
tiations with China and Japan are in
progress.
The reading Of the presidents message
is the first business of congress, so that II
would precede the contemplated intrOduc-
ton of resolutions of inquiry by Repre-
sentative Bellamy Storrer. 1t is the be
lief of those familiar with President
C.eveland's position against foreign en-
Engagements that such reference as he
may make to the subject in his MESA ge
viii be on the ground of humanity, urg-
ing that, while this government need not
reach abroad for conquest and aquisitiOn,
it can well adopt an enlightened policy
which will aid in maintaining the peace
and progress Of the world.
II Is believed that the essential cOndi-
ton on which Japan would consent to
any mediation is that China will raise
the white flag of truce, the emblem recOg-
nized the world over as an indication that
a contestant wants 10 treat for terms of
peace. China has not yet made any di-
rect offer to Japan and the latter is not
disposed to consider roundabout offers
which overlook the recognized inteTna-
tiOnal emblem of the white flag.
The reports that Japan would demand
a surrender of the entire Chinese fleet
and the ceSsion of several Chinese ports
pending the payment Of indemnity is not
credited here. 1t IS pointed out that
these reports come from diplomatic
sources at Shanghai whereas the diplO-
mats in China are at Pekin OF Tien Tsin.
While such a surrender of fleet and ports
might ultimately be demanded, it is
pointed out that they would be contin-
gencies to follow the first essential of
China's raising the flag of truce.