Birmingham age-herald., 1894-11-22
TIE EASTERN WAR Bids Fair to End Through Uncle
 Sam's Suggestion
OF PEACEABLE SETTLEMENT
Minister Dun Acceptable to Japan as Mediator-Triple
 Alliance Agreeable.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21.-The state de- partment has received a cable reply from Japan, through Minister Dun, at Tokio, to the United States suggestion of media tion. The Japanese legation here has also received from the foreign office in Japan cable stating that the reply had been made and giving it's terms. Both cables were received here Sunday after noon. The cable to Secretary Gresham is accompanied by unusual dignity and formaliy in having the imperial sanction of his majesty, the emperor ofJapan. It is rarely that the emperor speaks h diplo- matic negotiations, 80 that his action in this case is evidence of Japan's desire to express it's appreciation of the course of the United States.
 The message is in two parts, the first giving imperial expression of good will and saying that the success of the Japa- nese arms had been such that China should approach Japan directly; the second part is more directly from Minister Dun and ex- presses the views of the Japanese foreign offices, that as China has no minister at Tokio to submit direct proposition, it could be made by China through Minister Dun. The cable to Minister Kurino is substantially the same as the foregoing.
 The replies were QeClQeu Ou 6b u SD6Clal meeting of the Japanese cabinet on Satur- day ana were sent from Tokio Saturday night, but the transmission delayed them until Sunday. The tone of the reply and the expressions Of the imperial gooo will give much satisfaction to the officials here, and now that the facts are known no fur ther reserve is maintained as to the terms of the negotiations, which have been hith- erto withheld.
 It appears that at the outset Secretary Chor tnd ofar there was no desire to take action which would be otherwise than agreeable to Ja- pan. At conference between the score tary and minister, at which Secretary Car clear. l his was before Mr. Gresham had sent the message to Japan suggesting American mediation. It was made clear that President Cleveland had no desire to mediate the trouble, but on the contrary felt that the exercise of the grand offices of the United States might entail serious burden and responsibility and possibly ex. cite ultimate feeling by one party or the other. Under these circumstances no ac- ton would be taken if Japan felt 1t would create an awkward situation.
 Particular stress was laid on the fact that Japan would be entirely free to act as she saw fit; that there was no pressure to have her accept American mediation from the fact that the entire proceeding was due to the belief that this country was in posi- ton to render service to both bellIger- ents. These sentiments were cordially re- ciprocated by Minister Kurino, SO that MT. Gresham had the cooperation Of the Japanese minister before the message was transmitted to Japan through Minister Dun. Since then the minister has further co-operated with the secretary. and the kindly reply, with imperial sanction, is the result
 A new and important situation is now presented by Japan's proposition tbat China make direct offer through United s-etes Minister Dun at Tokio.
 his makes MT. Dun the interesting cen- ter of negotiations from this time forward, unless the United States should decline to allow him to act as the direct representa- tive of China in submitting an offer. This is not anticipated, however. It is said that partment to notify Mir. Dun, and also Minister Denby at Pekin, that they were at liberty to transmit from China to Japan such direct peace overtures as the former desired to make. It would then be for China to formulate its offer to Minister Denby. He in turn would transmit 1t to MT. Dun as China's direct officer, and not as an intermedi, ry officer of the United States. The state department undoubtedly would be appraised of the action of Messrs. Deuby and Dun, but would not be the channel of their communication, as It IS the basis of Japan's new proposition that the offer come direct from China and not through the mediation of the United States.
 The reply of Japan is so conciliatory and receptive that it is pointed out that Minis ters Dun's skill diplomat has scope for conspicuous services in terminating the war. The action of the European powers on the new phase of the questio n is now awaited with much interest. The Japapese sugges tion that Minister Dun will be an acceptable medium of communica- ton from China will, in effect, eliminate Great Britain, France and the other powers from being factor in the new negotla- tions. It is believed, however, through official information received here, that Russia. ItaIy and Germany will certainly look with favor on Cbina's dealing through Minister Dun. he same sources indicate that Austria prsbably will give her adher- epce. as her membership in the triple alliance makes her foreign policy similar 10 that of Germany and Italy.
 The position of Germany has beeu so closely analogous to that of the United States that it has been question of doubt within the last few days whether Germany might not be substituted for the United States in the offer of mediation. As there is 10 be no mediation, Germany's position still remains favorable to an adjustment along the Iipes suggested by Japan. Italy has already notified the allied powers that she cannot consent to forcible intervention, 1, which is equivalent to a declaration In favor of peaceable settlement, such as would come through Cbina's offer to Min ister Dun. It can also be stated positively that Great Britain has favor, d the recent offer of mediation by the United States, on the grounds that it is presumed it would gave China from utter destruction, and thus preserve the British trade with China.
 Under these circumstances, it is believed | l~;- l..~I, .kn. lfup