The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-11-28

WASHINGTON, D. c.. Nov. 21.-The
state department has received a cable
reply from Japan, through Minister Dun,
at Toxic, to our governments suggestion
of mediation. The Japanese legation at
washington has also received from the
foreign office in Japan cable stating
that the reply had been made, and Civ
ing Its terms.
The cable to Secretary Gresham is &C
companied by unusual dignity and Cor
mality, in having the imperial sai.ction
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 Japln's de-
sire to express its appreciation of the
course Of the United states. The mes
sage is in two parts, the first giving i'm
perial expression of good will and saying
that the success of the japanese arms
had been such that China should APP
proach Japan directly. The second part
IS more directly from Minister Dun. and
expresses the view Of the Japanese for
eign Office that as China has no minister
at Toxic TO submit direct proposition,
It could be made by China through Min
lister Dun. The cable 20 Minister Kurino
is substantially the same as the fore
going. The fact that the replies were
received Sunday and were not given pub
licity until now is in part explained by
the fact that they were in cipher and
We're OF such length and Importance that
a casual summary of them was not
deemed advisable
The replies were decided on at a spe-
cia! meeting OF the japanese cabinet on
Saturday and were sent from Toxic Sat
urday night. but the transmission de-
layed them until Sunday. The tone of
the reply and the expressions of imperial
good viii 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 KurlnO as
there was no desire TO take action which
would be otherwise than agreeable to
Japan. At a conference between the
secretary and minister. at which Score
tary Carlisle was present. the entire pur-
pose of this country was made clear. This
was before Mr.. Gresham had sent the
mediation. 1t was made Gear that Presi-
dent Cleveland had no desire TO mediate
the trouble. but on the contrary felt that
the exercise of the good offices of the
United States might entail a serious bur
den 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 thought It
Gle
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.
and that the entire proceeding was due 10
the belief that this country was in
position to render a. service to both bellig-
erents. These sentiments were cordially
reciprocated by Minister Kurino so that
Mr.. Gresham had the cooperation Of the
Japanese minister before the message
was transmitted to Japan through Minis
ter Dun. Since then the minister has
further co-operaJed with the secretary and
the kindly reply, with imperial sanction,
IS the result
A new and important situation is now
presented by Japans proposition that
China make a direct offer through United
States Minister Dun at Toxic. This
makes Mr.. Dun the interesting center OF
negOtia 1lons from this time forward, I'M
allow him TO act as the direct representa-
tive Of China in submitting an offer. This
e. not anticipated. however. 1t is said,
however. that the usual course would be
for tina state department TO notify Mr..
Dun and also Minister DENLY, at Pekin,
that they were at Liberty to transmit from
China 10 Japan such direct peace over
lures as the former desired 10 make II
would then be for China To formulate it's
offer 70 Minister DENLY. He in turn
you'd fran Cu1fr fr. fria+ ina
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 channe.
OF their communication, as it Is the basis
Of Japan's new proposition that the offer
must come direct from China and not
through the mediation of the United
States. The reply Of Japan is so con-
ci!iabOry and receptive that il Is pointed
mate has scope for the conspicuous serv-
ice In terminating the war.
The action Of European powers on the
new phase Of the question is now awaited
with much interest. Japan's suggestion
that Minister Dun will be an acceptable
medium OF Communication from China, in
effect, eliminates Great Britain, France
and the other powers from being a factor
IN the negotiations. It is believed, how
ever from official Information received
here, that Russia, Italy and Germany viii
certainly look with favor on Chinas deal
ing through Minister Dun. The same
sources indicate that Austria probably will
give her adherence, as her membership in
the triple alliance makes her foreign policy
similar TO that OF Germany and Italy. The
position Of Germany has been so closely
analogous 10 that Of the United States
that it has been a 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 to
be no mediation, Germany's position still
remains favorable to an adjustment along
the lines suggested by Japan. Italy has
already notified the allied powers that she
cannot consent TO forcible Intervention.
which Is equivalent 70 a declaration in
favor of a peaceful settlement, such as
would come through China's offer TO Min
ister Dun.
1t can also be stated positively that
Great Britain has favored the recent offer
OF mediation by the United States on the
grounds that IL is presumed 1t would save
China from utter destruction and thus
preserve the British trade with China,
Under these circumstances. 1t is believed
by officials and diplomats who are familiar
with all the correspondence, that the
European powers cannot, without pro-