The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-11-22

Gresham consulted Minister Kurino, as
there was no desire TO take action which
would be otherwise than agreeable to
Japan. AT conference between the Sec
retary and the Minister, at which Secre-
tary Carlisle was also present, the entire
purpose of this country was made clear.
This was before Mr.. Gresham had sent the
message to Japan suggesting the American
mediation.
1t was made clear that President Cleve-
land 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 serious burden ana respon-
sbility and possibly excite feeling by one
party or the other Under these circum-
stances no action would be taken if Japan
thought it would create an awkward situ-
alton. Particular stress was laid upon the
fact that Japan would he entirely free TO
act as she saw fit; that there was no pres
sure to have her accept American media
tion and that the entire project was due to
the belief that this country was in posi-
tion to render a service TO both bellige-
rents.
These sentiments were cordially recip-
Tocated by Minister Kurino, so that Mr..
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 was
the result.
Anew and important situation is now pre-
scented by Japan'S proposition that emma
make direct offer through United States
Minister Dun at Toxic. This makes Mr..
Dun the interesting center of negotiations
from this ,ime 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 antlci-
pa'ed, however. 1t. is said that the best
course would be for the State Department
to notify Mr.. Dun and also Minister
DENLY at Picking that they were at liberty
to tr nsmit from China to Japan such
direct peace overtures as the former de-
sired to make. Ii would then be for China
10 formulate its offer to Minister DENLY.
In turn he would transmit it to Minister
Dun at Toxic and not as intermediary
through the United States. The State De-
partment undoub tedly would be apprised
of The action of Messrs. DENLY and
Dun and would not be the channel of their
communication. as it is the basis of Japan's
new proposition that the offer came direct
from China and not through the mediation
of the United States. The reply of Japan
Is so conciIiatory and receptive that it is
pointed out that Minister Dun's skill as a
diplomat has scope for conspicuous service
In terminating the war.
The action of the European powers
upon the new phases 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 Brit
ain, France and the other powers as fac
tors IN the negotiations. 1t is believed,
however. from official information re-
ceived here that Russia, Italy and Ger
many will certainly look with favor on
China's deciding TO make terms through
Mr.. 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 Ger
many has been so closely analogous to
that of the United States that it has been
r question of doubt within the last few
DAYS whether Germany may not be sub
stituted for the United States in the offer
of mediation. As there is 10 be no media
ton Germany's proposition still rema ms
favorable to an adjustment along the lines
suggested by Japan.
Italy has already notified the allied pow-
ers that she cannot consent TO forcble in
reference, which is equivalent to a decla-
ration in favor of peaeeable ttlement.
such as would come through China's offer
to Minister Dun. 1t can also be stated
positively that Great Britain has favored
the recent offer of mediation by the United
States on the ground that it is presumed
that it would save China from utter de-
struetiUn and thus preserve the British
trade with China. Under these crcunl-
stances it is believed by officials and dip
lOmats who are familiar with all the cor
respondence that the European powers
cannot with propriety interfere with any
Cffer which China wished to max directly
through United States Minister Dun.