New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-19

approached the Governor his mission assumed an
official aspect in the eyes OF the japanese Nation
Instantly the press raised chorus of indignation
and asked rs this new exhibition OF Chinese
insoence? Does the Middle Kingdom imagine that
Japan. having declined the mediation OF European
Powers and OF the President of the United States.
VIII consent to confer with a foreign employe or
the Chinese Government. the Commissioner Of Gus
toms? Let her learn at once and finally that until
she sends duly accredited envoy of high rank to
make unconditional surrender and to accept Japan's
terms. all hope Of peace must be dismissed
Suddenly IL learned that the vessel had
steamed away from the shores OF Japan. carrying
this nondescrpt envoy home to China: that the
Japanese Premier had declined to meet Mr.. Detrng.
and that the mission had been complete fasco.
The Nation breathed again. Still from the mutter-
ngs Of the Toxic journals. II easy infer that
prospects Of peace had not been improved by the
incident: yet the mission not by any means a
total failure Skiful manipulation enabled 1t to
serve the useful purpose Of conveying to China the
assurance that Japan would never consent to formu-
late terms until she found herself confronted by a
pienipotentiary qualified to accept reject them
finally. She cannot suspend her military opera
lions. and each blow delivered augments the victors
title to ask and dimnshes that OF the vanqushed
Power to refuse. A bargain must. therefore. be
struck promptly and conclusvely on condition
Incompatible with journeyings to and fro Of private
messengers carrying pour-parlers across distance
of a thousand miles.
The sequel OF the story remains however, to
be told. 1t was not altogether even chiefly
because OF the japanese Premiers refusal to
show his hand prematurely that the Detring mis-
sion left Kobe after stay OF only three days.
The truth Is that the United States had appeared
upon the scene. But why? In the Treaty OF 1858
1t was stipulated that II any other Nation acts
untustly or oppressivey toward China. the United
States Will exert its good offices being informed
or the case TO bring about an amicable arrange
the United States is now medlating the strength
OF this clause. and many people Will also find diff
Guilty In perceiving how such clause be
made applicable to the present crisis. FOR. though
China may consider herself "unjustly op-
pressivey" treated by Japan. the United States
can scarcely indorse that view. az certainly II
would seem 10 indorse II by implication did II
consent to act under that
=, There is as may be supposed. another explana;
Toxic are merely extending functions which de-
volved upon them at the begInning OF the war.
charge of Japanese interests In China and Chinese
essfs s }aaT from
China Informing him thar as the American Lega;
OF communication his mission had no longer any
reason for existence. Hence he was already pre-
pairing TO start when the hopelessness OF his fur
ther stay In Japan became apparent
Marshal famagaia. commander-!n-chief OF the
Manchuria Hiroshima, his place on the ncli be-
Ing taken by Northumberland Nodzu. who IS
raised the rank OF marshal IN recognition ~ his
brilliant services. Yamagata's return means that
the army he leaves will not. for the present. urder-
take any important military operation u viii IrOb
ably not 20 to Moukden. though that enterprise IL
not abandoned: II was never an essential feature OF
the programme. The capture OF Moiklen might
hurt Chinese sentiment badly. but 10 march an
army there in midwin,er would involve ororts dis
proportionate TO the seizure Of place possessing
strategical value. lying beyond the confines OF
China proper With the fall OF Port Arthur and the
occupation OF the IiauTong peninsula. Japan finds
herself in the possession OF one u The keys Of
ChInes second line OF defence md OF base. and
from where also she strike blows at some
thing more than sentiment Yamagata would havc
advanced against shan IIai-Kwa ~ way Of New
Chwang. that was his pet project. He believes
IN nothing shor; OF debating terms OF peace from
the battlemcntr OF Picking.
The third japanese army. which has been assem-
hled Hiroshima since the middle ~ November.
has not embarked yet. and the public remains In
profound ignorance as TO It's destination.
II probable that great blow VIII be
struck al China In the province OF Shan-Tung md
Wcl-Ha-We. the only fortified harbor %, refuge re-
naming 10 tho Chinese Northern nee, VIII be
taken.