The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1895-03-30
THE NEWS CONFIRMED.
The Japanese Minister at Washington
formed of the Armistice.

The Japanese Minister at Washington In
formed of the Armistice.
WASHINGTON, March 30.-The news that
an unconditional armstioe had been de-
clared by the emperor of Japan was con-
frmed at tho Japanese legation, where it
was stated that a cablegram to this effect
Ind been received from the homo govern
ment. In discussing the matter Minister
kurino, of the Japanese legation, said the
armistice will be effective until the peace
negotiations ara concluded. After meet.
ing of the peace ambassadors had been de.
cided on China requested the declaration
OF an armisticc, but this request had not
been acted upon favorably by Japan. His
government, Minister Kurno said, had
not been inclined to stop warliko opera
lions except on certain conditions. These
conditions are not known, but it is sug-
gested that probably the occupation OF
Taku might have been one, japan wish
Ing something as guarantee of the will
ingness and earnestness of the Chinese for
an amicable settlement of the war. China
evidently could not arrive at u conclusion
to agree to the stipulations demanded by
Japan, and the attempt on tho life of the
Chinese peace ambassador solved the prob
lem for the time being. There will be no
withdrawal of the japanese troops from
Chinese territory, however
The declaration of an arrnistice was
most welcome news to the Chinese lega-
tion, although it was accepted with the
stolidity and passive dignity which is
characteristic of the race. The numerous
suite Of the legation, comprising many
secretaries, attaches and translators, were
evidently glad that the tedious and dis
couraging struggle was at an end.
There was some doubt as to the meaning
OF the term "unconditionar armistice, al
though this was accepted as meaning that
recent events including probably the
shooting Of Prince LII, had induced the en-
voys to agree to an arlnistice before agree
ing exactly on the terms Of peace. 1t is
felt that the arrangement Of these terms
will still be difficult task The feeling
in the interior Of China, where the direct
effects of the war have not been felt, Is
very strong against a cession of territory
Moreover, the payment of cash Indem,
nifty will necessitate the imposition of very
heavy taxes on the people, and consequent
depression. These considerations together
with the direct losses and ravages of war,
make the commercial revival of China so
problematio that the officials would not
discuss it beyond mentioning the difficult
ties in the way OF restoration of com
merce and internal prosperity.
The power of the Japanese government
to execute the armistlce will not be put to
critical test. The military power of Japan,
in the Judgment of Intelligent observers,
has almost outstripped the civil power
during the war. This has caused serious
concern, rs it has been feared that the
military element, backed by the war spirit
among the people, would not submit to an
armistice even if the civil authorities or
dered one.
To meet this emergency a change Of
army commanders was recently made.
There had been three army corps, operating
IN different campaigns and each under ~
general of supreme authority over his par
ticular campaign About three weeks ago,
in anticipation of the armistice, Prince
komatsee was created COMMUNICATIVE chief
over all the armies. The purpose of this
step was to concentrate authority In one
man, in close touch with the imperial house.
hold, who could thus execute an armistice
by a simultaneous cessation of hostilities
by the three armies.
1t now remains to be seen whether Prince
Komatsee can execute the important COM
mission given to him. The splendid dis
cipline shown by the armies during the
war gives assurance that there will be i'm
mediate acquiescence by the military and
yet Prince Komatsee has to contend HIM
self against a war spirit inflamed by many
victories. 1t has been said that an armis-
tice would be SO unpopular among the
people and soldiers that it would assure
the political retirement of Japan's two
chief statesmen-Count Ito and Mr. Mat
sin-who have served as peace cnyo ys