The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-04-27
THREE GREAT POWERS
France, Germany and Russia on
the Japan Demand,
HAVE pRorIsrgo VIGOROUSLY.
They Object to the Occupation Of
the Lila Ting Peninsula
by Japan.
Associated Fress.

4. London, April 26.-Dilect and positive
information from official sources is at
hand concerning the exact negotiations
between Russia France and Germany
on one hand and Japan on the other.
The French, Russian and German MIN
isters separately interviewed the jap
anese vlce-mindster for foreign affairs,
under Instructions from their respect
i've governments and, presented mem
orandums in which 1t was STATED that
the governments of Russia, France and
Germany, upon examining the terms
Of peace imposed by japan upon China,
have found THAT possession of the
peninsula of Lia Tong, claimed by
Japan, would be a constant menace to
the capital OF China, and at the same
time would ithrealten the independence
Of Corea and render 1t non-effectual
in cast. In this sense, and for other
reasons. 1t would he. 1t was Stated,
constant menace to the permanent
peace of THE far East Consequently,
the governments of France Russid and
Germany, DESIRING to SHOW their sim
cere friendship for THE government of
Japan. advise 1t to renounee the alb
solute and final possession of the pc
n1suIa of Lai Tong. The memoranda
of the three governments, make 1t
plain that they were presented in the
way of friendly advice to the Japanese
government, and are not intended in
any way to convey any open or covert
menace. The impression is gaining
ground tNnht Japan can rely on the
friendly counsel of the United States
at the present luonlest The govern
ments Of Great Britain and Italy have
made IT plain THAT they do not intend
10 follow the example of Russia,
France and Germany, and the great
commercial interests of THE United
States in the far East, which the Jap
aneseIOhinese treaty would largely
benefit, not less THAN the constant at
titude of the United States towards
Japan, lead diplomats 20 believe the
United States at this juncture will not
fail to make use of its good offices In
such a manner as will prevent Japan
from being deprived of the fruits Of
her victory. The treaty of peace has
already been ratified by Japan, and 1t
would NOW be extremely difficult to
make a change. The only effect of
Russia, France and Germany's atti-
tude must be TO encourage the party
in China which is opposed to any mod
crate and reasonable settlement and
thus prolong the war indefinitely. 1t
may be stated in most positive terms
that the reports thus far circulated
regarding Japans reply to the powers
are not correct.
Secretary Gresham, there is reason
to believe, has caused Mr. Bayard to
be informed of the position that will
be assumed by the United States.
namely, that 1t cannot permit the ex-
tension Of British claims to territory
west of the Schonberg line and the
D cupation OF that territory at least in
advance OF arbitration, as there Is
SIN remote prospect THAT Great Brit
ain will 50 far heed our prior urgent
representations as to consent to sub
NIT the entire boundary question to
arbitration. 1t may be that Mr. Bay
ard has regarded It as inadvfsable at
present TO communicate this conclu-
sion reached by the president to the
jJreign office, and 1t will be withheld
Until the clash, which IS inevitable In
'ae absence of an agreement 10 ar
bitrate the difficuaty, occurs on the
venezuelan boundary. THE attempt
Of the Guayent Colonis'ts to run rail-
way Through Venezuelan territory may
predp.tate this clash. When the prop
sr moment arrives the decision of our
government, It is said, win be commu-
Injected In no uncertain terms. and the
moderation the Unbted States has
shown In the Nicaraguan affair, In
which the honor Of Great Britain IL
regarded as involved. 1t is believed will
cause our course as to Venezuela to be
respected.