The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-05-22

Toxic, May 10, via Victoria, B. c.,
May S1.-History has moved with ex-
traordinary rapidity during the past
two weeks.
The newly-established peace has
been endangered and complications of
greater magnitude than any produced
by the contest between China and
japan have threatened to involve at
least three European powers in Dies
perate struggle for supremacy in east
ern Asia.
For several days. the attitude of
japan indicated a resolution to set
the enormous odds against her at de-
fiance; then, with a suddenness which
the most watchful observers are
puzzled TO explain, the spirit of re-
slstance subsidized and complete sub
mission was promised to the harsh de-
mands Of the hostile league.
Manchuria Released.
What I am about to relate SIS un-
known in this part Of the world, ex-
cept to official and diplomatic circles.
AN outline of the facts lAls been sent
abroad, but the general Community in
Japan remains in almost utter ignor-
ance. AS soon as the government was
Informed of the determination of Rus
sia, Germany and France to forbid
acquisition of territory by the Japanese
on the continent, majority of the
cabinet ministers met at Kioto and
measures were taken to ascertain how
far the menaces of the allies were
seriously intended.
1She Russian and French govern
ments were firm in their declaration
that Japan must renounce Manchur-
ian territory, while the tone adopted
by Germany was decidedly intemper-
ate.
When 1t became apparent that Japan
had only her own resources to rely
upon, the government devoted its en-
ergy to securing the best terms of
accommodation. This, however, was
divulged only to ministers in imu1e-
date attendance upon the sovereign
Almost from the beginning the emper-
or's advisers were in favor of SUBJ
hitting, with the solitary exception Of
Viscount Matsu. The heads of most
of the civil departments and military
and naval leaders were agreed as to
the futility of resistance and the nee
cessity of speedy surrender, but
whatever the explanations shall be,
il is certain that their countrymen
will not forgive them for what will be
honor. The popular expectation that
the government would maintain q.
courageous front as long as defiance
was possible, was strengthened May
3. when it was learned that China had
asked that the date for changing
Publications should be deferred ten
days. and had been sharply refused.
Irretrievable Disgrace.
A decree of the war department sum-
mOned all reserves for actual service
and ordered reinforcements of the gar
risons in Yezo. While it appeared in
credible that Japan could dream of |
joining issues with the three giants, 1t |
was hoped that a way had been dis |
covered to ward off impending danger |
until a. definite announcement OF pur- |
pose could no longer be avoided. This |
illusion was painfully dispelled. On !
May came Information that an offer /
had been made by Count Ito to release !
the whole of Manchuria, except the /
southern portion of the Lao TUng |
peninsula, on which Talien and Port
Arthur are situated. This was the
first intimation of the ministrys re-
solve to yield, and it had a distressing
effect upon officials. But another dis
appointment was at hand. Manchuria,
without fortresses, was not enough to
satisfy Russia and her allies. The
cluded, and on May 6, two days before
an answer could be extorted on any 1
pretenSe it was announced to the !
official circle that the whole would be
abandoned. a desire to exact com
pensation for the loss of territory was
expressed, but no one sees how this
can be obtained if China stands on her
rights and says that since she has a
deed Of the land, she does not choose
to buy IT back again.
4Ienaces of the Allies.
The gloomy conclusion when the
news came was that Japan had slIf-
fered an irretrievable disgrace. The
question Of ratification was regarded
with comparatively slight interest, al
though it was clear that a renewal of
hostilities was probable, if not certain,
in case the exchange was delayed.
May a further postponement was {
granted for five days; but, as it hap
pened, the concession was superfiuous, ;
as China gave notice that an expected
message having come to hand, the :
ceremony need not longer be deferred
Delegates of the two governments met
at Chez Foo and the last formality of
he peace negotiations was effected on !
-he same evening. This end IS accom-
Dlished, but Count Ito is believed 10
rave little cause to congratulate him '
self Moderation and tolerance are {
not among the virtues of the japanese
people when their pride is wounded. I
The ministry. of which Count Ito is
he head, can never stand against the S
age Of the entire community. 1t is
thought possible that he is already {
providing for a new administration. 1
Three days ago the full cabinet and 5
lrtvy council was summoned to kioto,
With the purpose, it is supposed, of {
recommending a pre-arranged change
# government to the emperor, but it !
S likely that any ministry in. which I
,ount Ito has the slightest concern
viii be permitted to rule. 1t is prob
BILE that tie question of future leader {
hip will soon be settled.