Omaha daily bee., 1895-03-30
CONSENTS TO AN ARMISTICE
Japanese Emperor Orders Hostilities to
Cease Pending Settlement.
CONCESSIONS MADE BY CHINA UNKNow,
Shooting of ii Hung Chang Led the Jap
anese to Reconsider Their Former
Refusal to Grant the Re-
quest of the Chinese.

iofNChhhA, MdTCn ZJ.-1ne emperor OF
Japan has declared an unconditional armis-
tice
WASHINGTON March 29.-The news that
an unconditional armistice had been declared
by the emperor Of Japan was confirmed at
the Japanese legation, where 1t was stated
that cablegram to this effect had been re-
ceived from the home government.
China made the offer of the armistice and
the peace plenipotentiary of Japan was en-
powered by the emperor to accept 1t without
condition. This was done in view of the
unexpected event. that happened, viz The
attempted assassination of LII Hung Chang.
The armistice, Minister Kurino of the Japan
ese legation said, will be effective until the
peace negotiations are concluded After
meeting of the peace ambassadors had been
decided on China requested the declaration
OF an armistce, but this request had not
been acted upon favorably by Japan. His
government, Minister Kurino said had not
been inclined to stop warlike operations ex-
cept on certain conditions These conditions
are not known but ii Is suggested that prob
ably the occupation of Taku might have been
one, Japan wishing something as guarantee
OF the Willingness and earnestness of the
Chinese for an amicable settlement of the
war. China evidently could not arrive at
conclusion to agree to the stipulation de-
manded by Japan, and the attempt on the
life of the Chinese peace ambassador solved
the problem for the time being and hostilities
will be suspended. There will be no with
drawal of the Japanese troops from Chinese
territory, however.
ARMY MAY NOT ACQUIEsCE
The power Of the Japanese government to
execute the armistce will now be put to
critical test. The military power of Japan,
In the judgment Of intelligent observers has
almost outstripped the civil power during the
haG
has been feared that the military element
backed by the war spirit among the people,
would not submit to an armistce, even II
the civil authorities ordered one. To meet
this emergency a change of army COM
manders was recently made. There has been
three army corps, operating in different cam
paigns, and each under general of supreme
authority over his particular campaign.
About three weeks ago, in anticipation of the
armistice, Prince Komatsu was created COM
mander-in-chief over all the armies. The
purpose OF this step was to concentrate au-
thority in one man in close touch with the
imperial household, who could thus execute
an armistice by simultaneous cessation of
hostilities by the army. 1t now remains to
be seen whether Prince Komatsu can exc
cute the important commission given him.
The splendid discipline shown by the army
during the war gives assurance that there
VIII be immediate acquiescence by the mil
itary. And yet Prince Komatsu has to con-
tend against war spirit inlamed by many
victories. 1t has been said that an armistice
would be so unpopular among the people and
soldiery that 1t would assure the political re-
tirement of Japan's two chief statesmen
Count Ito and Mr.. Matsu-who have served
as peace eny0ys. ---.'-1..
The full text of the cable received at the
Japanese legation today regarding the armis-
tice is follows.
On the opening Of the negotiations, the
Chinese plenipotentiary proposed an armis-
tice which Japan was willing to accept on
certain conditions. While this negotiation
was going on, the untoward event happened
on the person Of the Chinese plenipotentiary.
HIS majesty, the emperor. In view of this un-
nappy occurrence, commanded the Japanese
plenlpotentiaries to consent to a temporary
armistice without conditions This was
communicated to the Chinese plenipoten-
tiary."
WELCOME NEWS TO THE CHINESE.
The declaration of an armistice was most
welcome news to the Chinese legation al
though 1t was accepted with the stolidity and
passive dignity which is characteristic of the
race. The first word of the armistice reached
the legation through the Associated press
Mr.. Yang Yu had received no official COM
munication from China nor from the State
department. Under these circumstances he
asked to be excused from discussing the stu
alton. The numerous suite of the legation
was evidently glad that The tedious and dis
couraging struggle was at an end. There
was some doubt as to the meaning of the
term 'unconditonaP' armistice, although
this was accepted as a meaning that recent
events. including probably the shooting of
Prince Li had induced the envoys to agree
to an armistice before agreeing exactly on
the terms Of peace, 1t is felt that the ar
rangement OF these terms will still be diff
cult 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 indemnity will necessitate the i'm
position OF heavy taxes on the people and
consequent depression. These considerations
together with the recent losses and ravages
OF war, make the commercial revival of China
80 problematic that the officials would not
discuss 1t tonight beyond mentioning the
oimcni,les In the way of restoration of
commerce and internal prosperity.
Due To the Assault ON Ii flung Chang
ST PETERSBIIRG Marob % Aa,ioa,