Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-04-18
Extension of the Armfstice,

1t Is stated by diplomatic officials that
the extension of the Japan-China armistice
to May is in order that the peace terms
may be ratified by the respective govern
ments. This brings out for the first time
that the action of the peace ENJOYS was
not conclusive, ard that there is still a
possibility for failure to ratify the agree
ment.
Accompanying this are the reports of
popular agitation in Japan against the
peace terms, and the suppression o. many
newspapers which assail the government.
This expression of popular sentiment conf
ing at time when the japanese parlia-
n:ent will be called on to accept or reject
the agreement, causes some apprehension
as to the outcome, though the government
Is expected to prevail and carry out its
program. 1t has been feared from the
outset of the negotiations that the military
element of Japan, encouraged by their con-
slant victories, and supported by the uni
versal war spirit among the people. could
not be easily induced to accept moderate
terms of peace.
This was the main reason for making
Prince Komatsu commender-in-chief of the
army and navy, thus concentrating all mill
itary power in one man instead of leaving
1t with the generals and admirals of the re-
spective fleets. The final terms are far
short of what the radical element demand
ed and the agitation in Japan is taken to
indicate that there will be some difficulty
In getting the terms ratified
China's Ratification Certain.
1t is stated by diplomatic official that
China's ratification will be made by an
edict of the emperor. This ratification is
accepted as certain, as the emperor has al
ready issued a preliminary edict authoriz-
Ing L. Hung Chang to accept the peace
terms.
Neither the japanese or Chinese legatio
has received any further details of the
peace terms. The attitude of the Japanese
foreign office in refusing to make an official
statement of the terms of peace meets with
responsive action at the Japanese legation
in Washington
Little doubt is felt here that the reti-
cence in disclosing the exact nature of the
peace treaty is due to a desire TO wait
untll the document is ratified and thus
placed beyond the reach of possible inter-
ference by the powers of Europe.
The diplomatic representatives at Toxic
appear to be unable to inform themselves
accurately, for even Mr.. Dun. the Amer
can minister there, who, from the part he
played. in conjunction with Mr.. DENLY. in
bringing about the peace negotiations. nat
urally would be in a favorable position to
get inside information, has cabled the
State Department that he cannot get a
direct statement from the japanese. and
so is able to transmit only what he be-
lieves to be reliable outline of the agree
ment.
This agrees closely with the terms al
ready published. namely, the acquisition by
Japan of the Liatung peninsula and For
mosa, an indemnity of 200.000,00o taels,
| the independence of Corea and the opening
of additional Chinese ports.
A telegram has been received at the
Japanese legation to the effect that the
treaty of peace between Japan and China
was sgnd yesterday. On the same day
the Chinese plenipotentiary and suite left
Shimonoseki for China. The ratifcations
of the treaty are to be exchanged at Chez
foo within three weeks from the date Of
the signature.