The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-08-02
JAPAN WILL HOLD ON.
Not to Leave the Mainland Until the
Indemnity Is Paid.

Washington City. Aug. 1.-The diplo-
matte corps in Washington City is watch
ine with much interest at present the
settlement of the question of evacuation
OF Port Arthur by the Japanese. In view
Of the demand which Russia, France and
Germany are reported TO have made upon
the Japanese TO evacuate the entire Lao
tung peninsula without reference to
China's fulfllment of her part of the Shi-
monoseki treaty obligations. 1t is made
quite clear at the japanese legation here
thai Japan Will not accede to this de-
mand. IL really made. without a vigorous
protest.
Japan" said an official OF the legation
in discussing the contingency today, will
fight before she will yield the advantage
she has In the peninsula without full
settlement of the indemnity awarded her
for the surrender of the concession. It
Is too important lever to let go Of
simply because it may suit Russia's pur-
pose TO ask IL. II is our understanding
here that the evacuation is TO depend
upon the payment of the indemnity. ia
pan certainly regarded the matter in
that light when the treaty was amended
al the instance OF the European powers
1t may be claimed that the question Is not
any longer between China and Japan
bur rather one between Japan and the
European countries interested In the set
tlement. but this position is not tenable
II Is China to which Japan must look for
the money she IL TO receive. and IL is
Chinese territory that is involved in the
controversy. and il IL Is a matter of keep
ing faith with the European powers let
them make good the indemnity If they
do not want Japan to continue at Port
Arthur
The representatives here of the Japa-
nese government are evidently not inn
pressed with the belief that France and
Germany are so much concerned over
aS has a
Diplomats generally also find 1t hard to
realize that Russia should be so much
in earnest in pressing Japan to the wall
in these matters as she Is reported 10 be
They say that. having gained every ad-
vantage sought Russia would naturally
he expected now TO press her claims in n
way not TO further wound the feelings of
the japanese
Russia, said a member OF The diplo-
matte corps. has succeeded in prevent
ing Japan from getting any foothold
whatever in the Asiatic continent and il
Is evident from recent accounts that the
European power Is rea ping the diplomatic
harvest In Korea to which japan is en-
titled. II has always been Russia's poll
cy TO treat n conquered people so Ienient-
| w as 20 soon Russianize them. why she
should not treat Japan as literally and
make the island empire her actual. as
she is her natural ally passes my com
prehension."
There is good reason for believing the
| Japanese are taking every opportunity 10
impress upon the Russians the advantage
to them OF friendly cooperation between
the two countries In the eastern Pacific.
Whether this is 10 be done with n view
/ Of Japan continuing TO hold Port Arthur.
Notwithstanding the existence OF the
treaty. Is not so clear but there arc some
who interpret the Japanese tactics 10
mean this. II seems clear at any rate
from all that can be learned mere. that
! Japan will hold on TO the footing she now
| occupies on Chinese soil until the indem-
nifty Is paid or until sho is driven out ny
| a more formidable display than can lie
made in diplomatic conference.