The Coconino weekly sun., 1895-04-04
THE WAR IS OVER.
Unconditional Armistice Declared
 by the Emperor of Japan.
All HostIlities to Cease-Attempted Assas. sInation of Ii Hung Chang the Causo-Japan Win Be Put
 to Test.

WASHINGTON, March S0.-The em. peror of Japan has declared an uncon- dtioual armistice, the news being con- irmed at the Japanese legation, where it was stated that a cablegram to this effect had been received from the home government. China made the of- fer of the armistice and the peace plenipotentiaries of Japan were empowered by the emperor to accept it without condition. This was done in view of the unexpected event" that happened, viz, the attempted assassi- nation of Lii Hung Chang, The armis- tice, Minister Kurino, of the Japanese 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 armistice, but this request had not been acted upon favorably by Japan. His government, Minister Kurino said, had not been inclined to stop war-like oper- ations except on certain conditions. These conditions are not known, but it is suggested that probably the occu- patton of Taku might have been one. Japan wishing something as a guaran- tee of the willingness and earnest ness of the Japanese for an amica ble settlement of the war. China evidently could not arrive at a conclusion to agree to the stipulations demanded 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 withdrawal of the Japanese troops from Chinese territory, how ever.
 The power of the Japanese govern ment to execute the armistice will now be put to a practical test. The mili- tary power of Japan, in the judgment of the intelligent observers, has almost outstripped the civil power during the war. This has caused serious concern, as it has been feared that the military element, backed by the war spirit among the people, would not submit to an armistice, even if the civil authorities ordered one. To meet this emergency a change of army commanders was recently made. There have been three army corps operating in different campaigns and each under a general of supreme authority over his particular campaign. About three weeks ago, in anticipa- tion of the armistice, Prince Komatsu was created commander-in-chicf over all the armies. The effect of this step was to concentrate authority in one man, in close touch with the imperial household, who could thus execute an armistice by simultaneous cessation of hostilities by the armies.
 It now remains to be seen whether Prince Komatsu can execute the im- portant commission given to him. The splendid discipline shown by the army during the war gives assurance that there will be immediate acquiescence by the military. And yet Prince Ko- matsu has to contend with a war spirit, infamed by many victories. It has been said that an armistice would be so unpopular among the people and soldiery that it would assure the polit- teal retirement of Japan's two chief statesmen-Count Ito and Mir. Matsin who have served as peace envoys.