The record-union., 1895-05-22

Srecial to the RECoRD-UNIOS.
VICTORIA (B. c., May 21.-Tokio adj
vices have been received to May 10th as
follows: History has moved with extra
ordinary rapidity during the past two
weeks. The newly established peace has
been endangered, and complications OF
far greater magnitude than any produced
by the contest between China and Japan
have threatened to involve at least three
European powers in q desperate struggle
for supremacy in Eastern Asia. For sew
eral days the attitude of Japan indicated
resolution TO set the enormous odds
against her at defiance. Then, with sud-
denness which most watchful observers
are puzzled to explain, the spirit OF re-
sistance subsidized, and complete submis-
sion was promised to the harsh demands
of the hostile league. In spite OF the
avowed willingness to yield to superior
force, an unlocked for delay on the part
of China in meeting her obligations
awakened fears OF a revived conflict be-
tween the Asian empires, but at the last
moment this calamity was ayerted, and
no further apprehenslOns of the war were
entertained. Much remains to be adj
justed by diplomatic agencies, and grave
domestic discussions III Japan are more
than possible, but no resort to arms is
anticipated in any quarter.
Although most exciting events have
been in progress since the last week of
April. the people OF Japan have to this
day only vague suspicion Of their ma
ture. Nothing has been made public,
and so far as l am aware only one Amer
lean Journalist, the correspondent OF the
Associated Press. has been permitted to
share the secrets Of the Government.
What l AIN about to relate will, there
fore, he understood as still unknown in
this part OF the world except in official
and diplomatic circles. An outline of
the facts has been freely sent abroad,
but the general community in Japan re-
mains in utter ignorance.
AS soon as the Government was in
formed OF the determination of Russia,
Germany and France to forbid the acQui-
sitioD OF territory by the Japanese on the
continent, majority OF the Cabinet Min
listers assembled at kioto. to which city
the Emperor had transferred his court
| from Hiroshima, and measures were
taken To ascertain how far the menaces OF
the allies were seriously intended. Com
| munlcGtions originally handed to the
Foreign Office at Toxic were not couched
in peremptory language, but the manner
the advice" they contained was not fol-
lowed, cOmpulslOn would be applied
with very little delay.
Reports from The Japanese representa-
tives at European capitals brought addi-
tional proof that the powers were thor
oughlv IN earnest The Russian and
French Governments were firm in their
declarations that Japan must renounce
Manchuran territory, while the tone
adopted by Germany was SO Incorporate
as 10 awaken the suspicion that she was
bent upon forcing quarrel with or with
out regard to the preteXt set forth.
Japan next endeavored to gain the CO.
operation of Great Britain in opposing
| the league, and there are grounds for be-
lieving that if they had succeeded desper-
ate resistance would have been offered But
neither England nor any other great
power could be induced to take up arms
on Japan'S behalf Kindly messages
were received from Italy. TO an extent of
giving assurance that ii the United States
would otter mediation the southern
European kingdom would act in concert,
but it soon appeared that japan only had
her own resources to rely upon.
When this was fully realized, the Gov
ernment straightway decided to avoid
further contest, and devote its energies to
securing The best terms of accommoda-
ton. This decision, however, was not
divulged to any one but the Ministers in
| immediate attendance upon the
sovereign. Those who remained in
Toxic, as well as all subordinate officials.
were lett in doubt AS to the contemplated
purpose, and most OF them rather
fathered the impression that a long aud
strong tussle would take place before anv
sign of yielding would be given.
Until the expiration OF the armistice,
or at least until the ratifcations of the
treaty with China were exchanged, Japan
could not properly be called upon to de-
clare herself, and in the meantime dex-
trous diplomacy might find many means
Of improving the Japanese position or
weak kening that OF the contederates. That
the Ministers in KiotO were busiIy en-
gagged in this very work everyone hoped
and believed. In point of fact however,
nothing effective was done in this direc-
ton. 1t is understood that almost from
the beginning the Emperor's advisers
were in favor of submitting, with the
solitary exception of Niscount Mutsu,
who opposed his associates with all the
force he could command, but whose dis
tressing illness made it impossible for
him to assert his customary influence.
Not only the heads OF most of the civil
departments but the military and naval
leaders were agreed as to the futilty of
resistance and the necessity of speedy
surrender. Their reasons for the auop-
ton of this remarkable course are yet to
be heard, but whatever the explanations
be. it is certain that their countrynen
will not forgive them for what will be de-
nounced as sacrifice of the national
honor until the truth is universally
known.
General Yamagata, head of the War
Office, was dispatched i'll haste to Man
churia to notify the chiefs of the armies
what was in store. and TO gather their
opinion as to the eXpediency OF yielding
without struggle. His own mind was
made up before he started from Japan,
aud he seems to have found little diff
Guilty in converting most of the corps
commanders to his views. Some of
them, however, are said to have objected
strenuously. General NoGZu and Lieu
tenant General Yamaji went SO tar. ac-
cording to report, as to assert that ii the
orders to retire were sent them they
would not obey, but would hold their
ground to the point OF death. This
momentary outbarst of insubordination
will probably not be remembered TO their
disadvantages
The ex pectation that the Government
would maintain courageous front SO
long as defiance was possible was
strengthened on May Sd, when it was
learned that China had asked that the
date for exchanging ratifications should
be deferred ten days, and had been
Sharply refused. AS it could not lie
doubted that China acted at the instiga-
tion OF the adverse powers, this emphatic
response indicated anything but dlspo-
sltlon to quail. So likewise did the de-
cree OF the War Department on the same
day, summoning all the reserves in
pody Tor active service. and ordering the
reinforcement OF the garrisons in Yezo.
While il aDDeara0 incraiih fbot I,D,V