The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-04-14
yAPAN's VICTIM.

~
intimates that while China Is effusively
negotiating for terms of peace with
Japan. she IS secretly sounding Russia
10 ascertain whether she will be backed
up ia resistance. This is so thoroughly
Ia keeping with the diplomatic methods
Of the reigning dynasty that little doubt
need be had OF its authenticity. If Russia
should lend any encouragement 10 China
Ia this course 1t will not be to benefit
China, but to secure for Russia herself
concessions from Japan.
The terms asked for by japan do not
seem exorbitant. although the money In
demnity of SD ooo. 600 or so WIN probably
be reduced. The war has been costly
one for Japan. and China Is able TO pay
the amount. II does not approach the
enormous indemnity paid by France TO
Germany, which was nearer 81. 900. 0oo. COD;
but Il is vastly greater than that exacted
from China BY England after the war OF
ls42 which amounted 10 sZl.00o.oo. or In
ISIS. when England was particularly mer-
cfui and only exacted about T.ooO.0oo
The Independence of Korea VIII be con-
ceded, as II viii be in line with European
as well as japanese policy. The occupa-
ton permanently OF Port Arthur is hardly
likely TO be accorded With a japanese
stronghold there and another at Formosa,
japan would control the Chinese coast.
This provision will probably be modified
10 a term OF years. II any concession Is
likely TO be made by Japan IL will be In
relinquishing the demand for the island
OF Formosa. where she win perhaps be
content with a coaling station or fortified
hartor.
Fornosa. whose majestic beauty won
for Il the poetic admiration or the early
Spanish nayigators. TO whom Il owes its
name. is a volcanic island with "A mount
ainous backbone. from which fiange two
narrow strips OF land. The island is not
more than half the size OF Ireland, which
II seems 10 resemble I'm some respects. as
II Is said "a brilliant verdure clothes the
mountains side. down which dash cas-
cades that shine Ike silver in the tropical
sunlight" The population Is about one
and a half millions. but the towns swarm
and Taiwanfu. the capital. Is said 10 have
10000 inhabitants. There Is a treaty port
also. called Hobay. which has a popula-
ton of 10000 II would be a desirable
enough possession. for IL has advanced
rather rapidly IN civilization since is72.
when one OF It's officials said they had an
outbreak every three years and a REBEL
ION every five.
The consequences OF the war. defeat
and indemnity. cannot fail to have tend
eney 70 change the Chinese dynasty. even
II It DO not result I'm ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of
the empire. II Is held together by slender
ties, the people or the provinces are
closely united 20 thu provincial rulers.
and the present ruling family Is allen 20
the great mass Of the people, Although
the Mag dynasty was overthrowu by
| the Msnchoo Tartars or Manchurisns. II
vas popular ia China proper. and the
aristocratic families which date back hun
| dresis OF years. have always resented dom
nation hy the harharisns az The north.
II viii BE history repeating itself II the
fan OF a dynasty fellows the victory Of
Japan. In 1927 the japanese. In the only
other war Of any consequences with China
destroyed the Chinese feet and occupied
Korea for some tirue. Only few years
afterward the old Chinese empire was
split UP,
The race has always been a melancholy
| one aud thcir poems reflect H. ore OF
the best known among them Is as follows:
Cold blows the north wind.
Thlekly fails the snow.
q. come all Ne that love me.
lets Join hands and 50.
Noaght red is seen hut foxes.
Ner aught else black but Crows
O. come all ye that love me.
Let's fly before our foes.
Can We any longer stay
Victims 20 this dire dismsy1
The sascy Japs. on the other hand. viii
| have become even more enahued by vie
tory AMI The fuiresus given to commerce
/ by the desire - ssisi more nearly come
/ abreast with European nations viii bring
about a period % prosperity.