The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-03-30

w dS4llIlStOH, hdrcn ZJ.-Ine news
that an unconditional armistice had
been declared by the emperor of Japan
was confirmed at the Japanese lega-
tion where it was stated a cablegram
to the effect had been received from
the home government.
The power of the Japanese govern
ment to execute the armistice will now
be put to crucial test. The military
power of Japan has almost outstrip-
ped the civil power during the war
This has caused serious concern, as it
has been feared that the military ele-
ment, 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
change of army commanders was
recently made. There have been three
army corps operating in different cam
paigns and each under a general of
supreme authority over mis- particular
campaign. About three weeks ago, in
anticipation of the armistice, Prince
Komatsu was created commander-in-
chief over all the armies. The object
of this step was to concentrate au-
tnority in one man, in close touch with
the imperial household, who could
thus execute an armiStice by stimuli
taneous cessation of hostilities by the
army. 1t now remains to be seen
whether Prince KomatSu can execute
the important commission given him.
The splendid discipline shown by the
army during the war gives assurance
that there will be immediate acquies-
cence by the military. And yet Prince
Komatsu has to contend against war
spirit infiamed by many victories. 1T
has been said that an armistice would
be so unpopular among the people and
soldiery that it would assure the po-
litical retirement of the japanese
statesmen Count Ito and Mr. Mutsu,
who have served as peace ENJOYS.
The full text of the cable received
at the Japanese legation today regard
ing the armistice. is as follows:
"On the opening of the negotiations,
the Chinese plenipotentiary proposed
an armistice. which Japan was willing
to accept on certain conditions. While
this negotiation was going on. the out
rageous event happened to the person of
the Chinese plenipotentiary. His maj
esty. the emperor. in view of this I'M
happy occurrence. commanded the
Japanese plenipotentiaries to consent
to a temporary armistice without con-
This was communicated to the
Chinese plenipotentiary."
The declaration of an armistice was
most welcome news to the Chinese le-
cation. although it was accepted with
the stolidity and passive dignity which
is characteristic of the race. The
first word of the armistice reached the
legation through the Associated Press. !
Mr. Yang Yu had received no official |
from China. nor from |
the state department. Under these cir
he asked to be excused |
from discussing the situation. The |
numerous attaches OF the legation /
were evidently glad that the tedious |
and discouraging struggle was at an |
end. There was some doubt as to the |
of the term unconditional
armistice, although this was accept
ed as meaning that recent events. |
including probably the shooting of |
Prince Ii, had induced the ENJOYS TO
agree to an armistice before agreeing
exactly on the terms of peace. 1t is
elt that the arrangem ents of these
erms will still be difficult task. The
ceiling in the interior of China, where
he direct effects of the war have not
,een felt, is very strong against
session of territory. Moreover, the
payment of a cash indemnity will
lecessitate the imposition Of heavy
axes on the people and consequent
depression. Those considerations to-
,ether with the recent losses and
avages of war. make the future of
Shina so problematical that the Of
icers would not discuss it, beyond the
of resuming commerce.