Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-04-28
THE REGENTS SWORD
RuSia's Objections 10 Its Occupation
BY Japan.
UNCLE SANS GOOD OFFICES.
They Are Invoked by Both Parties
10 the Oriental Peace Pact, and
viii Continue To he Exercised
France and England.

WASHINGTON, April c7.-Yang Yu,
the Chinese Minister. called upon Sccre-
tary Gresham at half-past 8 O'Clock to-
day. and half an hour later. within a Few
moments after Yang Yu had departed,
the Japanese Minister. Mr.. Kurino. who
came by appointment. was closeted with
the Secretary. Both visits related TO
the clause in the treaty OF peace relating
to the occupation by Japan Of the Re
gents Sword" promontory and the Korean
coast from Port Arthur TO the Yalu river,
70 which Russia has so strenuousiy OBJ
jccted.
1t Is understood now that Russia Is en-
dcavoring 10 induce China TO resist this
demand. which was agreed 10 by Ii Hung
Chang.
Tho United States have declined to be
drawn into the controversy TO such an
extent as To take sides, but will continue
its good Offices, as In the past, to secure
peace between China and japan. The
United States Ministers at Picking and
Toxic Mr. DENLY. and Mr.. Dun. were
largely instrumental lin securing the
agreement between the two countries. IL
being wholly due TO their efforts tnat
the plenipotentiaries were brought to-
gethcr. During the prcliminaries, they
made China acquainted with Japan's re-
Quirements. and through them the terms
were practically arranged In geherai
terms before the ShimonOseh conference
met. AS the United States was the coni-
dent OF both parties. and being famiIiar
with the arrangements from the begin
ming the assumption is made that TINS
government approved them. Therefore. no
nrpgpNt
self for United States interference now
FRENCH INTIMIDATION DENIED.
LONDON. April 27.-The Paris repre-
sentative OF the United Press has learned
at the Office Of the Ministry Of Marine
that the statement that the French neet
was making demonstrations with view
10 intimidating Japan. unless she should
abandon her demands for the cession or
Chinese mainland territory. Is incorrect.
II such action was 10 be taken shoftly
by Russia, IL would not cause surprise,
but II Is by no means certain that france
would aid or abet her.
An interview was had by the CORE
spondent with a high Official or the
Foreign ONCE. where the utmost discre-
ton IS observed, who said that he was
able TO state that the government had
not fully decided upon their eventual ac-
tion. Tho matter was discussed at length
yesterday. and primary remonstrance
TO Japan was made merely 10 please Rus
sia It was not then thought that England
would withhold action in the matter. or
that Japan would resist any action that
Great Britain might take.
England's action in the matter IL was
stated. confronts France with variety
OF possibilities which require reflection
and discussion. The Chauvinist section
~ the Cabinet are in favor Of following
the lead Of Russia throughout. but certain
prominent ministers and statesmen are
disposed 10 endeavor 10 persuade the hot
headed ones not 10 push French action
TO an extreme point.
Mr.. Kato. the chief secretary OF the
japanese legation. in an interview to-day.
expressed the opinion that Japan would
fight the European Powers rather than
abandon her territorial claims.
BRITAIN'S DECISION.
LONDON. April E.-The final decision
81 the British Government TO refrain
rom meddlng with the Eastern question
AZ regards China and Japan has been
.aken upon the advice. strongly put, of the
British diplomats in Peking and Toxic
VINO have been asked by the Government
10 report their views and observations.
1t is likely. as the situation now ap-
pears. that the conditions OF the treaty of
peace. when seen with unpreJudiced eyes
will show that japan has won a complete
victory, not only by force Of arms, but
in the field OF diplomacy. The reports
which were made after the Chinese new
year. indicated that Japan was determined
10 dictate TO Pekin terms far more rig
orous than those exacted at Shmonoseki.
Lord Kimberly and his colleagues take
the same view Of the situation as that
which Niscount CurZon. NJ. T., outlined
on the eve Of the war--that II the Ito min
istry should fall IL would be a genuine
calamity, not only TO Japan, but TO the
European Powers.
The British Government ascribe the
early and successful close of the war to
the tact and capacity OF Count Ito, i'm
spite OF the clamor of a vast majority OF
the people OF Japan, who are still practi-
cally insisting that japanese troops shall
occupy Picking.
In view OF this feeling. the British
ard other European representatives In
China and Japan have advised the gov
eminent that any proposal that Japan
surrender any part OF the ceded territory
al the bidding Of the European Powers.
whether such cession should ultimately
be necessary or not. would be likely TO
Jeopardize the japanese Constitution,
which occurrence would inevitably undo
the greater part of the progressive work
which has been done in Japan within the
last quarter OF century.
Inquiries on this subject have brought
from Chinese sources a great deal of in
formation In the same vein, though
couched In cynical terms.