The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-07-09
FOSTER TALKS ABOUT THE PEACE
Japan Satisfied With China'~ Conduct
America Gains Prestige.


Washington City. July s--John W Fos-
ter. Chinese counsel in the peace negotia-
lions, is in the city. In answer to in
quEles. Mr.. Foster made a statement in
which he said there was good reason 10
expect peace between Japan and China as
the result of the treaty of Shbmoneseki.
The terms demanded oy Japan may
he said, under the circumstances. he re-
garded as reasonable. and especially in
view OF the retrocession OF the Leaotung
peninsula The treaty has been observed
and carried out by China with scrupulous
good faith. Her conduct in this respect
has created a good impression In Japan.
The loan just concluded through Russian
influence will enable China TO pay the
first installments of the indemnity. These
two fnstallments cover half OF the indem-
nifty. and the balance extending over six
years. win be a comparatively easy bur-
den for the Chinese government. II any
skill Is shown in the management of the
imperial revenues. The country has great
resources. and has never yet failed in its
financial engagements. Hence the peace
concluded at Shimoneseki is not likely 20
be broken on account of the Shortconi-
ings OF China II a rupture occurs. il is
more likely to be brought about by the
intermeddling OF the European powers.
The Intervention Of Russia on account OF
the terms OF peace was not unexpected
and Is not unnatural in view of her pre-
dominating interest In the Orient. and es-
pecially on the North Pacific coast OF
Asia. That France followed the lead OF
Russia created no surprise In the East,
but that Germany should unite with them
In display of force against Japan was
entirely unexpected, and II Is not yet un-
derstood. British residents In China and
Japan are very bitter In criticising their
government for its ahstention in the mat
ta- al ha a
with the other powers In rearrauging the
terms has lost for their country prestige.
and has left Russia free hand in its In
iuence and control at Picking.
'Of all the coShtries automatically
concerned In the contest, the United States
has come out OF IL with better grace than
any other From the first IL has been re-
cognized by both bellligerents as purely
disinterested her only desire being TO rem
der such service as would bring about an
honorable and lasting peace. The conduct
or the state department in .ts very dell.
cate relation with both combatants has
been marked by good judgment and by
few mistakes, and the good offices or our
ministers and consuis IN China and Japan.
where they represented the interests or
both governments. have been very useful
and are highly appreciated by both"
Being asked why ne declined the invita-
ton to remain I'm China as the advisor or
the government. Mr.. Foster said ne nad
snent the greatest portion OF the past
twenty-five years in foreign lands, ana,
while his residence abroad had been gener-
aiIy n p,easant one he found no country
equal TO his native land. ard he desired
10 spend the remainder OF his life In his
native country. He confessed that II the
invitation had come five or ten years
earlier he would probably not have de-
c.ined IL. ~
Trtfx a
. ,-ir,es from Kobe SAYS: An attempt has
heen made at Seoul TO arrest Prince Pek,
the home minister. II Is s'lrmised mat
the affair is connected with an attempt or
the queens party TO overthrow the Jap
anese ascendancy I'm Korea.
Tha Standards Paris correspondent
saws the Russo China loan is quoted at
215 premium.
Senator Fairs will Is made the occasion