The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-04-27
SPo|LS OF WAR.
Russia, France and Germany
Are Seeking a Share.
America May Help Japanese-EngIand
and Italy Out OF the Middle.

LONDON, April 27.-Dlrect and positive
information from official sources are at
hand concerning the exact negotiotions
between Russia, France and Germany on
the one hand and Japan on the other.
The Russian. French and German min
listers separately interviewed the Japanese
vice minister for foreign affairs, under in
strnctions from their respective govern
ments, and presented memoranda, in
which it was stated that the governments
of Russia, France and Germany, upon ex-
aiming the terms of peace imposed by
Japan upon China, have found that the
possession OF the peninsula Of Liao- Tung,
claimed by Japan, would be a constant
menace to the capital OF China, and at
the same time would Threaten the indie
pendence OF Corea and render IL nom
effective In fact.
In this sense and for other reasons IL
would be. it was stated, a constant menace
TO the permanent peace OF the far East.
Consequently the governments Of France,
Russia and Germany, desiring to show
their sincere friendship for the government
~ Japan, advise IL to the abso-
lutte and nnal possession OF the peninsula
or L~iao-Tung. The memoranda of the
three governments make 10 plain that they
AFRO presented I'm the way Of friendly I'D
vice to the Japanese government and are
not Intended In any way TO convey any
open or covert menace.
The impression is gaining ground that
Japan can rely upon the friendly counsel
or the United States at the present mo-
msnt.
Our Government Interested.
The governments Of Great Britain and
italy have made 10 plain that they do not
intend 10 follow the example of Russia,
Franc and Germany. and the great COM
mercial interests Of the United States In
the far Kast, which the Japanese Chinese
treaty OF peace would largely benefit, no
less than the constant attitude of the
United 8tates toward Japan, lead diplo-
mats TO believe that the United States at
this juncture will not fall to make such a
use of It's good Offices as will prevent
japan from being deprived OF the fruits
of her victory.
The treaty Of peace has already been rat
Tiled py tho Emperor of Japan, and 1t
would be extremely difficult to effect any
change. The only effect Of Russia's,
Frances and Germany's attitude must be
10 encourage the patty I'm China which Is
opposed b. any moderate and reasonable
settlement, and thus to pruiong the war
indefinitely.
It may be stated in the most positive
terms that the reports previously circu-
lated concerning Japan's reply to the
powers are not correct. The reply had
not been sent AS late AS the evening of the
soth, and from limitations received from
the highest and most reliable sources here,
1t may be stated hat the reply, while
and conciliatory In tone, viii!
contain any recession from what
Japan regards as her rightful due.
Japan Surprised.
The Shanghai correspondent of The
Times telegraphs:
Russia has requested the Chinese gov.
ernment to delay Tor "a few days the ratif-
cation OF the peace convention entered
INTO by the Chinese and japanese pleni-
potentiaries at S~himonoseki. / believe
hat Japan was surprised by the protests
made by Russia, France and Germany
the permanent annexation by
Japan of territory on the Chinese main.
The dispatch of the latest japanese
expedition 30 Port Arthur was ordered
or the purpose of allaying the discomfort
exists In that portion Of the army
which has not shared in the honors of the |
ainpaign, and also to force the Pekln
government to ratify the peace treaty"
A Pekin dispatch says it Is the cession |
southern Manchuria. as provided for in
he treaty of peace. that Is chiefly opposed
n the Chinese capital. The agreement to
his end made by Li Hung Chang grieves
he emperor, because the province of Man.
Is the ancestral portion of the EN-.
ire.
There is less opposition regarding tho
ession of the island of Formosa, which is
new province. The other articles of the
realty are regarded as bearable. Several
and some of the generals op
submission TO the public proolama,
that have been made.