Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-04-13
No Definite Information.


At neither the Japanese nor the Chinese
legations could much be learned today Of
the progress of the peace negotiations be-
tween Japan and China. Advices received
in this city from st. Petersburg are to the
effect that China, considering 1t impossible
for her to accept the japanese conditions
for peace, Is sounding Russia and the
other powers as to whether they will inter-
vene.
Russia has determined, it is stated on ex-
cellent authority, to make diplomatic oppo-
sition to the annexation by Japan of any
part of the mainland of China. The Rus
sian army and navy in the far east are
being reinforced. Russia has also resolved,
in order that she may have free hand in
the far east. not to interfere in Armenia.
The representatives of Japan in this city
are not inclined to take much stock in the
theory of Russian Intervention. They hint
at a probable understanding between China
and Russia. but regard the talk of Russia
stepping in as being in the nature of a
bluff" kept up for the sake of keeping
other European nations from trying to take
a hand in affairs. In their opinion the
terms of the negotiations are understood
and practically agreed to. and that the
negotiations are likely to be closed up at
any time within twenty-four hours notice.
Minister kurinO's Opinion.
Minister Kurino of Japan said last night.
concerning the Japan-China peace under
cable from Toxic:
THE cablegram is quite brief, and does
not recite the terms, nor does it say that
peace as yet has actually been agreed
upon. but that an understanding has been
reached between the ENJOYS by which peace
seems assured. I have no doubt from this
that we will have a treaty of peace within
few days. 1t undoubtedly will be con-
cluded within the next seven days, as the
armistice expires at the end of that time.
Should 1t not be arranged by that time,
there probably would be no difficulty in
continuing a truce now that a peace un-
derstanding has been definitely reached.
There may be some delay in arranging the
details of the new Japan-China treaty. as it
will cover all Of the commercial interests
Of the two countries. One of the most es-
sential items will be that of the tariff.
Heretofore the Japanese duty has been 5
per cent on Chinese goods, and under the
favored nation clause all other countries
were entitled to this same rate. But with
Japan's new treaties with the United States,
Great Britain and other countries, all of
which contain the favored nation clause, 1t
will no longer be possible to.give China the
per cent rate.
Some Possible Concessions.
Mr.. Kurino said that in the absence of
definite word from his government as to
the terms of peace understanding, he did
not wish to speculate on the terms. He
regarded 1t as settled, however, that the
island of Formosa would be permanently
ceded to Japan. That much had already
proceeded beyond the stage of contention.
He also considered the independence of
Corea as settled. This would leave the
question of indemnity, of Port Arthur S
occupation and Of future treaty arrange
ments as the subjects on which the jap
anese plenipotentiaries may have granted
some concessions. These concessions may
apply to one or the other of the three
terms, or to all of them. The minister is
hardly prepared to believe that there will
be no occupation of Port Arthur. 1t is
possible that a term of years may be cen
ceded instead of permanent occupation, or
else that the extent Of surrounding ter
ritory may be more restricted than was
first contemplated. Mr.. Kurino takes a
peace. He shares the feeling of his coun-
trymen that Japan had won the right to
expect much as the price of peace.
At the Chinese Legation.
The Chinese legation has received no
confirma ton of the advices from Japan
that a peace understanding has been
reached, and there is strong disposition
on the part Of the Chinese to regard the
rerort as premature. An ominous lull has
occurred since the first brief dispatch came
from Japan that an understanding had
been reached.
AS yet the concessions leading to the
agreement have not been reported, and it
is stated that they will not be made known
| within a week or ten days. AS the conclu-
sion of peace negotiations are drawing to
a climax the eyes of European powers are
naturally drawn to the rich territory in the
east and a sharp game of diplomacy is on,
in which the European nations are becom-
ing involved to gain something from the
treaty proceedings
There is no doubt that China has ep-
pealed to Russia and other European no
tions against the terms Japan originally
proposed. An interesting point, therefore
arises as to whether the unllstakable
threats of Russia and the appeal of that
nation for Intervention by the powers Were
antecedent or subsequent to the peace an
derstanding reported yesterday between
Japan and China.
What is Thought Here.
The views of the State Department off
cials is that the advices from Russia are
| really based upon the status of the peace
| negotiations several days ago, and that
since then the japanese conditions have
been materially modified and are now as
| suming such shape as to make them more
agreeable to Russia or the other great
European powers. AS officially stated In
| the Associated Press dispa tches among
| the original japanese demands was one fo1
| the absolute ceSSion of Port Arthur. AL
| though not specifically stated it is proba-
| BILE that this included the cession of a
considerable tract of country in the vicin.
| ity of the port.
| AS Port Arthur is within the limits of>the
r,f Mcr t~ia = ,I