The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-30
MINISTER KuRINos ADvIcEs.
The Armi.tice Declared in View OF


the Attack on Lii Hung Chang.
WASHINGTON, March 2s.-The news that
an unconditional armistice had been de-
clared by the Emperor of Japan was con-
frmed at the Japanese legation, where it
was stated that cablegram to this effect
had been received from the home gov
ernment China made the offer of the
armistice, and the peace plenipotent.ary of
Japan was empowered by the Emperor to
accept it without condition. This was done
in view of the unexpected event. that
happened, namely, the attempted assassina-
tion of Ii Hung Chang. The armistice,
Minister Kurino, of the Japanese legation,
said, will be effective until the peace negc-
tiations are concluded. After a meeting of
the peace ambassadors had been decided
on China requested the declaration of an
armistics, but this request mad not been
acted on favorahly by Japan. His govern
ment, Minister Kurino said, had not been
inclined to stop wariike operations except
on certain conditions. These conditions are
not known, but it is suggested that probably
the occupation of Takau might have been
one Japan wishing something as a guar
antee of the Willingness and earnestness
of the Chinese for an amcable settlement
of the war. China evidently could not ar
rive at conclusion to agree to the stipula-
llOnS ueludHueu Dy Japan ana the attempt
on the life of the Chinese peace ambassador
solved the problem for the time being and
hostilities will be suspended. There will
be no withdrawal of the Japanese troops
from Chinese territory however
The power of the japanese government
to execute the armistice will now be put
to a critical test. The military power of
Japan, in the judgment of intelligent OBJ
servers, has almost outstripped the civil
power during the war. This has caused
serious concern, as it has been feared that
the military element backed by the war
spirit among the people, would not sub
nit to an armistice, even If the civil au-
thorities ordered one. To meet this emer-
gency a change of army commanders was
recently made. There had been three army
corps operating in different campaigns, and
each under general of supreme authority
over his particular campaign. About three
weeks ago, in anticipation of the armstice,
Prince Komatsu was created commander
in-chief over all the armies. The purpose
of this step was to concentrate authority
in one man, in close touch with the inn
perial household, who could thus execute
an armistice by simultaneous cessation
of hostiities by the three armies. 1t now
remains to be seen whether Prince Komatsu
can execute the important commission given
to him. The splendid discipline shown by
the army during the war gives assurance
by the military. And yet Prince Komatsu
has to contend against a war spirit in
said that an arrnistice would be so unpop-
ular among the people and SOldiery that it
would assure e, tn the - political retirement ,na Of
Mr.. Matsu-who have served as peace en-
voys.
The full text of the cable received at the
Japanese legation to-day regarding the
armistice is as follows: "On the opening
of the negotiations the Chinese plenipoten-
tary proposed armstice, which Japan
willing to accept on certain conditions.
While this negotiation was going the
untoward event happened on the person
of the Chinese plenpotentiary. His Maj
esty, the Emperor. in view of this unhappy
ipotentiaries to consent to a temporary
armistice without conditions. This was
communicated to the Chinese plenipoten-
tiary.'
The declaration of an armstice was most
welcome news to the Chinese legation, al
and passive dignity which is Characteristic
of the race. The first word of the armis-
tice reached the legation through the As
sociated Press. Mr.. Yang Yu had received
no official communication from China, nor
from the State Department. Under these
circumstances he asked to be excused from
discussing the situation. The numerous
suite of the legation. comprising many sec
evidently glad that the tedious and dis
couraging struggle was at an end. They
discussed Its eHectS on tnelr cOuntrymen at
home. There was some doubt as to the
meaning of the term unconditional arm
istice, although this was accepted as mean
ing 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 felt that the arrangement of these terms
will still be difficult task. The feeling in
the interior of China where the direct ef-
fects of the war have not been felt, is very
strong against a cession of territory. More
over, the payment of cash indemnity
will necessitate the imposition of heavy
taxes on the people and consequent de-
preston. These considerations together
with the direct losses and the ravages of
war make the commercial revival of China
so problematic that the officials would not
discuss 1t tonight, beyond mentioning the
difficulties in the way of restoration of
commerce and internal prosperity.