The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1895-05-16
THE MASSES OF JAPAN IGNO
RANT OF THE ALLIANCE
AGAINST THEM.
1T lis ONLY KNOWN IN OFFICIAL
CIRCLES.
Russia's Splendid Move in Not Notify.
ing Japan of Its Demands Sooner.
Waited Till Japanese Troops
Were Cut OFF From Supplies.

San Francisco, May 12.-The City of
Pekin arrived today from Hong Kong
and Yokohama, bringing the following
correspondence to the Associated Press:
Toxic, April 27.-Although totally igno
rant to this day of what is in store, the
people of Japan are about to receive a
heavy blow of adverse fortune. To what
extent the news of hostile combination of
Russia, Germany and France has been
made public in Europe and America resi-
dents of Japan have no means of knowing.
| But in this country it remains Il secret of
state and may not be disclosed for some
time to come. Rumors are prevalent, but
the startling fact that the three great pow
ers have united to deprive Japan of the
continental territory coded by China has
| scarcely been suspected by any outside of
official circles.
The announcement was delivered at
Hiroshima, April %, and after receiving
| the emperor's commands Count Ito set
| forth to consult with Vscount Matsu at
| the sanitary resort, Mako, whittier the
junior commissioner had repaired in hope
, of regaining his shattered health. The
heads of the departments in Toxic were
notified April "a, but foreign minister's
were confidentially advised on that and
the following day. By then the govern
ments not already concerned were made
acquainted with the facts. No japanese
newspaper has yet obtained information
on the subject, but foreign journals in
dulge only in vague speculations. Upon
the general population the stroke has yet
to fall. The Indignation which the japan
csc does not affect to conceal is intensified
by the hardness by which the. intentions
! of the powers were revealed. Many weeks
ago they were frankly notified of the gen.
eral terms to be imposed upon China. They
knew quite well that part of the Sing
King province would be demanded and if
they had entered their objection at any
time previous to the signing of the treaty
their demonstrations would have doubt-
less received consideration. But it seem
! that Russia had purposely tried to pu
Japan in n painful position by waitin
until the great bulk of the Japanese army
crossed to the continent, she certainly
1 strengthened her own hand, for now the
troops are a thousand miles from her base
of supplies, and the powerful Russian fleet
may keep them isolated or prevent their
return home. The Russian diplomatic Off
Gals have indeed signifed that such is the
intention unless Japan accedes to the
pressure eXerted upon her. In spite Of
her wrath at the trick which she think
has been played, it is scarcely credible
that she will venture to resist in case sh
finds that the allies are thoroughly in
earnest. So far as Russia is concerned
there can be no question on this point
| Germany's purpose is hardly less clear
though the language of her communication
is so needlessly offensive that mask OF
braggadocio might perhaps be suspected
i France exhibits no discourtesy, and the
belief is strong that she was unwilingly
led into the league and joined it only as a
manifesto of her newly born affection fol
the Northern power
The attitude of England is regarded
with deep interest and some surprise. 1t
has long been thought if any western
nation watched with jealousy the rapid
development Of Japan's power it was
Great Britain. 1t is needless to say her
her refusal to take part in the manifesto
II ton causes great qualification and the
i practicability of a coalition between Japan
and Great Britain is already desired
in influential quarters. For some time
!, past a steady dislike for English has been
displayed by the japanese, while France,
next to the United States, has been the
object of their special regard. A week
hence, or as soon as the action of the
4 several states is clearly understood,
these sentiments will be radically reversed.
i Until the appearance of this dark cloud
it seemed nothing could obscure the sun
II shine of Japan's new prosperity. The
| government was cheered and grati1ed
by the enthusiasm with which the treaty
Of peace had been received in all parts OF
i the empire. So favorable and so unani-
nous verdict was not looked for. AL
lost to the last moment the popular de-
mands were eXtravagant and unreason-
able and it was believed It'll military power
was 80 strongly bent upon further pro-
secution of war that the prudent coun
I ellis of Count Ito and Viscount Matsu
might be set aside, at least
4 until Pekin could be occu,
pied by the victorious leaders. But
the biggest influence in the nation, the
will of the emperor was on the side of
moderation. Every measure tending
TO speedy and honorable termination of
hostilities has his approval and support.
| In the face of his avowed disposition to
bring about peace, the hot heads clamor
for q prolonged contest and among the
people the knowledge that the sovereign
i was opposed to needless strife held even
the most violent in check. Yet 1t was
not supposed that the reaction from the
belligerent of two months ago would be
so sudden or complete. From the hour
that peace was declared n general chorus
of acclamations saluted the two states
/ men, whose wise and patient labOrs had
brought about the great report. The
words of congratulation and praise with
which the emperor welcomed them on
their return to Hiroshima were echoed
ON all sides with genuine sincerity, and
instead of mourning the temporary i'll.
will of the masses, as it was feared il
a might by agreeing to more lenient terms
of peace that were hoped for by the ma
A ton they have advanced in the esteem
and confidence of their countrymen to
point which few japanese ministers OF
!, state have ever attained. All other ex
Il citement is now at an end.
a Count Ito will remain at the head o.
the cabinet as long as he chooses to serve
in that capacity, and Viscount Matst
may preside indefinitely, If such is ms
pleasure, over state affairs.
4 Ii Hung Chang arrived at lien ISL
j April 20. He was welcomed by' Prnc'
Kung, who had come from Pekin TO NEE
: him. Orders were sent by the emperor
that Iii Hung Chang should not proceed
to the capital but should forward tht
j treaty thither for ratification. Myoji Ito
chief secretary of the Japanese cabinet
whose labor in connection with the peace
conference have been arduous, has beer
Iappointed plenipotentiary to proceed t.
i .stN- \ h.. r..fa "