Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-05-25
Information That She Has Declared
Her Independence.
THE REPORT NOT TAKEN SERIOUSLY
The Movement Regarded as a Re-
beiIon Against Japan.
NEWS AT THE LEGATION

The State Department has received a
cablegram from Mr.. Denby United States
minister to China, stating that the Island
of Formosa has declared her independence,
that the powers have been so notified and
that a government republican in form has
been established in Formosa. This adds a
new complication to the situation in the
east. Before this government can recog-.
nize the Formosan independence it must
be shown that provisional government
which can stand has been organized. There
are great numbers of japanese in Formosa.
and it remains to be seen what course they
will adopt.
Not Taken Seriously.
The dispatch of Minister DENLY is not
taken seriously at the State Department.
The information contained in the dispatch
was taken at the department to mean that
the minister awaited instructions to recog-
nize the new government or that 1t was in
a position to be recognized by the United
States
But there is not likely to be any such ac-
tion taken by the government nor would
Minister DENLY be justified in taking any
such step. The United States recognizes
Formosa as belonging to Japan, and no
matter what may be the form of govern
ment which the revolutionists of the island
may have organized recognition of the
independence of the island would be dis
tinctly an unfriendly act toward Japan. 1t
is not for the United States minister to
China, or to any other country, to recog-
nize the independence of any island in re-
volt. The United States does not recognize
the Cuban rebels, and the movement in
Formosa cannot be regarded as anything
more than rebellion against Japan.
No Likelihood of Il Republic.
The idea of a republican form of govern
ment being formed in Formosa is treated
with some dersion at the department. The
population of Formosa is composed of saw
ages, reclaimed savages and Chinese i'm nj
grants.
The latter are of the lowest classes of
Chinese. and the people there, it is de-
clared, would not know what a republican
form of government was. 1t is thought
more likely that an oligarchy is in control
of the island. 1t Is believed at the depart
ment that the trouble has arisen over the
fear of the inhabitants of Formosa that
the Japanese will take away the property
the people have acquired. When they un-
derstand that the treaty ceding Formosa
confirms all fees and holdings it is thought
the population will have different feeling
u Ward the new poSSeSSorS of the island.
Products of the Island.
Formosa is one of the richest islands of
the sea. Nine-tenths of the tea used in
supplies Japan with sugar and exports
large quantities of camphor. 1t has pc
troleum wells and coal fields. but these
have never been worked. They are in the
northern part Of the island, and will be of
immense value to Japan. The population
has been estimated as between 1000, 900
and 3.oO0O0O people, but the best informa-
tion IS that it does not actually exceed a
million and quarter of people
Inc United States has no consul in For
mosa, the nearest consulate being Annoy.
CHINA, which has a general supervisory
command over American interests in the
island. There is a consular agent at
Takow. The principal harbor is kelung
from which a small railroad extends into
the interior. The island contains about
14GoU square miles. The western half has
been subdued and is very productive while
the eastern part is largely in a savage
state.
No Advfces at the Jnpanese Legation
The Japanese legation here has received
no advices on the rebellion in Formosa
and the establishment of an independent
republic. The officials do not attach much
weight 20 the affair." saying that the
natives are little advanced from savagery
and are incapable of organization or mill
tary action. Tiley fight with bows and
arrows. The Chinese soldiers who We're
on the island have been withdrawn, so
that only the natives with their rude arms
remain.
Against this it is pointed out, is the pow
erful army and navy of Japan available
to suppress a rebellion from such a bar
barous class. Japan recently designated a
viceroy, or governor general for Formosa,
and he left about two weeks ago escorted
by a fleet of Japan'S modern cruisers. The
latter are now in the large ports of For
mesa.