The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-05-22
JAPS NOT SATISFIED
THE PEOPLE ANGRY OVER THE con-
CEssIONs OF THE MINISTRY.
Political Crisis Probable ms n Result
of the Yielding to Demands of
Russia and Her Allies.

TOXIC. May 10. via Victoria, British Co.
lumba, May 21.-History has moved with
extraordinary rapidity during the past two
weeks. The newly established peace has
+, en- endangered and complications OF
greater magnitude II an any produced by the
cont est between China and Japan have
threatened TO involve at least three Euro
pean powers in a desperate struggle for
supremacy in eastern Asia. For several days
the attitude Of Japan indicated resoiu-
ton to set the enormous odds against her
at defiance; then. with a suddenness which
the most watchful observers are puzzled
TO explain, the spirit of resistance subsidized
and complete submission was promised TO
the harsh demands of the hostile league
Much remains TO sbe adjusted by the diplo-
matte agencies and grave domestic dissen-
sions in Japan are more than possible, but
no resort to arms is anticipated in any
quarter. What l am about TO relate is still
unknown in this part of the world. except
to officials and diplomatic circles. An OUT
line of the fact has been sent abroad, but
the general community in Japan remains
almost in utter ignorance.
AS soon as the government was informed
of the determination of Russia, Germany
ard France to forbid acquisition Of terri
tory by the japanese on the continent,
majority of the Cabinet ministers assem-
bled at Kioto and measures were taken TO
ascertain how far the menaces of the allies
were seriously intended. The Russian and
French governments were firm in the dec
laration that Japan must renounce Man
churian territory. while the tone adopted
by Germany decidedly incorporate.
When II became apparent that Japan had
only her own resources 10 rely upon the
government devoted its energy to securing
n
however, was divulged to the ministers in
immediate attendance upon the sovereign.
Almost from the beginning the Emperors
advisers were in favor Of submitting with
the solitary exception of viscount Mutsu.
The heads of most OF the civil departments
and the military and naval leaders were
agreed as to the futiity of resistance, and
the necessity of speedy surrender, but.
whatever their explanations shall be. it is
certain that their countrymen will not for
give them for what will be denounced as a
sacrifice of national honor. The popular
maintain courageous front as long as de
fiance was possible was strengthened May
3, when IL was learned that China had
asked that the date for exchanging ratih-
cations should be deferred ten days, and
had been sharply refused. A decree of the
War Department the same day summoned
all reserves for actual service and ordered
reinforcement Of the garrisonS in Yezo.
While IL appeared incredible that Japan
could dream of joining issue with three
giants it was hoped that a way had been
discovered to ward off impending danger
until definite announcement OF purpose
could no longer be avoided. This illusion
was dispeled. On May came intelligence
that an offer had been made by Count Ito
TO relinquish the whole of Manchuria, ex-
cept the southern portion of the Lao Tung
peninsula, on which fallen and Port Arthur
are situated. This was the first intimation
Of the Ministry's resolve to yield and u nad
other disappointment was at hand. Man
churia. without fortresses, was not enough
% satisfy Russia and her allies. Powerful
CT rop oh
May g. two days before answer could be eX-
torted on any pretense, IT was aEno ,,ia,,id
be abandoned. A desire 10 exact compensa-
ton for the loss of territory was expressed;
but no one sees how this can De onsai thet
not not choose to buy it back again The
W goe1 that japan had SUFFERED an irretrevabie
disgrace The question of ratification was
regarded with comparatively slight interest
hosfilities was probable, if not certain, in
case the exchange was delayed.
granted ram Ma Tor five days, but as it happened
the concession was superf1uous as emma
gave notice that an expected European
mony need not longer be deferred. DELEGATES
of the two governments met at Che-fo 90
and the last formality of the peace negotia-
tions was effected the same evening.
This end is accomplished but Count Ito is
believed to have little cause to congratulate
himself. Moderation ana tolerance are NJ
among the virtues of the japanese people
when their pride is wounded. The Ministry.
| of which Count Ito is the head, can never
stand against the rage of the entire COM
munity. 1t is thought possible that he is
already providing for a new administration.
| Three days ago the full Cabinet and Privy
| Council was summoned TO kioto with the
purpose, II Is supposed, or recommending a
| prearranged change of government TO the
Emperor. but, it is unlikely that any MN,
concern will be permitted TO rule II is
prc.oabl that the question of future lead
ership will soon be definitely settled.