The herald., 1895-05-22

point OF death. This momentsry out
purst OF insubordination will probably
not be remrm bered to their Disadvantage.
The expectation that the governments
would maintain courageous front as long
as defiance was possible was strengthened
on May Sd, when it was learned that Chi
ma had asked that the date for exchang-
ing ratifications should be deferred ten
days and had been sharply refused. As
IT could not be doubted that China acted
at the instigation OF the adverse powers.
inns emphatic response indicated any
thing but disposition to quail. So like.
wise did the decree of the war depart
ment ON the same day, summoning all
the reserves in body for active service
ana ordering the reinforcement of the
garrisons in Yezo. While it appeared in
credible that Japan could dream OF join
ing issue with the three giants. it was
hoped that way had been discovered to
ward off the impending danger until
definite announcement Of their purpc Sc
could no longer be avoided and that the
government would keep bold counten
ance while single chance of preserving
the conquests in Manchuria remained.
This illusion, after being cherished for
two days, was painfully dispelled.. On
May 4th came the intelligence from
toto that the offer had been made by
Count Ito to relinquish the whole Of
Manchuria except the southern portion of
the l.iao Tung peninsula, on which Ia
len and Port Arthur are situated. This
was the first intimation of the ministry y S
resolve to yield.
The end is accomplished, SO far as can
now be judged, but Count Ito has little
cause to congratulate himself. He can no
longer look to his conutrymen for the le-
ward which only a fortnight ago they
were clamoring to bestow on him. He is
well aware that from the moment his re-
n s,%t< -
IS publicly known his laborious services
to the state win be disregarded, his in
dustry and ability scoffed at and his name
nfld up to execration and cOntempt.
Moderation and tolerance are not among
tho virtues Of the Japanese people when
their pride is wounded and their self es-
teem brought low. The mystery of which
Count Ito is the head, can never again
stand against the rage OF the community.
1t is thought possible that, foreseeing
his fault, he is already providing for a
new administrati IN. Three days ago the
full cabinet and privy council were sum-
moned to kioto, with the purpose, it is
supposed, OF recommending pre-
arranged change of government to the
consideration or the emperor. But it is
most unlikely that any ministry in which
Count Ito has the slightest concern Will
be permitted to rule.
The nation will be unitedly arrayed
iEuiHSL him ana MS associates. count
Mutsu may be exempt from censure be-
cause it was known that the precipitate
surrender was contrary to his wishes;
but he can hardly expect nor would he
probably desire to he separated from his
fellows in their downfall. The successor
OF Count Ito will certainly not be q man
Of his choosing. Common opinion among
officials is that Count Okuna will be the
intellectual. though probably the nomi-
nal chief of thesnext cabinet.
Okuma is unquestionably the most Wig
orous and energetic statesman in japan,
but he has many enemies and the pres
ent ministers would risk much to prevent
i'm from returning to Office Some OF
them would not hesitate to blacken his
reputation with the emperor and thus in
terpose formidable barrier to his eleva-
tion. But high ability is needed at this
crisis and Okuma so easily leads all ri, ais
intellectually with the sole exception of
Count Mutsu, that the direction Of the
government can hardly be kept from
him. l do not speak of this as GER
tainty. but is a strong probability. With
in a very few weeks the question of future
leadership will be definitely settled.