The record-union., 1895-03-30
THE NEWS CONFIRMED.


declared by the Emperor of the Japanese
was confirmed at the Japanese Legation,
where it was stated that a cablegram to
this effect had been received from the
home Government.
In thus suspending all operations in
the field with their arms flushed with
victory almost at the gates of Pekin, the
Government has been doubtless influ-
enced entirely by the wholly unJusti-
fable attempt to assassinate the peace en-
vOy of his Imperial Majest of China.
An attack or this kind upon high Off
cial protected under flag If truce is
such an unwarrantable offe .se against
the martial law of nations that Japan has
been placed in a most humiliating posi-
ton. and one which no mere apology
could condone.
The more keenly has this humiliation
been telt by the new England of the
Orient" in view of the splendid record
the national troops and navy have made
on shore and at1oat. The progressive
civilization of Japan which is evidenced
by the splendid training of both land and
naval forces in the manual of arms has
simply again asserted itself in the mag
unanimous treatment OF an already con-
quered foe.
The armistice will probably continue
pending negotiations for peace, which
will undoubtedly be res umed immedi-
ately should the health of Ii Hung Chang
permit. If not, a new envoy will be dis
patched from Pekin, should il not be con-
sidered politic upon the part of Japan to
overcome the natural distrust Of the Mon
golian population by conceding the posi-
tion and sending an Embassy TO treat di-
rect on Chinese territory.
While the amount of indemnity has
never yet been officially announced, the
figure has been placed in taels represent
ing E53, 100000 sterling, which it is esti-
mated will barely cover the actual war
expenses of Japan. This is considered
| by the foreign Powers a totally unequiv-
aIent sum, and an increase in the money
payment would not be termed uniustitia-
ble in view OF demand for the cessiOn
of Chinese territory.
Should, however. Ii Hung Chang sue
cumb to his injuries, it is now thought
possible, in view of the high moral stand
taken by the Japanese Government in
granting the present armistice, that hos
tilities will end upon even more reasona-
ble terms.
The power of the japanese Govern
meDt to execute the armistice will now
! be put TO a crucial test. The military
power of Japan 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 submit to an armistice, even il
the civil authorities ordered one. To
meet this emergency change of army
commanders was recently made. There
has been three army corps operating in
different campaigns, and each under a
General Of supreme authority over his
particular campaign.
About three weeks ago, in anticipation
OF the armIstlce, Prince komatsu was
created COmmander-in-C Chief over all the
armies. The object of this step was to
concentrate authority in one man in close
touch with the imperial household, who
could thus execute an armistice by a
simultaneous cessation of HOSTILE
ties by the army. 1t now re-
mains to be seen whether Prince
homatsu can execute the important COM
mission given him. The splendid dis
! cipLne shown by the army during the
war gives assurance that there will be
immediate acquiescenCe by the military.
! And yet Prince homatsu has to contend
against a war spirit. infiamed by many
/ victories. 1t has been said that an armis-
/ tice would be SO unpopular among the
| people and soldIery that it would assure
/ the political retirement of two Japanese
! statesmen-Count Ito and Mr.. Matsu--
VINO have served as peace ENJOYS.
| The tuH text of the cable received at
Z
the armistice is as follows: "On the open
ing or the negotiations the Chinese Plen-
/ ipotentiary proposed an armistice, which
Japan was willing to accept on certain
conditions. While this negotiation was
going on the untOward event happened
on the person OF the Chinese Plenipoten-
tiary. his majesty, the Emperor, in
view of this unhappy occurrence, COM
manded the Japanese Plenipotentiaries
! to consent to temporary armIstiCe with
out conditions. This was communicated
to the Chinese Plenipotentiary."
The declaration of an armistice was
most welcome news to the Chinese lega-
ton, although it was accepted with the
stOlidlty and passive dignity which is
characteristi of the race.
The first word OF the armistice reached
the legation through the Associated Press
Yang Hu had received no official COM
municatiOn from China nor from the
State Department. Under these circum-
stances he asked to be excused from dis
cussion of the situation.
The numerous attaches of the legation
were evidently glad that the tedious and
discouraglng struggle was at an end
There was some doubt as to the meaning
of the term ''unconditionaP' armis-
tice, although this was accepted as
meaning that recent events, including
probably the shooting of Prince Ii, had
! induced the ENJOYS to agree TO an armis-
/ tlce before agreeing exactly on the terms
! of peace. 1t is felt that the arrangements
of these terms will still be a difficult task
The feeling in the interior OF China,
where the direct effects of the war have not
been felt, is very strong against cession
( of territory. Moreover, the payment of
cash indemnity will necessitate the i'm
position of heavy taxes on the people and
consequent depression.
These considerations, together with the
recent losses and rayages of war, make
the future of China so problematical that
the officers would not discuss it beyond
the probabilities of resuming commerce.
JAPs STILL GAINING VICTORIES.
LONDON, March 29.-The Times will to-
morrow publish dispatch from Pekin
! saying that further excitement has been
caused in that city by the reports of
/ Japanese advances on Shanghai X wan
and the Island of tormosa, and the at
/ tempt to assassinate Lii Hung Chang at
/ Shimonoseki.
The correspondent learns that Ii Hung
Chang Is now about to continue the peace
/ negotiations, though be still remains
much disturbed by the attempt upon his
! lie. The Japanese officers are very
watchful to prevent any further trouble.
| Nine warships which steamed down
the east coast of Formosa passed South
Cape on March 9th. A Junk was cap
tured by the Japanese and those on board
were questioned as to the locality of war