The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-03-30
Emperor of Japan Declares Tn
conditional Armistice.
THIS is A GREAT CONCESSION
But Was Made Necessary by the shoot
ing of Lii Hung Chang.
Last Week Japan Demanded Conditions
Before stopping the FIghtIng-The
New Turn VIII Anger the War
Party-The Army VIII Obey, bur the
Civilians VIII Object.

Toxic. March 2.-The emperor of Japan
has declared an unconditional arrnistice
Washington City. March 2s.-The news
that an unconditional arnistice has been
declared by the emperor Of Japan was
confirmed at the japanese legation. where
II vas stated that a cablegram 20 this
effect had been received from the home
government. The following is the full
text of the dispatch: ON the opening OF
negotiations the Chinese plenipOt entiary
proposed an armisEice, which Japan was
willing 10 accept on certain conditions.
While this negotiation was going on. the
untoward event happened 10 the person
of the Chinese plenipotentiary. His ma
Jesty, the emperor. In view OF this un-
happy occurrence. commanded the Jap
anese plsnIpot entiar!es 10 consent to a
temporary armisttce without conditions.
This will be communicated 10 the Chinese
plenipo;entiary."
The power Of the japanese government
10 execute the armisttce viii now be put
10 a crucial test. The military power of
japan has almost outstripped the civil
power during the war. This has caused
serious concern, as u has been feared
that the military element backed by
the war spirit among the people, would
not submit 20 an armistice even If the
civil authorities ordered one. To meet
this emergency. a change OF army COM
manders was recently made. There have
been three army corps operating in dill
fercnt campaigns, and each under a gen.
eral OF supreme authority over his par
ticular campaign. About three weeks ago.
in anticipation OF the armistice, Prince
komatsu was created commander in
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
hostilities by the army. 1t now remains
TO be seen whether Prince komatsu can
execute the important commission given
him. The splendid discipline shown by
the army during the war gives assurance
that there will be immediate acquiescence
by the military. And yet Prince komatsu
has 10 contend against a war spirit. IN
famed by many victories. 1t has been
said that an armistice would be so un-
popular among the people and soldiers
that IL would assure the Political retire
ment OF the two japanese statesmen,
Count Ito and Mr. Mutsu, who have
served as peace ENJOYS,
The declaration of an armisttCe vas
most welcome news 70 the Chinese leSa-
ton. although II was accepted with the
stoltdEy and passive dignity which Is
Characteristic of the race. The first word
OF the arn4!sttce reached the legation
through the Associated Press. Mr.. Yang
Yu had received no official communion
ton from China nor from the state de-
partment- Tnder these eircums taalces he
asked to be excused from discussing thu
situation. The numerous attaches of the
legation were evidently glad thar the te-
dsous and 1iscourag1ng struggle was at
an end. There was some DOUBT 70 the
moaning Of the term unconditional
arm4d,ice, although this was accepted s
meaning that recent events. includlng
probably the shooting Of Prince Ii. had
Induced the ENJOYS to agree TO an armis
tice before agreeing eXactly on the terms
OF peace. II is felt shat the arrangements
Of these terms viii stln he 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 pay
ment OF a cash indemnity viii necessssa1e
The imposition OF heavy taxes on the pco-
pie and consequent depression. These
considerations, together w4th the recent
losses and raVases Of war. make the fu-
Ture Of China SO pro6leEnattcal Th3t the
officers would nOt discuss Il. beyond the
probabilities OF rcsuming commerce.