The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-03-30
Aroused by the Assault on
Envoy Ii Hung
Chang.
CHINESE GREATLY PLEASED.
But II Remains 20 Be Seen If the
Soldiers VIII Quit Fighting
When Ordered.

=
tional armistice
ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA, March %
A6yloes received here from Toxic say that
the decision Of the Emperor Of Japan TO
declare an unconditional armistiee was
greatly due 10 the extreme indignation
aroused by the attack on Ii Hung Chang.
WASHINGTON, D. c., March 29.-The
news that an unconditional armistice has
been declared by the Emperor Of the Jap
enese was confirmed at the japanese lega-
ton where it was stated that cablegram
% this effect had been received from the
home Government. Ia thus suspending all
operations IN the field with their army
flushed with victory almost at the gates Of
Picking, the Government has been doubt
less influenced entirely by the wholly I'M
iustihable attempt 10 assassinate the peace
envoy Of his Imperial Majesty Of China.
An attack Of this kind upon high Off
cial protected under flag Of truce is such
al understandable 0ffense against the mar
tial law OF nations that Japan has been
placed in 3 most humili2ting position, and
one which no mere apology could condone.
The more keenly has this humiliation
been felt by the new England Of the
Orient, Ia view Of the splendid record the
national troops and navy have IA sde Oh
shore and atioat. The progressive ciyiliza-
ton 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 magnanimous
treatment Of an already conquered foe.
The armistice Will probably continue
pending negotiations for peace, which will
undoubtedly be resumed Immediately
should the health Of Ii Hung Chang per-
NIT. If not a new envoy viii be dispatched
from Peking, should it not be consid cred
polite upon the part of Japan to overcome
the natural distrust of the MongoIian
population by conceding the position and
sending an embassy 10 treat direct on
Chinese territory, While the amount Of
indemnity has never yet been officially
announced, the figure has been placed in
tsels representing f53 900 900, which, 1t is
estimated, will barely cover the actual war
expenses of Japan. This is considered by
the foreign powers totally unequiyalent
sum, and an increase In the money pay
ment would not be termed uniustifable,
IN lieu of q 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 reasonable
terms. China made the offer of armistice,
and the peace plenipotentiaries of Japan
were empowered by the Emperor TO accept
it without condition. The armistice Min
lister Kurno Of the japanese legation said,
will be effective until the peace negotia-
tons are concluded.
After the meeting of the Peace Embas-
sailors had been decided on China re-
quested the declaration of the armistice,
but Japan had, Minister Kurino said, not
been inclined to stop her warlike opera
tions except on certain conditions.
These conditions are not known, but ii
is suggested that probably the occupation
of Taku might have been one, Japan wish
Ing something as a guarantee of the will
ingness and earnestness of the Chinese for
an amicable settlement of the war. China
evidently could not arrive at any conclu-
sion 10 agree 10 the stipulations demanded
by Japan but the attempt on the life of the
Chinese Peace ambassador has solved the
problem for the time being, and hostilities
will be suspended. There will be, how
ever, no withdrawal of Japanese troops
The power of the Japanese Government
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
20 an armistice, even if the civil authori-
ties ordered one. 70 meet this emergency
change of army commanders was recent
ly made. There has been three army corps
operating in different campaigns and each
under general of supreme authority over
his particular 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 simultaneous cessation of
hostilities by the army. 1t now remains
10 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 to contend against war spirit, in
famed by many victories. 1t has been
said that an armistice would be so unpop-
nlar among the people and soldiery that it
would assure the political retirement of
two japanese statesmen-Count Ito and
Mr.. Matsu--who have served as peace
ENJOYS The full text OF the cable received
at the Japanese legation to-day regarding
the armistice, is as follows:
ION the opening of the negotiations the
Chinese PlenipoteHiary 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 Chi
nese Plenipotentiary His Majesty, the
Emperor, in view of this unhappy occur
renee, commanded the japanese Plenipo-
tentiaries TO consent 10 temporary arms
tice without conditions. This was
communicated to the Chinese Plenipoten-
tiaries.