The record-union., 1895-05-13

OF the war that the prudent counsels of
Viscount Mutsu might be set aside. at
least until Pekin could be occupied by
the victorious invaders.
But the highest influence in the nation
the will of the Emperor-was on the
side OF moderation. Every measure
tending to a speedy and honorable termi-
nation of hostilities had his approval and
support. In the face of his avowed
wishes, the whole of the army could not
clamor for q prolonged contest, and
among them, the knowledge that the
sovereign was opposed to needless strife
held even the most violent in check.
Yet 1t was not supposed that the re-
action from the belligerent sentiment of
two months ago would be so sudden or
complete. From the hour that peace was
declared a general acclamation saluted
the high statesmen whose wise and
patient labors had brought about the
great result. The words of cOngratula-
tlon and praise with which the Emperor
welcomed them on their return to Hiro-
shima were echoed on all sides with
genuine sincerity, and instead of incur
ring the temporary i'll will of the masses,
as it was feared they might, by agreeing
to more lenlent terms OF accommodation
than were hoped for by the nation at
large, they have advanced in the esteem
and confidence of their countrymen to
point which few Japanese Ministers of
State have ever attained. All talk OF
their retirement is now at an end. Count
Ito will remain at the head of the Cabi-
net as long as he chooses to serve in that
capacity, and Viscount Mutsu may pre-
side Indefinitely, if such Is his pleasure,
over the foreign interests of Japan.
In proclamation of unusual length,
the Emperor has reviewed the present
situation, giving due credit to all con-
10 - ft,0
prestige, and expressing his satisfaction
with the officials who have harmoniously
co-operated in executing his purposes;
with the soldiers and sailors who have
sustained the national glory, and with
the patriotic loyalty and fidelity of his
millions of subjects. He looks forward
with pride to the prospect Of augmented
prosperity, and admonishes the people
not to be unduly exalted by the triumphs
thus far achieved, nor to imagine that
high am bitions can be realized except by
modest perseverance in the development
OF civilization. He especially denounces
the unworthy spirit which, lin the con-
ceit of recent victory, offers insult TO
other States or seeks TO weaken the
friendly relations with foreign powers"
Finally he affirms that, with regard to
China, the exchange OF ratitications of the
treaty shall mark the restoration Of amity
deavors should be spared to promote
neigh borly intercourse and good WILL"
Ii Hung Chang arrived at Iien-Tsin
April 10Th. He was welcomed by Prince
Kung, who had come from Pekin to meet
him. Orders were sent by the Emperor
that Ii should not proceed to the capital,
but should forward the treaty thither for
ratification. Miyijito, the chief of the
cabinet, whose labors in connection with
the peace conference have been arduous,
was appointed plenipotentiary to proceed
to Chez Foo and conduct the ceremony OF
exchanging the ratitications.
Chinese merchants in Japan, many of
them men of wealth and standing, profess
great satisfaction with the conclusion OF
peace. and are about to send petition to
the court at Pekin, praying that Ii
Hung Chang be rewarded for his services,
as it is certain that he secured the best
possible terms of agreement. 1t is true
that by.his entreatles the Japanese were
persuaded TO make important attachments
of their original demands.
Corean affairs are taking an extraOrdi-
nary turn and the capital is in state of
unprecedented excitement. The unravel-
ing OF the great conspiracy. the first acts
in which were the murders of certain offi
cials in sympathy with the reform meas
ures proposed by Japan, has involved
many of the highest personages in the
realm. One of the first exposed was Vi
Chung, the recently appointed envoy to
Japan and the favorite grandson of the
Tai Won Kun. On learning that discOv-
cry was imminent, he hastily resigned
his Office OF envoy and prepared to escape
from Seoul, but the Government was in
formed of his purpose. and on she night
of April 18th, sixty policemen went to the
Tai Won Kun's palace with the Kings
warrant to arrest the alleged criminal.
vi refused to surrender himself and was
unceremoniousiy hoisted on the back of
stalwart constable and carried to Jail.
The Tai Won Kun, in a frenzy of rage,
followed his grandson at the next
morning and demanded admittance,
which was refused. Then, forgetting his
customary pomp and dignity. he staid in
the street till daylight. screaming that he
alone was the originator of the plot and
that Vi knew nothing about it.
On the 10Th Vi was arraigned in court
on charges of murder and treason. 1t
was not without difficulty that the trib-
unal was formed, most of the native
Judges being afraid to incur the venge-
ance of The Lai Won Kun. This aged
Prince refused to return to his palace, and
has taken up quarters in merchant shop
close TO the Courthouse. He constantly
proclaims that he is solely responsible for
everything. and appears to think this
avowal sufficient to stay proceedings. All
his life he has been accustomed to put to
death those who opposed him or excited
his displeasure, and he cannot be made to
comprehend that he is no longer at
liberty to remove his real or supposed
enemies.
1t is reported that the King, his own
son, was 10 have been one of the victims
OF the exploded conspiracy, yet the King,
whose moral weakness is phenomenal, is
sending messages of coincidence to the
unnatural parent, though perfectly aware
of the parents sentiments toward him.
This is pleasant illustration OF The obli-
cations of the filial piety in countries
bound by Chinese principles.
The Corean administration is debating
the expediency of putting the Lai Won
Kun on trial as common criminal, but
it is doubted whether the King will sane
ton this radical departure from usage,
even to make his own life secure. On
April 10th the Tai Kon Wun sent letter
to the Judges imploring that he be killed
and his grandson SET free.
The Empress left Hiroshima for Kioto
April 25th, and the Emperor followed
next day. Before starting he signed the
ratification OF the peace treaty. Their
majesties will remain in Kioto about two O
weeks, and will then return to Toxic,
where their reception will be on a mag
nifcent scale.
Prince Komatsu, Commander-in-C Chief
of tho armies. arrived at Port Arthur
April 18th. He is expected to return with
as little delay as possible. bringing back
all the troops that are not required for
garrison purposes.
Cholera in the Pescadores is no longer
considered dangerous. Disbanded Chi
nese soldiers in those islands have gladly
entered the Japanese service as laborers.
Chinese captives in japan having heard
that the treaty requires them to be sent
home, are begging that they may remain.
The revised treaty between France and
Japan is ready for execution; that be-