The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1895-03-30
THE NEWS CONFIRMED.
The Japanese Minister at Washington In
formed of the Armistice.

formed of the Armistice.
WASHINGTON, March 9O.-The news that
an unconditional armistice had been de-
clared by the emperor of Japan was con
hrmed at the japanese legation, where it
was stated that cablegram to this effect
had been received from the home govern
ment. In discussing the matter Minister
Kurino, Of the Japanese legation, said the
armistice will be effective until the peace
negotiations are concluded. After meet
ing of the peace ambassadors had been de-
cided on China requested the declaration
of an armistioe, but this request had not
been acted upon favorably by Japan. His
government, Minister Kurino said, had
not been inclined to stop warlike opera
tions except on certain conditions. These
conditions are not known, but it is sug
gested that probably the occupation of
Talxu might have been one, Japan wish
ing something as guarantee of the will
tngness and earnestness of the Chinese for
an amicable settlement of the war. China
evidently could not arrive at conclusion
to agree to the stipulations demanded by
Japan, and the attempt on the life of the
Chinese peace ambassador solved the prob
lem for the time being. There will be no
withdrawal of the Japanese troops from
Chinese territory, however
The declaration of an armistice was
most welcome news to the Chinese lega-
tion, although it was accepted with the
stolidity and passive dignity which is
characteristic of the race. The numerous
suite of the legation, comprising many
secretaries, attaches and translators, were
evidently glad that the tedious and dis
couraging struggle was at an end.
There was some doubt as to the meaning
of the term unconditional armistice, al
though this was accepted as meaning that
recent events, including probably the
shooting of Prince Ii, had induced the en-
voys to agree to an armistioe before agree
ing exactly on the terms of peace 1t is
felt that the arrangement 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 a oession of territory.
| Moreover, the payment of cash indem
nifty will necessitate the imposition of very
heavy taxes on the people, and consequent
depression. These considerations, together
with the direct losses and ravages of war,
make the commercial revival of China so
problematio that the officials would not
discuss it beyond mentioning the difficult
| ties in the way Of restoration of COM
meroe and internal prosperity.
The power of the Japanese government
to execute the armistioe will not be put to
| critical test. The military power Of Japan,
in the judgment of intelligent observers
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 if the OWL authorities Or
dered one.
To meet this emergency change Of
army commanders was recently made
There had been three army corps, operating
In different campaigns, and each under a
| general of supreme authority over his par
ticular campaign. About three weeks ago
in anticipation of the armistioe, Prince
| Komatsee was created commander-in-c chief
over all the armies. The purpose of this
step was to concentrate authority in one
man, in close touch with the imperial house
hold, who could thus execute an armistice
/ by a simultaneous cessation of hostilities
| by the three armies.
| 1t now remains to be seen whether Prince
| Komatsee can execute the important com
mission given to him. The splendid dis
cipline shown by the armies during the
/ war gives assurance that there will be i'm
mediate acquiescence by the military, and
yet Prince Komatsee has 70 contend him
self against a war spirit inhamed by many
victories 1t has been said that an armis-
tice would be SO unpopular among the
people and soldiers that it would assure
the political retirement of Japan's two
chief statesmen-Count Ito and Mr. Mat
sin-who have served as peace ENJOYS.