The islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1891-1899, 1895-05-02
THE MIKADO'S THANKS
Count Ito and ViScOunt MatSu
Congratulated.
PROCLAMATION TO HIS SUBJECTS
Japanese Told to Observe the Spirit of
the Treaty and to Strive for
National Prosperity.


National Prosperity.
Yokohama, April 24.-An official
dispatch says that Count Ito, president
Of the japanese council of ministers,
and Viscount Matsu, the japanese min
lister OF foreign affairs, the two officials
who negotiated the treaty of peace with
LII Hung Chang and his son, Lord Ii, at
SlmOnOsaki, were received in audience
by the emperor before their return to
Hiroshima. The emperor said:
THE principal points of the treaty
are entirely satisfactory, and add much
to the glory of the empire. l am high
~ pleased at the signal service rendered
by you"
The following imperial proclamation
was issued this afternoon:
Through peace national prosperity
is best promoted. Unfortunately the
rupture of relations with China forced
upon us war which, after the lapse of
ten months, is not yet ended. During
this period our minister in concert with
the army, navy and diet have done all
in their power to further our aims in
obedience to our instructions. Our ar
dent desire with the assistance of our
subjects in loyalty and sincerity is to
restore peace, and thereby attain our OBJ
ject-the promotion of national pros
perity. Now that peace is negotiated
and an armistice proclaimed perma-
nent cessation of hostilities is near at
hand. The terms of peace fixed by our
ministers of state give us complete sat-
isfaction. The peace and glory thus
secured renders the present a fitting
time to enlighten you as to the course of
our future policy.
eve are rejoiced at the recent vic
tories which have enhanced the glory
of our empire. At the same time, we
are aware that the end of the road
which must be traversed by the empire
in the march of civilization is still far
distant and remains yet to be attained.
We therefore hope in common with our
loyal subjects that we shall always
guard against self-contentedness but in
spirit of modesty and humility strive
to perfect our military defense without
falling into extremes. In short. it is
our wish that the government and
the people alike shall work to COM
mon end, and that our subjects of all
classes strive each in his sphere for the
purpose of laying the foundation of
permanent prosperity.
cit is hereby definitely made known
that no countenance will be given by
us to such as, through concelt at the
recent victories, may offer insult to an
other state or in lure our relations with
friendly powers, especially as regards
China. After the exchange of the rati-
fications of the treaty for peace, friend
ship should be restored and endeavOrs
made to increase more than ever before
the relations of good neighborhood.
"It is our pleasure that our subjects
pay due respect to these, our expressed
wishes. -
The following is the text of the
statement issued by the japanese gov
eminent denying that it had concluded
an offensive and defensive alliance with
China, and declaring that the CONNER
C1dl advantage Old1hAOd Ny coPoAA Wa
also be enjoyed by other powers, under
the favored-natiOn treaty:
Misapprehensions are reported cur.
rent in Europe regarding the terms OF
the Japan China treaty. 1t has been
represented that Japan has secured a 2
per cent ad valorem duty on imports
and formed an offensive and defensive
alliance with China The commercial
concessions secured by Japan beyond
these already secured by treaty with
the powers under the favored-natlon
clause, comprise the right to navigate
the Yang tse- Kiang to Chun king,
and also the Woong Sung river and the
canal leading to 500 Chow and Hang
Chow, and the right to import machln-
erv and certain goods duty free and es-
tablish factories. These concessions
are not exclusive to Japan. They nat
urally extend to European powers IN
virtue of the favored-natlon clause.
In securing these privileges for all ia
pan expects the approval OF all the pow
ers.
The reported offensive and defensive
alliance does not exist.