The herald., 1895-03-30
japan Has Declared an ArmiS-
tiCe in the Orient
THE NEWS WAS WELCOME
Shooting Of Ii Hung Chang the Indirect
Cause
Spite Of the Declaration of the Mikado the
Japanese Continue to Storm Forts
and Take Cities

TOXIC. March 29.-The Emperor of
japan has declared an unconditional
armisGice.
China made an offer of an armistice and
the peace plenipotentiaries of Japan were
empowered by the Emperor to acceps
without condition. This was done in
view of the attempted assassination OF Ii
Hung Chang. The sarmistice minister
Kurino, of the Japanese legation said 1T
will be effective until the peace negotia-
tions are concluded.
After the meeting and the peace am
bassador had been decided on, China re-
uuested declaration of an armistice, but
Japan had, Minister kurino said, not
been inclined to stop warlike operations
except on certain conditions. These con-
ditions are not known, but it is sug-
gested probably the occupation OF Iau
might have been the result OF Japan WISH
ing something as guarantee OF the VIII
llngness and earnestness OF the Chlnese LOT
anamicable settlement OF the war. emma
evidently could not arrive at any conclus-
ion or agree to the stipulation demanded
bv Japan, but the attempt on the life OF
the Chinese peace ambassador solved the
problem for the time being and hostili-
ties were suspended. There Will be no
Withdrawal OF Japanese troops from OHl-
nese territory, however.
The power of the Japanese government
TO execute the ar.nistice will now ne put
to the 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 to an armisti even il the civil
authorities ordered one. TO meet this
emergency, change OF army command
ers was recently made. There have been
three army corps operating in different
campaigns under a 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 armistlce by
a simultaneous cessation of hostilltles 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
to contend against a war spirit, infiamed
by many victories. 1t has been said
that an armistice would be so unpopular
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 en-
voys. The full text of the cable received
at the Japanese legation today regarding
the armistice is as follows:
'On the opening of the negotiations
the Chinese plenipotentlary proposed an
armstice, which Japan was willing to ac
cept on certain conditions. While this ne
gotiation was going on, the untoward event
happened on the Chinese plenipotentiary.
His Majesty the Emperor. in view of
this unhappy occurrence, commanded the
Japanese plenipotentiaries to consent to
temporary armistic without conditions.
This was communicated to the Chinese
plenipotentiary.
ST. PETERSBURG, March 29.-Ad-
vices received here from Toxic state that
the decision of the Emperor OF Japan to
declare an unconditional armistice was
greatly due to the extreme indignation
aroused by the attack on Ii Hung Chang.