The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1895-01-07
PEACE IN VIEW
Plans for Ending the
War.
JAPAN'S FIRM POLICY.
Cessation of HOstilities
Expected.
CHINA MAY BE STUBBORN.
Bickering as to the Place for
the Enjoys Meeting.
MORE VICTORIES IN THE NORTH.
Tartar Forces Sent to Check the
Advance on Moukden Met
and Routed.
WORE VICTORIES IN THE NORTH.

1OK1O, Dec. Zl.-Au trustworthy slRus
now point to a speedy settlement for
peace. This statement may create sur
prise, but it is strictly true. Events have
marched with great rapdity in the last
two weeks. The Chinese hopes of resist
ance have completely broken down and
formal offer of direct negotiation has been
made. The unwilhngness of the Japanese
to accept proposals of inter vention has not
led them to reject every suggestion from
the United States. Some time ago they
consented to receive communications ten
dered by China through the agencies OF
the American legations in Peking and
Toxic, and Ministers Dun and DENLY have
since served as mediums for conveying the
views Of the contending parties.
Little progress was made until after the
capture of Port Arthur, when the Chi
nese at last appeared to realize the neces-
sity of immediate action. Accepting the
rebuke of Japan for the unbecoming at
tempt to treat through one Of their Euro
pean employees, they declared their readi-
ness to appoint a representative of suff-
cient rank and to invest him with full
powers from the central Government.
There is now no difficulty to overcome on
this ground. The choice of an appropri-
ate place Of meeting remains to be con-
sidered, anC here the Chinese once more
seem incapable of understanding their
true position, for they have designated
one Of their wn ports. Shanghai. ae g de-
sirable rendezvous. To this Japan cannot
consent, and considerable time has been
lost in discussing the locality. The capital
of Korea is said to have been spoken of
and Port Arthur has also been named, but
the question is not yet determined. Japan
would naturally prefer the selection Of
spot within her own territory. That the
movement toward peace is proceeding
however. in apparently good faith on the
Chinese side and with absolute sincerity
on the japanese side. is a fact beyond dis
pute.
The Japanese Ministers are thoroughly
aware that the interests of their country
will be most worthily served by bringing
the war to an end with the least possible
delay. To this duty they have resolved to
devote their best energies. The task be-
fore them is not an easy one, for the
strong and active military class is bent
upon further conquest on a large scale,
and the public feeling is all in favor of
infiicting additional punishment on the
enemy and demanding inordinate terms
of settlement. 1t is a sterling proof of the
Governments moral courage and sound
patriotism that it now resolves 10 pursue
what it believes to be a wise and sober
course even at the risk of the popularity it
has gained, and to be guided only by con-
sderations of the nations highest welfare.
Count Ito and Viscount Mustu, upon whom
the present responsibility mainly rests.
will shrink from no personal sacrifice in
their efforts TO maintain the honor of the
Empire and to secure every political ad-
vantage that may be justly claimed. Unless
their purposes are thwarted BIZ some totally
unexpected draw back the announcement
OF a cessation of hostilities may be given
at any moment and possibly within the
next few weeks. But in dealing with a
Government like that of China. the future
is necessarily uncertain and capricious
impulse of the Court may throw the best
devised plans into confusion. The inten-
ton of Japan is fixed, and will not be re-
versed except under conditions which are
most unlikely to arise.
Until the proper occasion for proclaim
ing an armistice presents itself the military
operations will continue with unabated
vigor. Japan will not be tempted to relax
her aggressibe energy, nor will she be dip
lomatically maneuvered out of any of the
advantages she holds.
General Yamagata has returned from
Manehuria, leaving the command of the
first arm to Lieutenant-Ge General NoZu, and
is now in attendance upon the Emperor at
Hiroshima. Although undoubtedly suf-
fering from illness, it is believed that the
main object Of his recall was to secure his
influence in restraining the Incorporate
ardor of the military faction and facili-
tating the arrangements for an early
restoration of peace. Yamagata is a SOL
der, but he has once been Prime Minister,
and understands the responsibilities of
government more clearly tnan most of his
fellow-fghters.
To inquiries whether additional facts have
been received bearing upon the excesses
Of the japanese soldiers at Port Arthur
the Government replies that the reports
are not completed. and that it prefers to
wait until full record can be prepared.
However, it authorizes the statement that