The Globe-republican., 1895-05-24
THEY KxUckLEp TOO ou1cx.

THEY KNUcKLED TOO QUICK.
How Count Ito Has Placed His Ministry n
I avery Bad BOX.
Toxic. May 10. via Victoria, b. c.,
May H.-History has moved with ex.
| traordinary rapidity during the past
| two weeks. The newly established
| peace has been endangered and compli-
| cations OF greater magnitude than any
! produced by the contest between China
and Japan have threatened to involve
at least three European powers in a
| desperate struggle for supremacy in
| eastern Asia. For several days the at
! titude of Japan indicated a resolution
| to set the enormous odds against her
| at defiance, then with a suddennesS
| which the most watchful obseIcers are
| puzzled to explain the spirit of resist
| ance subsidized and complete submission
| was promised to the harsh demands of
| the hostile league.
What am about to relate is still I'M
known in this part Of the world, ex-
cept in official and diplomatic circles.
An outline of the facts have been sent
abroad, but the general community in
Japan remains in almost utter ignor-
ance.
AS soon as the government was in
formed of the determinatio of Russia,
Germany and France to forbid acquisi-
ton of territory by the japanese on the
continent a majority of the cabinet
ministers met at kioto and measures
were taken to ascertain how far the
menaces of the allies were seriously in
tended.
The Russian and French govern
ments were firm in their declaration
that the Japanese must renOunce Man
churina territory, while the tone adopt
ed by Germany was decidedly intelnper
ate. When it became apparent that
Japan had only her own resources to
energy to securing the best terms of
eccomodat ton. This, however, was di-
vulged only to ministers in immediate
attendance upon the sovereign.
Almost from the beginning, the en-
peror's advisers were in favor of sub
hitting. with the solitary exception OF
Viscount Matsu. The heads of most
of the civil departments and military
and naval leaders were agreed as to the
futility of resistance and the necessity
Of speedy surrender. but whatever the
explanations shall be. it is certain that
their cOuntrymen will not forgive them
for what will be denounced as sac
rifice of national honor. The popular
expectation that the government would
maintain a courageous front as long
as defiance was possible was strength
ened May 3, when it was learned that
China had asked that the date for
changing notifications should be de-
ferred ten days and had been sharply
refused.
A decree of the war department the
same day. summoned all reserves for
actual service and ordered reinforce
ment of the garrisons in YeZO. While
it appeared incredible that Japan
could dream of joining issue with
three giants. it was hoped that way
had been discovered to ward off i'm
pending danger until a definite an
nouncement Of purpose could no longer
be avoided. This illusion was pain
fully dispelled. On May came in
formation that an offer had been made
by Count Ito to release the whole Of
Manchuria. except the southern por-
ton Of Liao-Tung peninsula. on which
Talien and Port Arthur are situated.
This was the first intimatiOn Of the
ministry's resolve to yield, and it had
distressing effect upon officials. But
another disappointment was at hand.
Manchuria, without fortress, was not
enough to Salty Russia and her allies.
The powerful strOngholds also must
be included, and on May 6. two days
before an answer could be eXtOrted on
any pretenSe, it was announced to the
official circle that the whole would be
abandoned.
A desire to exact compensation for the
loss Of territory was expressed, but no !
one sees how this can be obtained if |
China stands on her rights and says
ttat since she had a deed of the land. !
she does not choose to buy it back !
again. The gloomy conclusion VIXEN |
the news came was that Japan mad suf- |
fered an irretrievable disgrace. The |
question of ratification was regarded |
with comparatively slight interest al |
though it was clear that renewal of |
in case the exchange was delayed. |
On May ia further postponement was |
granted for five days. but as 1T happen |
ed. the conclusion was Superf1uOuS, az |
China gave notice that an expected !
European messages have come to hand |
the ceremony need not longer be defer |
red Delegates of the two governments |
of the peace negotiations was effected !
on the same evening. This end is &C
but Count Ito is believed to
have little cause to congratulate him |
self. Moderation and tolerance are not |
among the virtues of the Japanese peo-
pie when their pride is wounded. The
Of which Count Ito it the head.
can never stand against rage of the
entire community. 1t is thought pos
sible that he is already providing for
new administration. Three days age
the full cabinet and privy council was
summoned to KiOto, with the purpose,
1t is supposed, of recommending a pre-
arranged change of government to the
emperor, but it is unlikely that any min
istry in which Count Ito has the slight
est concern will be permitted to rule
1t is probable that the question of flu
ture leadership will soon be settled
Alfred Taylor Found Guilty.
London Nav 21-The Jury returned |