The morning times., 1895-07-09
Ex-Secretary Fosters View of
japan and Chlna's Relations.
ONCE AGAIN IN WASHINGTON
He Says the Treaty Has BceuObseryed
by the Ceiestials with Scrupulnus
Good dFaith-Surprised Because Ger
many Joined France and Russia In
Display of Force Against Japan.

Ex-Secretary of State John w. Foster
arrivedin Wa shington yesterday from China
where he has taken a conspicuous part IN
the diplomatic branch of the China Japan
conflict.
He is fatigued with his long journey, but
is otherwise in vigorous health notwith-
standing the ha rlships incident TO the
close OF the eastern war. Mr. Foster
would not consent to an interview untn he
had rested and examined his baggage.
He brings a fund of information Oh the
status of the JapanChina troubles, and the
interesting events Of the peace negotiations
in which :5c took a personal part
It is seldom that an American diplomat
has been called upon 10 perform a service
like that by Mr. Foster After Japan had
secured long succession Of victories. the
Tsung Ii Yamen. or foreign office of China,
asked Mr. Foster TO act as counselor in
/ China future course.
His services as Secretary of State in Mr..
I Harrision's Cabinet gave him a personal
/ acquaintance with the Chinese officials,
and after his retirement from tie Cabinet.
( he Travelled through China and was the
/ guest OF Ii Hung Chang.
ASSISTED IN SETTLEMNT.
After assuming the mission. Mr.. Foster
became the constant associate and adviser
/ of Prince Ii. who was commissioned by the
Emperor to arrange a treaty of peace
subsequently Mr.. Foster went to Pekin aud
assisted in the settlement of the complca-
tions arising out of the protest of Russia,
I France, and Germany. aud the consequent
/ abandonment Of Port Arthur by the ia
panese.
In answer to inquiries Mr.. Foster
made Il statement in which he aid that
there WAS good reason to expect perna nenU
peace between Japan and China as the
result ot the treaty OF ShlTnonoseki.
The terms demanded by Japan may, he
said. under the c!rcUInSta ECes be rega rded
as reasuna bic especially in view OF the
ret recession Of the Ltao-Tung- Peninsula.
The treaty has been observed and carried
uGt by China with scTupulOus good faith.
Her conduct in this respect has ted a
very Gavora bic impression IN Japan.
The loan jgst concluded through Russian
influence will enable China to pay tire first
wo Ins.almruts OF the indemnity. These
two installments cover half the Indemnity,
ana the bala aBce. extending over SIX years.
viii be comparatively an easy burden Tor
the Chinese government. ii any skill Is
shown in the management OF the imperial
revenues.
The country has great resources aud has
never yet failed III its financial engage
nicnts.
SURPRISED BY GERMANY.
Hence the peace concluded at Shimonosek:
is not likely TO be broken on account OF the
shortcomings OF China. II rupture occur.
if is more Likely 10 be brought about
bythemterneddiing OF the eEuropeanpowers
The intervention of Russia on account OF
the terms of peace was not unexpected
and is not unnatural. in view of her pre-
dominating interest in the Orient, especial
IL on the aorth Pacific coast Of Asia. That
France followed the lead of Russia created
no surprise in the East, bit that Germany
should unite with them in display of lorct
against Japan was ceTTaIh MY unexpected
and is not yet understood
British residents in China and Japan are
| very bitter ia criticism of their governmen n'
for It's absteItion in the matter They
aiIege that it's failure to Join with The
uth her powers in rearra ngTnG tue terms
( of peace has lost for their country mucf
/ prestige and has left Russia a free han'
in its influence and control at Pe6inG.
or all the countries diplomatically con
ernsd in the contest, the United states
Gas come ont OF it with better grace than
nv other From the first her interest
mas been recognized by both hellIgerent'
. as purely disIntercsted. her only desire
being to render such services as wouh
bring about an honora ble and lasting peace
DELICATE RELATION.
The conduct OF the State Department
; In its very delicate relation with bot
lconlbatants has been marked, he said
by good Judgment aud by few mistakes
and the good offices of our ministers an
cnnsnls in China and Japan, where thel
=. represented the interests cf both govern
, ments have been very useful and ar
highly appreciated by both.
Being asked why he declined the II
= vitation TO remain in China Is the advise
of the government, Mr.. Foster said tina
: he had spent the greater portion OF IN
past twenty-five years in foreign iandl
and that while his resIdence abroad nae
t been generally u pleasant one, he hat
r found no country equal TO his native land
and he desired TO spend the rest OF his da y
in his own country and his own hom'
He confessed that II the invitation Ia
Y come five or ten years carrier ne Won
n probably not have declined 1t.