Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1895-04-06
A TRUCE TO FIGHTING.
Unconditional Armistice Has Been De-
clared by Japan.

| emma was maze puDllc ny Jne Gil peIoI
OF Japan to-day.
THE NEWS CONFIRMED.
! WASHINGTON, April 1.-The news that
an unconditional armistice had been de-
clared by the emperor OF Japan was con-
! tirmed at the Japanese legation, where
| it was stated cablegram to this effect
! had been received from the home gov
eminent. China made her offer of ar
mistice, and the peace plenlpotentlarles
of Japan were empowered by the mi
kado to accept without condition. This
was done in view of the attempted as
sassination of Ii Hung Chang. The ar
mistice, Minister kurIno of the Japan
csc legation said, will be effective until
the peace negotiations are concluded.
After the meeting of the peace ambas-
sailors had been decided on China re-
uuested a declaration of an armistice,
but Japan had, Minister kurino said,
not been inclined to stop warlike opera
tons except on certain conditions.
These conditions are not known, but it
is suggested the probable occupation of
Taku might have been one, Japan wish
ing something as guarantee OF the
willingness and earnestness OF the Chi
nese ior an amicable settlement of the
war. China evidently could not arrive
at the conclusion to agree to the stipu-
lations demanded by Japan, but at
tempt on the life of the Chinese peace
ambassador solved the problem for the
time being, and hostilities will be sus-
pended. There will be no withdrawal
of Japanese troops from Chinese terri
tory, however.
The power of the Japanese govern
ment to execute the armistiCe will now
be put to a crucial test. The military
power of Japan has almost outstrlpped
the civil power during the war. This
has caused serious concern, as 1T was
feared that the military element, backed
by the war spirit among the people,
would not submit to an armistlce, even
if the civil authorities ordered one. To
meet this emergency a change of army
commanders was recently made. There
have been three army corps operating
in different campaigns, and each under
a general of supreme authority over his
particular campaign. About three weeks
ago, in anticipation of the armlstlCe,
Prince Komatsu was created command
erin chief over all the armies. The OBJ
ieCt of this step was to concentrate au-
thority in one man in close touch with
the imperial household, who could thus
execute an armistice by a simultaneous
cessation of hostilities 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 acquiescense by the mill
tary. And yet Prince Komatsu has to
contend against war spirit intlamed 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
envovs. The full text of the cablegram
received at the Japanese legation to-day
regarding the armistice is as follows
ION the opening of the negotiations
the Chinese plenipotentiary proposed
an armistice, which Japan was willing
to accept on certain conditions. While
this negotiation was going on an I'M
toward event happened to the person OF
the Chinese pOtentlary. His maj
esty, the emperor, in view of this un-
happy occurrence, commanded the Jap
anese plenipotentiaries to consent to the
temporary armistice without conditions.
This was communicated to the Chinese
plenipoteniary."
Minister Kurino, in discussing the
cablegram, SAID:
at was Immediately after the close
of the second session of the peace pleni-
potentiaries that Ii Hung Chang was
Frustrated by fanatic. Up to that
time nothing had been considered but
China's request for an armistice pend
ing the consideration of the terms of
peace. The proposition had been met
by the presentation of certain condi-
tions from the Japanese plenipotentiar-
les. The discussion of the terms of
final peace had not been entered upon.
/ The emperor's command of a temporary
armistice is also a refutation of the idea
! that Japan is disposed to humiliate
China, or merely to acquire territory.
Japan has gained the end of demon
strating Japanese Importance IN Eastern
affairs"
/ Minister Kurino promptly notified
Secretary Gresham of the armistice, and
it was made known to President Cleve-
land.
The declaration of an armistice was
most welcome news to the Chinese lega
ton, although it was accepted with the
stolidity and passive dignity which is
characteristic of the race. The first
word of the armistice reached the lega-
ton through the press reports. Mr.
Yang Yu had received no official infor-
nation from China or from the state
department. Under the circumstances
he asked to be excused from discussing
the situation. The numerous attaches
of the legation were evidently glad that
the serious and discouraging struggle
was at an end. There was some doubt
as to the meaning of the term "uncon-
ditional armistce," though it was ac-