The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-07-09
MIR. FOSTER RETURNS
THE GENERAL DISCUSSES yHE
TREATY Of sHIMONOsEKI.
He Says the Terms Imposed Are Rea-
sonable and that China Can Eas-
lily Pay the Indemnity.

WASHINGTON, July s.-Ex-Secretary of
state John w. Foster arrived in Washing
ton this morning from China. where he has
taken a conspicuous part in the diplomatic
branch of the China-Japanese conflict He is
fatfgued with his long journey but is other
wise In vigorous health, Notwithstanding
the hardships incident TO the close of the
Eastern war. Mr.. Foster brings fund Of in
formation on the status of the China-Japan-
ese struggle and interesting "details of the
peace negotiations in which he took per-
sonal part
In answer to inquiries. Mr. Foster made
statement in which he said that there
was good reason to expect permanent peace
between japan and China as the result Of the
treaty of Shimonoseki. The terms demand
ed by Japan, he said, under the circum-
stances, are regarded as reasonable es-
pecially in view of the retrocession of the
Liao Tung peninsula. The treaty has beer
observed and carried out by China with
scrupulous faith. Her conduct in this re-
spect has created a very favorable impress
sion in Japan. The loan just concluded
through Russian influence will enable China
10 pay the first two installments of the in
demnity. These two instalments cover
tending over six years will be compara-
lively easy question for the Chinese govern
ment If any skill Is shown in the manage
ment of the imperial revenues. The country
has great resources and has never yet
failed In its financial engagements. Hence
the peace concluded at Shimonoseki is not
likely TO be broken on account of the short
comings of China. If a rupture occurs IL is
more likely to be brought about by the in
termeddling of the European powers
The Intervention of Russia on account of
not unnatural. in view of her predominating
interest in the Orient, especially on the
a rrl-
followed the lead of Russia created no sur
prise in the East, but that Germany should
unite with them in display of force
is not yet understood. British residents in
China and japan are very bitter in criticism
of their government, for its abstention in
the matter. They allege that it's failure to
join with the other powers in rearranging
the terms Of peace has lost for their coun-
try much prestige and has left Russia
free hand in its influence and control at
Peking.
OF all the countries automatically con-
cerned In the contest the United States has
come out of Ii with better grace than any
other From the first her interest has been
recognized by both belligerents as purely
disinterested. her only desire being TO rem
der such service as would bring about an
honorable and lasting peace. The conduct
Of the State Department in its very delicate
relations with both combatants has been
marked by good judgment and by few mis-
takes and the good offices of our ministers
and consuls in China and Japan. where they
represented the interests of both govern
r1ents have been very useful and are highly
appreciated by BOTH
Being asked why he declined the invita-
tion TO remain in China the advisor of
the government. Mr.. Foster said that he
had spent the greater portion of the past
twenty-five years in foreign lands. and
while his residence abroad had been gem
orally a pleasant one, he had found no
country equal to his native land. and he
desired to spend the remainder of his life
i'm his country. He confessed that III
xno Inv ;foff bad -
earlier he would probably not have de-
clined it.