The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-07-09
ARRIVED HOME FROM CHINA
Hon. John W. Foster, Counsellor
to the Chinese Peace Envoys.
Reaches Washington and Talks inter-
estingly Of the Part He Took in
Bringing About Permanent
Peace Between the En-
pires of China and Japan
BY Southern Associated press.

DS oouthern ASSOCIATE Press
WAsHINGToN.July S.-Hon. John w.
roster has arrived ut his home in this
oity from China, where he served as
Counsellor to the Chinese Peace Euvoys
IN the negotiations to end the Chinese
Japanese war. Mr.. Foster has been
absent from Washington on this mis-
sion nearly eeven months. having
started on the 22d OF Decem ber last.
Until the day he left Shanghai for
home, after having accompanied Lord
LII to formosa to transfer that island to
the Japanese IN accordance with the
provisions of the treuty of Shimouoski,
MIR. Foster was engaged almost
night and day IN the lubors of his
Office aud he comes back somewhat
fatigued and ready for a summers =
rest.
Ia conversation with reporter this
afternoon MIR. Foster was asked for
his opinion of the prospects OF perma.
nent peace with China and japan as
tho result of the treaty. He replied
There ID good reason to expect per.
muuent pence between the two en-
pires. The terms demanded by japan
may under the circumstances he re
garded rs reasonable, especially in
view of the retrocession of the LIMO
lung peninsula.
The treaty has been observed aud
carried out by China with scrupulous
good faith. Her conduct IN this re
spect has created u favorable impres-
sion In Japan"
Gable dispatches announcing the
conclusion of the arrangements for IL
loan of $50, 100000 To China, contain
specnlations ns to Chiuus ability TO
meet her financial obligations to Japan.
lis there any warrant for the intimutiou
that she will fail in that regard?"
81 think not. The procaeds of the
loan which has been placed through
Russian lniinence will enable China to
pay the iirst two ipstnllments of the
idemnlty. These two installmeuts
cover half OF the idemnity, aud the
balance, extending over a period of SIX
years, will be comparatively easy
burden for the Chinese Government II
my skill whGteverer is shown in the
management of the imperial revenues.
The country has great resources aud
has never yet failed Ia its financial
engagements, Hence the peace con.
Guided ut Shimouoseki IL not likely to
be broken on account OF the short
comings OF Chiua. Ii rupture occurs
It is more likely to be brought about
by the intcrmeddllng Of the European
powers"
''What is thought of the attitude of
these powers toward the parties to the
recent contest?"
1.-The Intervention Of Russia on ac.
count of the terms OF peace was not
unexpected, and 1t is not unnatural IN
view OF her predomlnating interest in
the orient, especially on the North
Pacific coast OF Asia. When France
followed Russia 1t created no surprise,
but the attitude OF Germany was unex.
pocted. British residents in China and
japan are very bitter in criticism of
their Government for it's aGstention In
the matter.
"lhey ailege that it's failure to ioin
with the other powers IN rearrangiug
the terms OF pence, has lost their coun
try much prestige and has left Russia
free hands III It's Influence and con
troll ut Pekin.
"Of all the countries automatically
concerned iu the contest the United
States has come out of 1t with better
grace than any other" said Mr.. Foster.
"Why ls that"
''Becanse, from the first her interest
HAS bCub iSCpSnlEGu by DOtu DeilppT.
ents as pnrely dlsinterested. her ONLY
desire being to render such service as
would bring about an honorable and
lasting peace.
The conduct OF the State Department
In lis very delicate relations with both
combatants has been marked by good
judgment and by few mistakes. aud the
good offices OF our ministers aud Con
suls IN China and japan, where thev
represented tie interests of both Gov
ernmcnts, have been very useful and
are highly appreciated by both ma.
tions."
MIR. Foster was asked why he de .
cliued to accept tho offer to remain in
China as the adviser of the Govern
ment, the first ever made to any for
eigner to enter into the counsels of
that nation.
He answered "that during tho past
twenty five years he hai spent tile
greater portion OF his time in foreign
lands and that while his residences
abroad had been generally pleasant, he
bad found no country equal To his
native land. aud he desired to spend
the rest OF his days in his own country
and his own home. He admitted. how.
ever, that If the invitation had come
five or ten years earlier in his career he
wonld probably not have declined it.
Mr.. Fosters statements that the de.
mands OF Japan were reasonable IN
.sf "A.