Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1895-04-04
An ARMISTICE.
Tho Emperor Of Japan Declares q
Temporary One.
The Ii HUNG CHANG SHOOTING.
The Attempted Assassination Of the China
man Brought the Armlstice About
The Execution of 1t LIKELY to
BE Crucially Tested.


man Brought the Armlstice About
The Execution of 1t LIKELY to
BE Crucially Tested
WASHINGTON, March So The em.
peror Of Japan has declared an uncon-
ditional armistice the news being con-
tirlned at the japanese legation, where
it was stated that a cablegram to this
effect had been received from the home
government China made the Of
fer Of the armistice and the
peace plenipotentiarics Of Japan were
empowered by the emperor to accept
it without condition. This was done
in view Of the unexpected even" that
happened, viz, the attempted assassi-
nation of Ii Hung Chang. The armis-
tice, Minister Kurino, of the Japanese
legation, said, will be effective until
the peace negotiations are concluded,
After meeting of the peace
ambassadors had been decided on
China requested the declaration Of an
armistice, but thisrequest had not been
acted upon favorably by Japan. His
government, Minister Kur'no said, had
not been inclined to stop war-like oper-
ntions except on certain conditions.
These conditions are not known, but
1t is suggested that probably the occu-
patton Of Taku might have been one.
Japan wishing something as guaran-
tee Of the willingness and earnest
ness of the Japanese for an amicable
settlement of the war. China evidently
could not arrive at conclusion to
agree to the stipulations demanded by
japan, and the attempt on the life OF
the Chinese peace ambassador solved
the problem for the time being and
hostilities will be suspended. There
will be no withdrawal Of the Japanese
troops from Chinese territory, how
ever.
The power Of the Japanese govern
ment to execute the armistice will now
be put to practical test The mill
tary power Of Japan, in the Judgment
Of the intelligent observers, has almost
outstrippcd the civil power during the
war. This has caused serious concern,
as it has been feared that the military
element, backed by the war spirit
among the people, would not submit
to an armistice, even If the
civil authorities ordered one. To
meet this emergency d change OF
army commanders was recently
made. There have been three army
corps operating in different campaigns
and each under general Of supreme
authority over his particular campaign.
About three weeks ago, in anticipa-
ton Of the armistice, Prince Komatsu
was created commandcr-in-chief over
all the armies. The effect of this step
was W cohcohu'a.e "u'noi''s IA ohv
man. IN close touca WIN 'he Imperial
househoid, VINO coulu mus execute IN
armistice by simultaneous cessation
Of hostilities by the armies
1t now remains to be seen whether
Prince komatSu can execute the I'M
portant commission Fiven TO MN Inc
splendid dlsclpllne SHOWN by inc army
during tho war gives assurance that
there viii be Immediate acqulescence
by the military And yeI lflhce 40
matsu has 10 contend WIN war SPIRIT
innamed BY many Victories. IL nus
been SAID that an afhis1lce Wouia 90
SO unpopular among the people ana
soldiery that II would assure the poiit,
lcal retirement OF Japan's two chief
statesmen-Connt Ito ana Mr. Malsin
who have served as peace ENJOYS
The full text OF the cable received at
the Japanese legation regarding the
armlstice Is as ioliows' Ol the open
ing OF the negotiations the Chlnese
plenlpotentiary proposed an arlhistice,
which Japan was wiling to accept on
certain conditions WhlIe THIS nego-
tlation was gong on the outward
event happened on inc person OF .he
Chinese plenlpotentlary' lils majesty
the emperor In view OF th's unhappy
occurrence commahnea the japanese
plenlpotentlaries 70 consent 70 tempo
rary armistlce without conditions
This was communicated TO the Chlnese
plenipotentlary'
The declaration OF an arinistice was
most welcome news TO tue chinese To-
cation There was some DOUBT as 70
tionap nrtnistice, although this was
accepted as meaning that recent