The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-04-27
LAO TONG rs THE BANE
Possession of the Peninsula
by Japan Is Menace to
China'S Capital.
PROTESTS OF THREE NATIONS.
The United States, However, Not
Opposed to the ViCtors Getting
All the Spells.

LONDON, ENG, April 26.-Direct and
positive information from official sources
is at hand concerning the exact negoti-
atoms between Russia, France and Ger
many on one hand and Japan on the other.
The French, Russian and German Min
listers separately interviewed the Japanese
Westminster for Foreign Affairs, under
instructions from their respective Govern
ments, and presented memoranda in
which it was stated that the Governments
of Russia, France and Germany, upon ex-
aiming the terms of peace imposed by
Japan upon China, have found that the
possession of the peninsula of Lao Tong,
claimed by Japan, would be a constant
menace to the capital of China, and at the
same time would threaten the independ-
ence of Korea and render it non -effectual
in fact.
In this sense and for other reasons it
would be, it was stated, constant menace
to the permanent peace of the far East
Consequently the Governments of France,
Russia and Germany, desiring to show
their sincere friendship for the Govern
ment OF Japan, advise it to renounce the
absolute and final possession of the PENN
sula of Lao Tong. The memoranda of
the three Governments make it plain that
they were presented in the way of friendly
advice to the Japanese Government and
are not intended in any way to convey
any open or covert menace.
The impression is gaining ground that
Japan can rely upon the friendly counsel
of the United States at the present
moment. The Governments of Great
Britain and Italy have made it plain that
they do not intend to follow the example
of Russia, France and Germany, and the
great commercial interests of the United
States in the far East, which the Japanese
Chinese treaty of peace would largely
benefit no less than the constant attitude
of the United States toward Japan, lead
diplomats to believe the United States at
this juncture will not fail to make use of
its good offices in such a manner as will
prevent Japan from being deprived of the
fruits of her victory.
The treaty of peace has already been
ratified by the Emperor of Japan, and it
would be extremely difficult to make any
change. The only effect of Russia's Frances
and Germany's attitude must be to en-
courage the party in China which is op-
posed to any moderate and reasonable
settlement, and thus to prolong the war
indefinitely.
1t may be stated in the most positive
terms that the reports thus far circulated
regarding Japan's reply to the powers are
not correct. The reply had not been sent
as late as the evening of the 26th, and
from intimations received from the high
est and most reliable sources here it may
be stated that the reply, while moderate
and conciliatory in tone, will not contain
any recession from what Japan regards as
rightfully her due.
A Peking dispatch to the London Times
says John W. Foster, the American adj
visor of the Chinese peace ENJOYS, and the
secretary of Ii Hung Chang, have arrived
there, and the treaty of peace between
China and Japan is now before the EN-
peror and Ministers. The Chinese Foreign
Office yesterday consulted with the differ
ent foreign legations. Many censors pre-
sented memorials against the treaty
Prince Kung, president OF the Foreign
Office and the counsel of the Minister'S
has obtained seven days more sick leave
Other officials hesitate to recommend
ratification of the treaty. Viceroy Ii Hung
Chang will probably go to Chefoo if the
notifications are executed there as pro-
posed.
SHANGHAI, CHINA, April ga dis
patch from Peking says affairs are in a
critical condition. Some favor the contin-
uance of war. The censors object to a
treaty of peace, and the officers are claim
ing that the Emperor alone should decide
upon the terms. The ratification of the
treaty, consequently, is uncertain, and if
it is ratified it is feared there may be
trouble with the army.