The herald., 1895-05-13
THE REALM Of THE M|kADO
Attitude of Russia, Germany and
France Causes Alarm
EMPEROR'S PROCLAMATION
Events In the Corean Kingdom Take
Strange Turn
The Tai Won Kun Is Rapidly Losing His Power
EMPEROR'S PROCLAMATION
The Tai Won Kun Is Rapidly Losing His Power
and Is No Longer Feared-O:her
r1atters Of News
Associated Press Special Wire.


steambsip City OF Pekin arrived today
from Yokahoma. bringing the following
correspondence 70 the Associated Press:
TOXIC, April 27.-Although totally
ignorant up to this day OF what is in
store, the people of Japan are about to
receive heavy blow OF adverse fortune.
To what extent the news of the hostile
combination of Russia. Germany and
France has been male public in Europe
and America, residents of Japan have no
means of knowing; but in this country it
remains a secret OF state and may not be
authoritatively disclosed for some time to
come. Rumors are preva.ent, but the
startling fact that the three great pow
ers have united to deprive Japan of the
continental territory ceded by China is
scarcely suspected by any outside the
official circles.
The announcement was delivered at
Hiroshima on April 22d, and after re-
ceiving the emperor's commands, Count
Ito set forth to consult with Viscount
Mutsu, at the sanitary resort of Mako.
whittier the junior peace commissioner
had repaired in the hope of regaining his
shattered health. The heads of depart
and the foreign ministers were conf
IDENTIFY advised on that and the following
day. By them the governments not al
ready concerned were made acquainted
with the facts. No Japanese newspaper
has yet obtained information on the sub
iect, and the foreign journals indulge
only in vague speculations; upon the gen
eral popuace the stroke has yet to fall.
The indignation which the japanese
government does not affect to conceal is
intensified by the tardiness with which
the intentions of the three powers were
revealed. Many weeks ago they were
frankly notified of the general terms to
be imposed upon China. They knew
quite we'll that a part of the Shin King
province would be demanded. and if they
had then declared their objection or at
any time previous to the signing of the
would doubtless have received Considera-
ton. But it seems as if Russia had pur-
posely schemcd to put Japan into a painful
and disadvantageous position. By waiting
until the great bulk Of the Japanese army
had crossed to the continent she certainly
strengthened her own hand, for now the
troops are thousand miles from their
base of supplies and the powerful Russ
ian Heet may keep them isolated or pre-
vent their return home. The Russian di-
plomatc officials have, indeed, signified
that such is their intention, unless Japan
yields to the pressure exerted upon her.
In spite of her wrath at the trick which
she thinks has been played, it is scal cely
credible that she will venture to resist, in
case she finds that the allies are thor
oughly in earnest. So far as Russia is
concerned. there can be nc question on
this point. Germanv's purpose is hardly
less clear, though the language of her
communication is SO needlessly offensive
thai a mask of braggadocio might per-
haps be suspected. France exhibits no
y. l,nt,
strong that she was unwillingly led into
the league and joined it only as a mani
festation of her newborn affection for
the northern power. The attitude of
England is regarded with deep interest
and some susrprise.. 1t has long been
watched with jealousy the rapid develop
ment of Japan's power it was Great Brit
ain.
1t is needless to say that her refusal to
take part in the unfriendly manifestation
causes great qualification, and the prac-
tcability of coalition between Japan
and Great Britain is already discussed in
influential quarters. For some time past
Il steadily increasing dislike for England
has been displayed by the Japanese, while
France. next to the United States, has
been the object of their especial regard.
week hence, or as soon as the action of
the several states is clearly understood,
these sentiments will be radically re-
versed.
Until the appearance OF this dark cloud
it seemed that nothing could obscure the
sunshine of Japan's new prosperity. The
the enthusiasm with which the treaty Of
peace had been received in all parts of
the empire. So favorable and unanimous
verdict was not looked for. Almost
to the last moment the popular demands
we're extravagant and unreasonable, and
hn mi rt
was so strongly bent upon further pros
ecution of the war that the prudent COIN
sells of Count Ito and Viscount Mutsu
might be set aside. at least until Pekin
could be occupied, by the victorious in
vaders. But the highest influence in the
natlon-the will of the emperor-was on
the side of moderation. Every measure
tending to speedy and honorable tcrmi-
nation of the hostlities had his approval
and support. In the face OF his avowed
wishes, the hotheads OF the army could
not clamor for prolonged contest, and
among the people the knowledge that the
sovereign was opposed to needless strife
held even the most violent in check. Yet
it was not supposed that the reaction
from the belligerent sentiment of two
plete. From the hour that peace was de-
clared general chorus OF acclanation
saluted the two statesmen whose wise
and patient iabors had brought about the
great result.
The words Of congratulation and praise
with which the emperor welcomed them
on tDer return to Hiroshima were
echoed on all sides with genuine SINGER
ltv, and instead of incurring the tenn
porary ill will Of the masses, as it was
feared they might. by agreeing to more
lenient terms of accommodation than
were hoped for by the nation at large
they have advanced in the esteem and
confidence their countrymen to a point
which few japanese ministers of state
have ever attained. All talk of their re-
tirem snt is now at an end. Count Ito will
remain at the head of the cabinet as long
us lie chooses to serve in that capacity.
and Viscount Mutsu may preside indeii-
.niteIy. ii such is his pleasure. over the
foreign interests of Japan.
In proclamation of unusual length the
emperor has reviewed the present situa-
ton, giving due credit to all concerned
in the extension OF the country's prestige
and expressing his satisfaction with the
officials who have tremendously co-op-
Grated in executing his purpose; with the
soldiers and sailors who have sustained the