Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-07-09
HON. JOHN W. FOSTER.
He Talks About His Experience in the
Far East.
THE CHINA-JAPANESE PEACE.
VIII II BE Permanent :-Thc Adviser
from This Country Thinks II WILL
European Intern cddIing-tnc le
Sans Good Offices.

w ASHlNdlON, July o.-hOU. JOnn w.
Foster has arrived at his home. In this
city, from China, where he served as
counsel for the Chinese peace ENJOYS in
the negotiations to end the Chinese
Japanese war.
Mr. Foster has been absent from Wash
ngton on this mission nearly seven
months. having started on the 22d OF De-
cember last Until the day he left
Shanghai for home. after having accom-
panied Lord Ii to Formosa to transfer
that island to the Japanese in accordance
with the provisions OF the treaty of
Simonoseki, Mr.. Foster was engaged al
most night and day in the labors OF his
Office, and he comes back somewhat
fatigued and ready for a summers rest.
In conversation with reporter this af-
ternoon Mr.. Foster was asked for his
opinion OF the prospects OF permanent
peace between China and Japan as the
result Of the treaty of Simonoseki. He
replied: There Is good reason TO expect
permanent peace between the two en-
pires. The terms demanded by Japan
may under the circumstances be regarded
as reasonable, and especially In view of
the retrocession of the Liao-Tung PENN
sula. The treaty has been observed and
carried out by China with scrupulous
good faith. Her conduct in this respect
has created a very favorable impression
in japan
CHINA'S FINANCIAL SOLIDITY.
Gable dispatches announcing the con-
clusion OF the arrangements for loan
nm LAT ,rta
as to China's ability to meet her finan-
cial obligations to Japan. Is there any
foundation for the intimation?'
II think not. The proceeds of the loan,
which has been placed through Russian
influence. will enable China to pay the
first two instruments of the indemnity.
These two instruments cover half Of the
indemnity. and the balance. extending
over a period Of six years, will be COM
paratively easy burden for the Chinese
Government IL any skill whatever is
shown in the management of the Imperial
revenues. The country has great re-
sources. and has never yet failed in Its
financial engagements.
Hence the peace concluded at Simo-
nosekl Is not likely to be broken on ac-
count OF the shortcomings Of Chiaa. If a
rupture occurs. it Is more likely to BE-
brought about by the intermeddling OF
European Powers"
What is thought Of the attitude of
these Powers toward the parties TO the
contest?'
INTERVENTION OF RUSSIA
"The intervention of Russia on account
of the terms of peace was not unexpected,
and 1t is not unnatural, in view OF her
predominating interest In the Orient,
especially on the North Pacific coast OF
Asia.
That France followed the lead of Rus
sia created no surprise ~ the
East. But that Germany should
unite with them in display
OF force Is not yet understood.
Engllshmen are bitter In their criticism
OF their government in their abstention
in the matter. They ailege that its failure
20 Join with the other Powers has lost
for their country prestige, and has left
Russia "A free hand in its influence and
control at Picking.
"Of all the countries concerned. the
United states has come out of it with bet
ter grace than any other" said Mr.. Fos-
ter
why is that"
Because from the first her good
Offices have been recognized by both bel
ligerents as purely disinterested, her
only desire being to render 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
I by good Judgment and by satisfaction.
and the COOL Offices OF our ministers and
consdls I'm China and Japan, where they
represented the interests of both govern
ments, have been very useful and highly
appreciated by both nations
/ CHINA'S INVITATION TO REMAIN.
Mr. Foster was asked why he declined
to accept the offer to remain in China
as the adviser Of the government. the
first offer ever made TO any foreigner TO
enter into the counsels Of that nation. He
answered that during the past twenty
five years ne had spent the greater por-
ton of his time in foreign lands. and that
while his residences abroad had been
generally pleasant. he had found no coun-
try equal to his native land. and he de-
sired TO spend the rest OF his days in his
own country and his own home"
He admitted however. that II the invi-
tation had come five or ten years earlier
I'm his career he would probably not
have declined Il.
Mr. Fosters statement about the de-
mands Of Japan. in view of the conditions
obtaining at the time the negotiations be-
gan, make pertinent a summary OF what
Japan was induced to abate from these
demands, which illustrates the value 10
| China of his services, inasmuch as Chi
nese authority comedies that but for Mr..
Fosters presence at SimonosekI and
Chee-Foo there probably would have been
no agreement between the parties
ABATEMENT OF DEMANDS.
The Picking and Tjen-Tsin Times, in an
editorial review Of the history OF the
treaty. says that the document, as finally
promulgated. showed an abatement OF one
third CHILDHOOD of the amount of in
demnity claimed; the reduction by one
half Of the area Of territory claimed on the
mainland Uhe Liao-Tung peninsulaD the
reduction Of the payment to be made 70
China for the cost OF the japanese army
of occupation. pending the performance
Of treaty obligations by China. from the
whole estimated sum 81 600,OJO to one
quarter OF the cost 10000: the restric-
ton of the occupation OF Chinese terri
tory by japanese troops to one post, Wei
Hal-Wei. I'm the province OF Shan-Tung.
! and the abandonment OF the right to CO.
cupy Feni-Tung in the province OF Shan
Tung.
There was also a complete abandon
ment by Japan OF the claim for special
privileges to her subjects trading I'm
| China, the immunity from certain taxa
| ton imposed by China upon other for
! eigners doing business in her territory.
and the right OF Japanese traders to pay
for their purchases in China In the cur
rency of Japan.