Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1895-03-30
THE MIKADO.

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"On the opening of the negotiations the
Chinese plenipotentiary proposed armis-
tice, which the Japanese government was
willing to accept on certain conditions.
While this negotiation was going on, an
untoward event happened on the person
of the Chinese plenipotentiary. His ma
jesty, the emperor, In view of this unhappy
occurrence commended the Japanese plen-
ipotentiaries to consent to temporary
armistice without conditions. This was
communicated to the Chinese plenipoten-
tiary."
China Asked For It First.
The armistice will be effective until the
peace negotiations are concluded. After
q meeting of the peace ambassadors had
been decided on, China requested the
declaration Of an armistioe but this re-
quest had not been acted upon favorably
by Japan. japan had not been inclined
20 stop warlike operations, except on Ger.
tain conditions. These conditions Gre not
known, but 10 is suggested that prob
ably the occupation Of Taku might have
been one, Japan wishing this rs guarantee
of the willingness and earnestness Of the
Chinese for an amicable settlement OF the
war.
China evidently could not arrive at q
conclusion to agree to the stipulations de.
manded 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, however.
Military May Not Submit.
The power Of the Japanese government
to execute the armistice will now be put
to a critical test. The military power of
Japan, In the judgment of intelligent OBJ
servers, has almost outstripped the civil
power during the war. This has caused
serious concern, as 1t has been feared that
the military element, backed by the war
spirit among the people, would not sub
NIT to an armistice, even IL the civil au-
thorities ordered one.
To meet this emergency q change Of
army commanders was recently made
There had been three army corps operat-
ing in different campaigns, and each un-
der general Of supreme authority over
his particular campaign. About three
weeks ago, in anticipation Of the armis-
tice. Prince Komatsee was created COM
mander in chief of all the armies. The
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the authority In one man In close touch
with the imperial household, who could
thus execute an armistice by a simultane-
Gus cessation Of hostilities by the three
armies.
Prince Komatsee can execute the imperial
commission given to him. The splendid
discipline shown by the army during the
war gives assurance that there will be i'm.
mediate acquiesconce BY the military, and
Prince Komatsee has to content him.
self against war spirit inhamed by many
victories. 1t has been sold that an armis-
tice would be unpopular among the people
and soldiery, and that Il would assure the
political retirement Of Jspan's two chief
statesmen-Count Ito and Mr.. Matsin-
who have served as peace ENJOYS.
The Chinese End of It.
The declaration Of an armistice was
most welcome news to the Chinese lega-
tion, although 1t was accepted with the
stolid and passive dignity which Is char
acteristic Of the race. The numerous suite
OF the legation, comprising many secreta.
ries, attaches and translators, were evi-
IDENTIFY glad that the tedious and discour.
aging struggle was at an end. They dis.
cussed It's effects upon their countrymen
at home.
There was some doubt as to the moan
ing OF the term ''unconditional' armis.
tice, although this was accepted as mean
ing that recent events had induced the
ENJOYS to agree to ON armistice before
agreeing exactly on tho terms Of peace. II
is felt that the arrangement of these terms
will still be q difficult task.
The feeling In the interior Of China
where the direct effects OF the war have
not been felt, is very strong against oes.
sion OF territory. Moreover, the payment
of o cash indemnity will necessitate the
imposition OF heavy taxes on the people,
and consequent depression.
These considerations, together with the
direct losses on the ravages Of war, make
the commerce revival Of China so profile.
matical that the officials would not dis.
cuss It, beyond mentioning the difficulties
in the way Of q restoration Of commerce
and international prosperity.