The record-union., 1895-05-13

special 20 the hECORD-ON1ONs
SAN Francisco. May 12.-The steam
ship City of Pekin arrived to-day from
Yokohama, bringing the following corre-
spondence to the Associated Press:
TOXIC, April 27.-Although totally ig-
norant up to this day of what IS In store,
the people of Japan are about TO receive
heavy blow of adverse fortune. 10
what extent the news of the hostile COM
bination of Russia, Germany and France
has been made public in Europe and
America, residents Of Japan have no
means of knowing, but in this country IL
remains secret OF State, and may not be
authoritatively disclosed for some Tune 10
come. Rumors are prevalent, but the
startling fact that the three great powers
have united to deprive Japan OF the con-
tinental territory ceded by China Is
scarcely suspected by any outside of of1l-
cial circles.
The announcement was delivered at
Hiroshima on April 22d. and after recelv-
ing the Emperor's commands count Ito
set forth to consult Viscount Mutsu at the
sanitary resort at Mako, whittier the
Junior peace commissioner had repaired
in hope of regaining his shattered health.
The heads of departments In TOXIC were
notified on April oath. and the foreign
Ministers were confidentlally advised on
that and the following day. BY them the
Governments already concerned were
acquainted with the facts. No Japanese
newspaper has yet obtained information
on the subject, and the foreign Journals
indulge only In vague speculations. Upon
the general populace the stroke has yet TO
fall.
The indignation which the Japanese
Government does not affect TO conceal is
intensified by the terdiness with which
the intentions of the three powers were
frankly notified of the general terms to
be imposed upon China. They know
quite we'll that part of Shin King Prov
frce would be demanded. and if they had
then declared their objection, or at any
time previous to the signing Of the treaty
at Bakaan, their remonstrance would
doubtless have received consideration.
But it seems as if Russia had purposely
schemed to put Japan in 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 Rus
sian fleet may keep them isolated or pre-
vent their return home. The Russian
diplomatic officials, indeed. have signl-
fed that that much is their intention
unless Japan yields to the pressure ex-
erted upon her.
In spite of her wrath at the trick which
she thinks has been played. it is scarcely
credited 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 no question on
this point. Germany's purpose is hardly
less clear, though the language OF her
communication is SO needlessly offensive
that mask of braggadocio might per-
haps be suspected. France exhibits no
nd Ia
strong that she WAS unwittingly led into
the league, and joined it only as mani-
festation of her newly born affection Tor
the northern power.
The attitude of England is regarded
with deep interest and some surprise. 1t
has long been thought here that II any
western nation watched with jealousy the
rapid development of Japan's power, it
was Great Britain. 1t is needless to say
that her refusal to take part in the un-
friendly manifesto causes gratlhcatIon,
and the practicability of q coalition be-
tween Japan and Great Britain is already
discussed in influential quarters. For
some time past steadily increasing dis
like of England and the English has been
displayed by the Japanese, while France,
next to the United States, has been the
object of their especial regard. a week
hence, or as soon as the action of the sew
eral States is clearly understood, these
sentiments will be radically reversed.
Until the appearance OF this dark cloud.
it seemed that nothing could obscure the
sunshine of Japan's new prosperity. The
Government was cheered and gratited by
the enthusiasm with which the treaty OF
peace had been received in all parts of the
empire. So favorable and unanimous a
verdict was not looked for. Almost to
the last moment the popular demands
were extravagant and unreasonable, and
it was believed that the military party