The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1895-03-30

Washington, March 29.-The news
that an unconditional armistice had
been declared by the Emperor of Jap,
an was confirmed at the Japanese le-
cation, where it was stated that q ca
blegram had been received from the
home government. China made an
offer of armistice, and the peace pleni-
potenuaries of Japan were empowered
by the emperor to accept it without
condition. This was done in view OF
the attempted assassination Of Ii
Hung Chang. The armistice, Minister
Kurino, of the Japanese legation said,
will be effective until peace negotia.
tions are concluded. After the meet.
ing Of the peace ambassadors had been
decided on, China requested the decla,
ration Of an armistice, but Japan had,
Minister Kurlno said, not been inclln-
ed to stop the warlike operations ex-
cept on certaint conditions. These
conditions are not known, but it is
suggested that the occupation of Ia
ku might be one, Japan wishing some.
thing as a guarantee of the willingness
and earnestness of the Chinese for an
amicable settlement of the war; China
evidently could not arrive at a con-
clusion to agree to the stipulations
demanded by Japan, but the attempt
on the life of the Chinese peace am,
bassador solved the problem for the
tire being, and hostilities will be sus,
pendsd. There will be no withdrawal
of Japanese troops from the territory,
however.
The power of the Japanese govern
melt to execute an armistice will now
be put to a crucial tast.t The military
power of Japan almost outstripped
the civil power during the war. This
caused serious concern, as it has been
feared that the military element, back
ed by the war spirit among the people
would not submit to an armistice, even
If the civil authorities ordered one.
To meet this emergency, change of
army commanders was recently made.
There have been three army corps
operating in different campaigns, and
each under one general of supreme
authority over his particular cam
paign, About three weeks ago, in an
of an armistice, Prince Mo-
mdtsu was created commander-in-c chief
over all armies. The object OF this
step was to concentrate the authority
in one man, in close touch with the
imperial household, who could thus
execute an Grmistice by simultaneous
cessation of hostilities by the army.
1t now remains to be seen whether
Prince Komatsu can execute the i'm,
portant commission given him. 1t
has been said that an armistice would
be so unpopular among the people and
soldiery that It would assure the po-
litioal retirement of two Japanese
statesmen--Count Ito and Mr.. Matsu
who have served as peace ENJOYS.
The full text of the cable received
at the Japan nese legation to-day regard
ing the armistice is as follows
ION opening of negotiations the Chi.
nese plenipotentiary proposed an ar
mistice to which Japan was willing to
accept on certain conditions. While
this negotiation was going on, an un.
toward event happened on the person
Of the Chinese plenipotentiary His
the emperor, in view Of thia
unhappy occurrence, commanded the
Japanese plenipotentiaries to consent
TO a temporary armistice without con.
1iHons This was communicated to
Lhe C'hinaea r1nnnir.nfan tia ~, -