The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1895-07-09
CHINA CAN RAISE THE CASH.
JOHN W. FOSTER TALKS OF THE
RECENT WAR IN THE ORIENT.


probably BE Brought About by
some of the European Powers.
Russfa's Intervention Expected by
All.
Washington. July s.-Eon. 5ohn w Fos-
Ter has arrived at his home in this city
from China, where he served as counsel
lor to the Chinese peace ENJOYS in the ne
eo,iations to end the Chino-Japanese war.
Mr. Foster has been absent from Wash
ington on this mission nearly seven
months, having started on Dec. % last
Until the day he left Shanghai for home,
after having accompanied Lord Ii to For
rnosa to transfer that island to the Japa-
nese in accordance with the provisions of
the treaty of Shfmonoeski, Mr.. Foster was
engaged almost night and day in the la
bors of his Office and he comes back
somewhat fatigued and ready for a sum-
mers rest.
In conversation with a reporter this
afternoon. Mr.. Foster was asked for his
opinion of the prospects of permanent
peace with China and Japan as the result
Of the treaty of shimonoeski.
He replied: There is good reason to ex-
pect permanent peace between the two
empires. The terms demanded by the
Japanse may, under the circumstances be
regarded as reasonable. especially in view
OF the retrocession of the Liao-Tung pen
insuar. The treaty has been observed
and carried out by China with scrupulous
good faith. Her conduct in this respect
l.
in Japan
Gable dispatches announcing the con-
clusion of the arrangements for a loan of
900 to China, contain speculation as
TO China's ability 10 meet her financial OBJ
legations to the Japanese. Is there any
warrant for the intimation that she will
fail in that regard?"
Il think not. The proceeds Of the loan
which has been placed through Russian
influence will enable China to pay the first
two installments of the indemnity. These
two installments cover half of the in
demnity, and the balance, extending over
a period of six years, will be a compara-
lively easy burden for the Chinese govern
ment If any skill whatever Is shown in the
management of the imperial revenues.
The country has great resources, and has
never yet failed in its financial engage
ments Hence the peace concluded at
account of the shortcoming of China. If
a rupture occurs 1t is more likely to be
brought about by the intermeddling Of the
European powers"
What is thought of the attitude of
these powers toward the parties to the re-
cert contest?'
The intervention of Russia on account
of the terms of peace was not unexpected,
and il Is not unnatural in view of her
predominating interest in the Orient, es-
pecially on the North Pacific coast of Asia.
That France followed the lead of Russia
created no surprise in the east; but that
Germany should unite with them in a dis
play of force against Japan was entirely
unexpected. and is not yet understood.
British residents in China and Japan are
very bitter in their criticism of their gov
eminent for its abstention in the matter.
They allege that its failure to join with
the other powers in rearranging the terms
of peace, has lost for their country much
prestige, and has left Russia free hand
In its influence and control at Pekin.
'Of all the countries automatically con-
cerned in the contest, the United States
has come out of 1t with better grace than
any other" said Mr.. Foster.
why is that?"
Because, from the first her interest has
been recognized by both bellgerents as
purely disinterested, her only desire being
TO render such service as would bring
NbOui all nOnOFdDle anu ldSllnS peace.
The conduct of the state department in
It's very delicate relations with both COM
batants has been marked by good judg
ment and by few mistakes, and the good
ohlces of our ministers and consuls in
China and Japan, where they represented
the interests of both governments, have
been very useful and are highly appreciat-
ed by both nations"
Mr.. Foster was asked why he declined
to accept the offer to remain in China as
the adviser of the government, the first
ever made to any foreigner
to enter into the counsels
Of that nation. He answered that
during the past twenty-five years he had
spent the greater portion of his time in
foreign lands, that while his residences
abroad had been generally pleasant, he
mad found no country equal to his native
land, and he desired to spend
the rest of his days in
his country and his own home. He ad-
mitted however, that if the invitation had
come five or ten years earlier in his ca
feer he would probably not have declined
Mr.. Fosters statements that the de-
mands of Japan were reasonable in view
OF the conditions obtaining at the time the
negotiations began, make pertinent a
summary of what Japan was induced to
abate from these demands, which illustrate
the value to China of his services, mas
hut for Mr.. Fosters presence at Shin
onoseh and Chez Foo there probably
would have been no agreement between the
parties
The Tfen-Tsin Times in an editorial re-
view Of the negotiations in the issue con-
tanning the document and history of the
treaty says that the document as finally
promulgated showed an abatement of one
third G144, 400, O0W of the amount of the in
uemnity claimed; the reduction by one-half
OF the area of territory claimed on the
mainland, Che Laio-Tung peninsula
which Japan promised Russia to return to
Shlna); the reduction of the payment to
oe made by China of the cost ofThe Japa-
nese army of occupation pending the per-
Iormance of treaty obligations by China,
from the whole estimated sum @1600000)
70 one-quarter of the cost ($400,0O0 the re-
sInction of occupation of Chinese terri
tory by Japanese troops to one post-Wei-
1ial-Wei, in the province of Shantung; and
me Dandonment of the right to occupy
1eng-Tien-Fu (AIoukdon) in the province
OF Shantung
Ihere was also a complete abandonment
oy Japan of the claim for special priyi-
FNr