The San Francisco call., 1896-03-20
FIELD MARSHAL YAMAGATA.
From q photograph

Oceanic steamship .Coptic on March 2S.
He will probably remain here few days
and then continue on his journey to Rus
sia, where he will participate in the cere-
monies attending the coronation of Ep-
peror Nicholas. at this function the
Count will represent the Mikado.
S. Koya. japanese Consul in this City,
received cablegram from Toxic yesterday
announcing that the distinguished soldier
and statesman had already sailed for this
port and requesting him to look out for
that parsonage. He is accompanied by
several officers of the Japanese army. All
are more of less distinguished as result
of their service during the late Korean
war.
Count Yamagata achieved great distinc-
ton during the late war between China
and japan and to his daring and military
genius many victories were won by the
forces of the latter country. He is known
as the hero of Ping Yang. 1t was he who
in person commanded the Japanese troops
at this engagement and to his skill as a
leader as well as to the heroic conduct of
the troops under him was the great victory
due. The result of this defeat to the
Z
the war as it was readily seen that the
Japanese were superior to the enemy in
the arts of war as we'll as in the arts Of
peace and civilization.
Count Yamagata had charge of the land
forces up to the capture of Port Arthur
and distinguished himself all along the
line as a cool and skillful officer. Since
the war he has been engaged in matters
of statesmanship, and the Emperor Sc
lected him as his special ambassador to
the court of the Gear.
1t is known that Russia is very anxious
to get foothold in Korea. Strenuous
efforts have been made in this direction
by the Gar since the establishment of
peace between China and Japan and the
apparent division of the territory in dis
pute. The late advices from Japan show
that the Emperor of the Flowery King
dom is inclined to foster the friendship of
Russia. This policy the Government of
Japan seems to have agreed upon, but the
masses of the people are said to regard it
unfavorably. Therefore, while Count
Yamagata goes TO Russia ostensibly to
attend the coronation of the Gar it is be-
lieved that he is commissioned with the
authority to arrange for placing Korea
under Japanese Russian protectorate.
Whether Russia will accede to the plan
suggested is a matter for speculation.
Anyway, it is known that the Korean
question will be dealt with in an amicable
way for some time to come. The Marquis
carries instructions to this end.
Prominent Japanese in this City believe
that the best course for japan to pursue is
one of peace. They readily acknowledge
that Japan is not in position to cope with
Russia at this time. Thus there is no alter
native for Japan but to allow matters to
drift along in their natural channel. The
idea of joint protectorate as to the final
settlement of the Korean question is not a
popular one, as it is clear that Russia,
having superior power, has much the
advantage, and if both countries should
agree upon this line of action would have
great advantage over her weaker ally.
Mrs. A. Funakoski, wife of the Vice
Consul of Japan in this City, and who ar
rived here a short time ago, is the daugh-
ter of Field Marshal Yamagata. The
Japanese colony will receive their distin-
guished countryman on his arrival here
with all the honors due one of his rank