New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-08-23
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THE DIPLOMAT.

The title of bismarck of the East has COM
monty been applied to Ii. not. as we have seen,
because he held any such office under the Chi
ncse Government as Bismarck did under the
German but chiefly because of his success In
foreign negotiations. 1t must be confessed that,
on the whole, he has been eminently successful
More than once he has baflled the diplomats Of
all Europe. When he has failed 1t has almost
invariably been because he was hampered by
meddesome orders from Picking. One OF his lat
est and most important diplomatic missions was
the settlement of terms of peace with Japan IN
which he had to deal with Marquis Ito. In this
he freely confessed the embarrassment that was
caused to him by domestic ntrigues and criti-
cisms Here for example Is bit of the con-
versation:
Lit appears that you will not give way In
the least nor make the slightest concession.
Ito-I had already explained quite clearly that
concession had been carried 10 its extreme linn
its: our resolution has been taken, and cannot
possibly make any change | also am very sorry
about ii.
LII have now received the Emperors COM
mands directing me T. act according to now
Judge the circumstances, ii is extremely dlIlcult
for me to deal with this matter, and would peg
you to take this circumstance into consideration
for me. as 1T is really more than l can do for
myself
Ito-My position in the matter Is analogous to
your own.
Li-No one dares question anything that you
may think good in your own countrys affairs
Ito-On the contrary, my action Is occasionally
criticised.
Li-Anyhow. you are never criticised with the
extreme severity that am in China.
Ito-My position is not by any means so easy
that of Your Excellency. Your EXcellency
enjoys high office and great reputation In
China such as no man can shake. The power
Of the Japanese Diet is considerable, and II
make any false steps in the conduct of affairs
am liable to Interpolation
Li-Last year the whole body Of censors at
Court impeached me on several occasions. say
ing that | was friendly terms with the
Japanese Premier Ito-an accusation which was
perfectly true What could be a better proof OF
my friendship than the fact that am now here
to arrange terms Of peace with you!
Ito-The individuals YOU mention were igno-
rant of the true state of affairs when they I'M
peached Your Excellency, but now things are
clearer and they must regret their mistake in
impeaching you as they did.
Li-HOw am | to face the storm OF fndigna-
ton which is certain to be levelled at me II
afhx my signature to such ferociously harsh
terms these?
Ito-Iet them all pirate They are not capable
Of dealing with such weighty matters You are
the only man I'm China competent 10 do So
Li--When it is all over they VIII set upon me
in pack
Ito-Irresponsible chatterers are to be found
everywhere | find the same thing IN my own
Li-However to business. 7 have come to ar
range terms Of peace The Emperor has com
manded me to decide as best | can
As matter Of fact. II severely. even
ferociously criticised in China for negotiating
so humiliating n treaty His enemies were TN
able to overthrow him, however, and he has
since been growing more powerful than eyer.
This year he was sent Journey around the
world. to represent the Emperor at the coro-
nation Of the Gar and to discuss various COM
mercial and diplomatic matters with the Gov
obi Of
weeks past he has peen entertained with royal
honors in the various capitals Of Europe, ana IN
a few days more will be in this country Tor
little while on his way home.
He has no special mission to the United States
and. indeed comes hither only because this Is
the most convenient route by which to return
home He does not forget the hideous massacre
Of Rock Springs. and the other wrongs that
have been inflicted upon his countrymen here
and on that account Will make his stay In the
United States as brief as possible. Nevertheless
this Is the land OF General Grant, whom he holds
IN reverent regard. and for whose sake he would
like 10 cultivate a close friendship between tie
United States and China. There will be no OPP
nortunity here to pay him any such attentions
nc have been lavished upon him in the old
World He must however, be regarded with
sincere respect and high admiration as one CT
the great figures OF the age, and as incom-
norablv the greatest In the most ancient ana
most populous Empire now in existence.