The record-union., 1897-12-24

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 23.-Thefol-
lowing Oriental advices have just been
received per steamship China from Yo-
Nohama, via HonolUlu:
AT an extraordinary meeting OF the
japanese Cabinet, held at the official
residence of Baron Nishi. the Foreign
Minister, at which Marshal Yamagata.
Lieutenant-GeneralK havana and Ad-
miral Ito, Commander-in-Ch Chief Of the
Navy, We're present, Baron Nishi laid
before the Ministers all the reports he
had received from the Japanese Minis
ters in foreign countries relative to the
seizure of Kiaochau by Germany 1t
was decided after a prolonged discus
sion not to meddle with the affair at the
present time, but TO await further de-
velopments. since nothing had so far
transpired in Germanys action caIcu-
lated to disturb the peace of the far
East, and Justify the Interference of
third Power.
According to the Chinese papers.
Viceroy Chang Chitkung has issued a
proclamation exhorting his people to be
more friendly to foreigners, and warn
ing them that any hostility manifested
will be severely punished.
tions between Russia and Japan over
the Corean question, the Chinese pa
pers report that the japanese army is
full of Russian spies, disguised as Jap
anese, and that the Russian army is
being tampered with by Japanese ennis
saries, who are doing all they can to
stir UP disaffection among them.
Commenting upon the Kiaochau af-
fair the " I1ip save tbaf tho actinY,
of the Germans in having suddenly
seized Kiaochau on the pretext of the
murder of the missionaries is outrag-
eous, and that it disturbs the peace of
the far East and admits of no discus
sion. Japan being near to the scene
can regard the matter lightly. Sooner
or later 4 line of policy to be pursued
towards the affair must be decided. The
Foreign Office has. therefore, given in
structions to the japanese Ministers in
various foreign countries to make re-
ports concerning the matter Any
how, the decision of the Germans rela-
tive to this seizure seems to be firm.
and though Germany might have pre-
viously preferred it TO Russia it is per-
fectly clear that the action of the Ger
mans disturbS the peace of the Orient.
Japan must therefore, make protest
either Singly or jointly. 1t appears
probable that the Government has
merely decided to take either of those
steps when time is opportune.
Japan is Indebted to Germany in
many ways, says the "Chugai Shogyo."
Her military organization has been
copied after Germany, and her consti-
tuition and local legislation are founded
on the German system. Besides in
framing laws and adopting medical
science, etc, Japan owes debt of
gratitude to Germany. Lastly Ger
many has now shown Japan another in
stance of her kindness. That is the
seizure of Eiaochau Bay. We need
not dwell upon the particulars of her
kindness here, but the seizure of Kiao-
chau may give Japan the right of per-
manent possession of Wei-Hei-Wei
1t is rumored that section of the
House of Peers is making preparations
to introduce a vote of non-confidence in
the Cabinet at the approaching session
of the Diet.
The Akita Prefectural Assembly pro-
poses to construct harbor at Funa-
waka at a cost of 100000 yen, OF
which the Government will probably
furnish 100000
AT the end of November there were
l ,566 banks in Japan. with an aggregate
capital of 312 ,074514 yen
The total number OF dysentery cases
reported up to the end of November
was S7,27S, Of which d. proved
fatal
According to the official census just
completed. the population of Japan for
the year 1896 was 40, 761 ,023. an in
crease of 437. GA over that of the pre-
ceding wear