The herald., 1897-12-23
Against the Annexati,9tiid \
st
Hawaii !ay
ck,
SHERMAN GIVES ASSURAs@S
IS
THAT JAPAN'S INTEREST W.
BE PROTECTED 4.
The Murder of American Sailors
Yokohama Will Not Lead to
Serious Complications
Associated Press Special Wire

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22-Minister
Hoshi of Japan was in conference with
Secretary Sherman at the state depart
ment today. The status of the Hawaiian
negotiations has changed materially
since the minister's return from Japan.
There is no further protest on the part
of the Japanese government to the an
nexation of the islands, and it is assert
ed Japan's policy never went to the ex-
tent of a protest. In any event, that
branch of the question is considered
closed and the present purpose Of the
Japanese authorities is to secure spe-
cific assurance from the United States
that in case Hawaii Is annexed Japan
ese interests will be fully protected.
In a letter Sherman wrote to Mr..
Hoshi on the subject Of annexation he
makes prominent the assurance that all
the Japanese interests in Hawaii would
be amply safeguarded. The desire,
therefore, is to convert this assurance
into specific guarantees. 1t Is said this
does not include an assurance OF the
continuance of the existing immigration
treaty between Japan and Hawaii, as
that Is revocable by it's terms In six
months and the revocation would apply,
in case Hawaii became part or the
United States. There is likely to be con-
siderable difference of opinion ana
rather prolonged negotiations over the
extent of the guarantee to be given ia
pan.
SAILORS MURDERED
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22.-Further de-
tails of the killing of the two American
sailors attached to the United States
fleet in Japan have been received here
and have been brought to the attention
of the department of state, which has
begun an investigation. Montgomery,
It appears, was killed in Yokohama Sep
tember 2d last He was not intoxicated,
but was murdered by boatmen. Epp's
case was similar, except that he was
killed at Nagasaki during the present
month. He had been on leave ana was
returning aboard ship when murdered.
The testimony gathered shows that ne
was perfectly sober, and some sailors
on a passing ship, hearing cries for nelp'
looked over the water In time TO see
him being thrown from his boat. Lack
ing a small boat, they could not assist
him. His body was found several days
later floating in the bay The Japanese
government was applied to in each case
and while some arrests were made, the
American contingent in Japan feel that
the perpetrators of the murder are still
at large. 1t is said that every Japanese
boat in the harbor is obliged to register
it's passengers before carrying them or
shore. so that under ordinary conditions
II should be easy to find the guilty
parties.
At the Japanese legation today 1t was
stated that the matter has not yet been
brought to their attention. The legation
officials do not regard the matter as
serious. They say the Japanese govern
ment gives the amplest protection to
foreign citizens and sailors, and that II
there has been any laxity in these cases
the government undoubtedly will make
the fullest inquiry and reparation. II Is
pointed out, however, that crimes OF q
local and individual character cannot
assume an international aspect, as the
government is in no way connected with
them. as it's only province is to see thar
the laws are executed impartially, CIV
ing the same protectlon 10 foreigners as
to Japanese subjects.
| Tn the AFFAIR at hOUS, japan, iooI sum
mer. in which a number of American
sailors from the Yorktown were injured,
II is said that the trouble was between
the sailors and coolies, and that the
Japanese police came to the assistance
of the American sailors. The cases are
said to be substantially similar to
number which have occurred In the
western states, in which Japanese sub
iects have been assaulted by mobs. Sew
eral of the latter cases are now pend
ing before the state department, COM
nlaints having been made by Japan.
CHICAGO, Dec "a special to the
Times Herald from Washington says:
An agreement has been reached between
the leaders of the Senate and House
which practically insures the passage
of the Hawaii bill and to increase the
army by two regiments Of artillery.
Petitions of numerous commercial bod
les in favor Of the increase have been
largely instrumental in causing the
change in the opposition. The twoiregi-
ments are absolutely necessary to in
sure proper garrisons for the fortifica-
+;op on tho coasts.