New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-10-23
JAPAN AND HAWAII.
THE MIKADOS GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS
ARBITRATION.
YIELDING ALL THE POINTS AT Issue IN FAVOR
OF THE ISLAND REPUBLIC-REL1EF THAT
THE TENSION Is KELAXED.

THE TENSION Is RELAXED.
Honolulu Oct. T. tSpecaD via San Fran
cisco. Oct. 22.-T:ie contention between the Gov
ernment Of Japan and the Government of Ha-
wall, growing out Of tie immigration question
Is now in fair way for settlement by arbitra-
tion. 1t is arbitration as proposed by Hawaii,
and not as dictated by Japan This is thu latest
news brought from Japan by the Belgic to-day
and Just transmitted to Mr.. Cooper. Minister OF
Foreign Affairs. by Mr.. Shimamuwa, the Min
lister OF japan. The japanese Government Is
now ready TO submit TO arbitration all the points
at issue, without any reservation Heretofore
Japan has declined to arbtrate the two chief
points at issue. both Of which are Of vital i'm
portance to Hawaii. These are, as quoted from
Count Okumas letter of August /:
The question of the bona fle possession Of
500 by each of the rejected free laborers and the
applicability OF the Treaty of 1871 70 Japans
subjects other than tho merchant class.
JAPAN'S CHANGED ATTITUDE.
This would place Japan's treaty rights aoOve
Hawaiian law and involve the sovereignty of
the Hawaiian Islands To-day communication
from the japanese Government. however, shows
q complete change in its attitude toward Ha-
wall. Japan makes no reservation now. but de-
sires to submit every point at issue TO arDitia-
tion without reservation or delay. This pracu-
cally opens up the whole question. and is just
what the Hawaiian Government has contcnded
for. Accepting the action Of Japan In good
faith, the Hawaiian Government has made its
reply promptly, suggesting that the arbitration
shall be by three eminent jurists, each Govern
ment selecting one, and uniting on the choice
of the third While making no objection to the
King OF Belgium named as arbitrator 10y the
japanese Government, The Hawaiian Govern
lions Of law and fact would naturally De best
u7atcd by lawyers. and also that TINS would
prevent any complication that might arise II the
arbitration were by the head Of a foreign Power
Should Japan accept this suggestion the way
will be lar to arbitration. and tho speedy set
tlement ofthe Jspanese question.
There seeis little doub, that Japan will agree
TO this last li position Whatever motive there
may be. II mas cen apparent for month pas,
that the Japai'es Government fas manifested
former friendly re';,ons win the Hawaiian
Government. and ais with the Government OF
the United States. II. has been plain enough
Hsrbor over a month a., The cnmnunication
received from Japan te1ay is scarcely yet
known outside GoNeth'Tn circles. out the IN
formation contained IN 'h'S u-patch is on official
authority
INFLUENCES FELT IA TOXIC.
There is some quiet conjoctul among the
| co,..rrmsnt people as to the caust .,bicl has
led to the great change in attitude japan.
vndoubtedly self-interest has something do
v,,b !, Since the beginning o. the inmisIa'
| trorb,e last March no immigrants OIL the 'oV
,,ass have come 10 the islands. Pending me con
| .nnt,or all free laborers have been held cach
nv The Jananese Government. and the resuit mas
| Esen a greatly diminished immigration OF the
c,ass that Japan IS most desirous shoun , sv1ur
| and acquire property rights IN the hs" al'ai'
islands Il is thought however, that .i'u IN, Pt
| suasiye irmness of the Administration AT W ASH
irgton has not been without potent influence.
! Rr, another and more far-reacmns HouNe -
| that the japanese Government thlnkS lhdt tlle
| treaty OF annexation will fail, ana Wl'houl 'i-
| raxation there is no cause for worry or ahAlriS
| about her interests on the islands. Shoulu an
| ncxation fail. Japan well knows that she can
| more than hold her OWN with the lrepie 'o' ~
| ment of Hawaii. whether monarchy or re-
| public. ... ,,a,I - this
! ,,o,non, the Government: of Hawaii Is bound 10
| accent JaDan's change Of heart III good ialth
| ard 90 ahead with arbitration. When the Japan
| ese crllise- Naniwa left Honolulu her captain
said she would probably return III aN Meeha'
and she is now expected any day ! ne hai'il,oie :
r,av be in about the same time to take thG piaCe
~ IN Philadelphia as he fc gshlp OF the va
| SnuadrOr. The British ana fItH'n -,
| have gone and the only Warshlps IN III" hdi uoi
| arc III United States cruisers bennington ana
| Wheeling As there arc no pu"ttets on cI'hV' -,
| Admiral Miller he is present the SueS' Oh VI
| rs,nnn the Minister Of Finance. the presel
itatms or the Japanese question is relief to th'
| Government people. ana the Minister OF 'ap"'
| shows pIainly that he is pleased 10 nave red
| tjons less strained The prospect Tor se'uemcn
| nv arbitration is gratifying all around