The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-03-05
Italian a Day Behind.
CHINA FEARS COERCION.
Declares She Is Being Threatened by
the Mikado es- e.ai.

| Pek1n, March 5.-Japan is threatening
| force to recover the Japanese steamer
Iatsu Maru, which is still retained by
China at Huangpu on the Si-Kiang, or
w est river. This vessel was seized at
Macao, February Z, by Chinese customs
cruisers on the charge that the cargo
or arms and ammunition was intended
for Chinese revolutionists, although
consigned to merchant of that place.
The coercion of China is feared here
on account of the weakness of the gov
ernment and because of the doubtful
legality of Chang Jan-Chuns action in
se1z1ng the Japanese steamer. Baron
Hayashi, the Japanese minister to
China, yesterday handed to the Chinese
government, Japan's refusal to ACCEPT
Ch1na's proposal to appoint a joint
Japanese and Chinese commission to
examine all the charges, in the mean
time releasing the Tatsu Maru under
bond. Japan's demands are, first, the
unconditional release of the steamer
and second. an arrangement to protect
the shippers from loss. This second
proviso means that China must buy the
cargo on board the Tatsu Maru
Today China proposed arbitration by
Vice Admiral Sir Arthur William
Moore, -chief of the Brit
Chinese station, but Japan refus-
ed these overtures also and has warn
ed the foreign board that such pro-
pOsals are unwelcome. She again ex-
pressed her desire for the release of
the vessel, failing which she said she
would take the steps necessary to Sc
cure this release. Japan resents hotly
the fact that soldiers of the viceroy Of
Canton boarded the Tatsu Maru and
hauled down the Japanese flag, when
according to the Japanese the steamer
was waiting off Macao for a turn OF
the tide The steamers paper shows
she was on her way to Macao. Subse-
quently the viceroy, Chang Jen- -Chun,
claiming authority under a former
treaty between China and Portugal
(Macao is Portuguese dependency
had the vessel arrested in Macao wa
ters. This is according to the viceroy's
statement, but it is questioned whether
the steamer was actually in Macao
waters.
1t is understood that the Pekin au-
tnorities would have released the
Tatsu Maru because of the reasonable
doubt as to the legality of the vice.
roy's proceedings, coupled with the
would make no claim for indemnity.
1t is contended here that Chang Jen-
Chun prevented this course.
China believes that she has fully
esta ablished her charge of violation of
neutrality by reports that have come
| in here showing arrests of other ves-
| sells working contraband cargo in the
same waters. The Chinese and Jap
anese auth critics have thus far failed
to agree on even the principles of
settlement of this threatening ques-
ton.
The international situation in the
Laing Kuang district is also threaten
| ing.
| The governor is coping with con-
dition of chronic rebellion which is
being fed by an active trade in con-
traband rifles and ammunition in
which foreigners are taking part. 1t
is understood here that Japan has de-
cided to sell the arms and ammunition
captured from the Russians during the
lat nd 10 ch hac ho
| to shippers for the Chinese market
no less than $4,000 rifles.
Another thing that is distressing the
Pekfn government is the alleged
wholesale counterfeiting by Japan of
| the paper currency of China which has
debased the copper coinage.