The San Francisco call., 1908-03-06

stand firm. The sentiment of the foi
eign Office remains unchanged, and it Is
evidently determined not 10 yield
single point It repeated today the
statements formerly made TO the press
that it would demand an apology and
an indemnity.
The cabinet council may consider the
question today and take steps for tbs
future. but among the highest officials
il is believed that the matter viii be
settled without resorting TO force.
China's propositions are considered
tanfamount to a complete surrender
The question OF cargo is regarded as
merely a minor one, and il is therefore
thought that China viii yield even
tn;dly.
PEKING, March 5.-Japan is threat
ening force TO recover the japanese
steamer Tatsu Maru, which is still re-
tained by China at Huangpu. on the
Si-Kiang, or West river. This vessel
was seized al Macao February Z by
Chinese cruisers on the charge that the
cargo Of arms and ammunition was in
tended for Chinese revOlutionists and
consigned to a merchant of that place.
The coercion of China is feared here
on account Of the weakness Of the
government and because Of the doubt
ful legality OF Ching Jan-Chun's action
IN seizing the Japanese steamer.
Baron Hayashi. the Japanese min
lister TO China, handed to the Chinese
government yesterday Japan's refusal
10 accept China's proposal TO appoint
= 5Oint japanese and Chinese commits
sion TO examine all che charges, in the
meantime releasing the Tatsu ATaru
under bond. Japan demands are, first
the unconditional release of the steam
or. and, second. an arrangement 10 pro-
Iect the shippers from loss. This sec
ond provision means that China must
buy the cargo on board the Tatsu
3Iaru.
China today proposed arbitration by
Vice Admiral Sir Arthur William Moore.
commander in chief Of the British
Chfna station, but Japan refused these
overtures also and warned the foreign
boarS that such proposals were un-
welcome. II again expressed its de-
sire for the release of the vessel, fail
ing which il would take the steps
necessary 10 compel this release.
Japan resents hotly the fact that
soldiers OF the viceroy OF Canton board
cd the Tatsu Maru and hauled down
The Japanese flag, when. according to
the japanese, the steamer was waiting
OF Macao for a turn of the tide. The
steamers papers show that it was on
SIS way 70 Macao. Subsequently the
Niceroy, Chang Jen-Chun, claiming au-
thority under former treaty between
China and Portugal (Macao is a Por-
ruguese dependency had the vessel ar
rested in Macao waters. This is ac-
cording TO the viceroy's statement, but
ST Is questioned whether the steamer
was actually in Macao waters.
Ii is understood that the Picking au-
thorities would have released the Tatsu
Maru because of the reasonable doubt
us 10 the legality OF the viceroys pro-
ceedings, coupled with the menace of
Japan, provided that Japan would
make no claim for indemnity. It is
contended here that Chang Jen-Chun
prevented this course.
China believes that it has fully estsb-
lished its charge Of violation Of neu-
trality by reports that have come in
here showing arrests of other vessels
with contraband cargoes in the same
waters.
The Chinese and the japanese au-
thorities have thus far failed to agree
on even the principles of a settlement
OF this threatening question.
The internal situation in the LANG
kuang district also is threatening The
government is coping with a condition
OF chronic rebellion which is being fed
by an active trade in contraband rifles
and ammunition, in which foreigners
are taking part.
Tt is understood here that Japan has
decided to sell the arms and ammuni-
tion captured from the Russians dur
ing the late war and that it has handed
over 10 shippers for the Chinese mar
ket no less than $4,000 rifles.
WASHINGTON, March ST think
the good sense Of China will result in
fer-
or So.
This was Baron Takahira's comment
today, when asked regarding the re-
cent seizure by China of the Japanese
steamship Tatsu Maru with a cargo of
small arms aboard.
The statement was made at the con-
clusiOn of an extended conference be-
TWEEN the baron and Secretary Root No
serious trouble. he repeated, was ex-
pected between his country and China
in consequence of the incident
Asked whether he had taken up with
the American government the question
OF alleged protest against japanese
activity in Manchuria, the ambassador
replied that be had not
But" he added. 4 understand Min
lister Wu has made some statement
on that subject. He viii be here
shortly
Ai-ANi iito LlPh mas reached mere OF the
absolute accuracy Of the statements
which have appeared that China pro-
posed TO submit TO a mixed court the
question Of its right TO seize the jap
anes.e vessel Tatsu Maru. Japan per-
emptorily declined TO agree to any such
proposition and insisted upon the sur
render Of the ship. Thus the case
stands IT present.
II is not understood that Japan has
in any sense presented an ultimatum to
China THE opinion in Washington is
that II the statement Of facts as made
hF Japan is correct that country had
a right to demand the return Of the
vessel