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JAPAN BY THE JAPANESE

arrogant by being puffed up with triumph, and despise others rashly, which would go towards losing the respect of foreign Powers. Since the development of the nation can be attained by peace, it is a divine duty imposed upon us by Our ancestors, and it has been Our intention and endeavour since Our accession to the Throne to maintain peace so as to enjoy it constantly. The expeditionary forces have gained fame for their benevolence and moderation.

We are, of course, glad of the glorification of the Empire by the victories of the present war, but at the same time We are aware that the Empire, as well as the schemes pursued since Our accession to the throne, have yet a distant future. We are positively against insulting others, and falling into idle pride by being elated by victories, and against losing the confidence of Our friendly States.

Imperial Rescript relating to the Retrocession of the Peninsula of Feng-tien (Liaotong) (May 10, 1895).

We recently complied with the request of China, and in consequence appointed Plenipotentiaries, causing them to confer with the Plenipotentiaries appointed by China to conclude a treaty of peace between the two empires.

Since then the Governments of their Majesties, the Emperor of Russia, the Emperor of Germany, and the President of the Republic of France, have united in a recommendation to Our Government not to permanently possess the Peninsula of Feng-tien, Our newly acquired territory, on the ground that such permanent possession would be detrimental to the lasting peace of the Orient.

Devoted as We unalterably are, and ever have been, to the principles of peace, We were constrained to take up arms against China for no other reason than Our desire to secure for the Orient an enduring peace.

Now, the friendly recommendation of the three Powers was equally prompted by the same desire. Consulting, therefore, the best interests of peace, and animated by a desire not to bring upon our people added hardship or to impede the progress of national destiny by creating new complications, and thereby making the situation difficult and retarding the restoration of peace, We do not hesitate to accept such recommendation.

By concluding the treaty of peace, China has already shown her sincerity of regret for the violation of her engagements, and thereby the justice of Our cause has been proclaimed to the world.

Under these circumstances We can find nothing to impair the honour and dignity of Our Empire if We now yield to the

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