Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-11-11
PEACE TALK.

Japan having unOncIaiiy anu unsuO-
cessfully made representations to Rus
sia looking to peace, talk Of joint move
ment by France, Great Britain aud the
United States with a view of bringing
about negotiations between the bellig-
erents is revived in London. In OFF,
cial circles in Washington, however. 1T
is stated that there has been no change
in the attitude of this government as to
the matter.
President Roosevelt will take no action
unless solicited by both japan and Rus
sia. St. Petersburg officials state that
direct proposition from Japan for ar
bitration would be considered, and yet
advices from London say Japan's repre-
sentations were direct.
A dispatch from London says that
Japan unofticially has made repre-
seDtations to Russia looking TO peace.
This action has resulted in failure,
and such representations, even prl-
vateIy, are not likely to be repeated.
Although the suggestion of a pacific
settlement was made unoficially, it ac-
tually had behind it all the weight of an
offer by the japanese government. 1t
was made direct to Russia. No power
acted as an Intermediary. The PROPOSE
ton was put forward tentatively and un-
officially, so that the japanese govern
ment would be in position to deny any
report that it was suing Tor peace. The
failure of these direct negotiations, how
ever, resulted in bringing Intervention
within measurable distance. Foreign
Secretary Lansdowne's plea for arbitra-
ton Wednesday evening at the Guild
Hall banquet is taken in London to be a
pointed suggestion to the United States
and France that the time is approach
ing when the powers must take some
action.
In an interview regarding the fore
going Baron Hayashi, the japanese
minister in London, said: '1 should
not be surprised to see the three
powers named, or two Of them,
take the action suggested. Exactly
upon what basis of settlement peace
could be secured il is at present impos-
sible to see, but there is not the slight
est doubt that combined representations,
especially if led by President Roosevelt.
would have a far-reaching result be-
tween two countries, one of which was
thoroughly defeated. 1t is compara-
lively easy to make peace in this case,
as neither side is thoroughly defeated
yet. The prospects for the success OF
friendly intervention have vastly in
creased. Since the commencement Of
the war the two nations now respect
each other to degree never dreamed OF
before they met in battle. Their
mutual respect is the most hope
full factor for peace. Japan does not
want to go on fighting forever.
Yet, even with all the victories won
during this war, her statesmen
would render themselves liable to be
most seriously misunderstood, especially
in Russia, if they openly suggested, IN
the name of humanity, some method
whereby the war could be stopped. 1t
would be altogether different, however,
at this stage of the war should friendly
offer, prompted by that sense OF human
ity which Japan cannot voice for fear of
being misunderstood, emanate from the
United States and Great Britain, but
nothing can be done until the fall of Port
Arthur"
Baron Hayashi intimated that he
thought that the fall of the fortress would
not long be delayed, and added "ln
the meantime I have no doubt that the
powers who are now so willing to express
their desire for peace will coufdentially
exchange views, in the hope of arriving
at some suggestion practical to both bel
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