The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-11
Unofficial Proposal is Turned
 Down 5 Russia
ROOSEVELT MAY STEP IN
Baron Hayashi Thinks England and America Could Do Much In the Way of Friendly Inter
 Vention.

London, November 10-4:55 D. m.-Japan unonicially has made representations to Russia looking to peace. This action has resulted in failure and such representa- tions even privately are not likely to be repeated by Japan.
 Although the suggestion of racfic settlement was made unoficially, tt ac- tually had behind it all the weight of an offer by the Japanese government. It was made direct to Russia. No powec acted as intermediary. The proposition was put forward tentatively and unoitt- cially, so that the Japanese government would be in a position to deny any re- port that it was suelng for peace. The failure of these direct negotiations, how ever, resulted in bringing intervention within q measurable distance.
 Taken as Pointed Suggestion.
 Foreign Secretary Lansdowne's s plea for arbitration yesterday evening at the Gulld hall banquet is taken here to be a pointed suggestion to the United States and France that the time is approaching when the powers must take some action. 1t can be definitely stated that Lord Lansdowne made his speech with full knowledge that Japan will not resent proposition looking to peace from the three powers (the United States, France and Great Britain). There is a definite impression here that the initiative Viii come from President Roosevelt, though the action would be joint.
 It Is mooted that Lord Lansdowre spoke so openly yesterday evening only because he had good reason to believe that MT. Roosevelt If elected contem- plated making an effort to bring the bel hgerents to discuss terms of peace.
 Lord Lansdowne's remarks are held by those in his confidence to mean that whatever the United States may do in the matter. Great Britain will cooperate even in the event of France not partici- rating. 1t is known, however, that Am bassador Cambon, who continues his work assiduously to bring about some ar iangement. hopes for joint action by the three powers.
 In an interview regarding the forego- ing, Baron Iayashi, the Japanese min istei, said:
 Baron Haya Talks.
 T should not be surprised to see the three powers named, or two of them take the action suggested. Exactly upon what basis a settlement of peace could be secured it is at present impossible to see, but there is not the slightest doubt that combined representations, especi- ally if led 1y President Roosevelt, would have a far reaching result between the two countries, one of which was not thoroughly defeated.
 Tt is comparatively easy to make peace in this case as neither side is thorough ly defeated yet. The prospect for the success If friendly intervention have vastly increased. Since the commence ment of the war the two nations now respect each other to a degree never dreamt of before they met in battle. The natural respect is the most hopeful fac- tor 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 misunder- stood, espe,ially in Russia, if they openly suggested in the name of humanity some method whereby the war could be stopped. 1t would be altogether differ- ent however, at this stage of the war, should endly offer prompted by that sense of humanity which Japan cannot voice for fear of being misunderstood Great Britain, but nothing can be done until the fall Of Port Arthur"
 Will Not Be Long Delayed.
 Baron Hayashi intimated that he thought the fall of the fortress would not be delayed and added:
 Tn the meantime l have no doubt that the powers who are so willing to express their desire for peace will confidently ex- change views in the hope of arriving at some suggestion practical to both bellig- erents.'