The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-27
KING EDWARD HAS MADE
NO OVERTURES TO RUSSIA
His Majesty Has No Intention of
Intervening ir War with
Japan.
TROUBLE NEARER HOME
Britain Anxious to Have Her Own
Disputes with Russia Settled
for Good.
TROUBLE NEARER HOME

LONDON. April 26-Inquiries made by
the Associated Press here reveal no traces
of any effort or intention TO intervene in
the Russo-Japanese war. No step look
ing to a pacific settlement of the conflict
has been taken by the Foreign Office, nor.
so far as is known in Downing street, by
King Edward himself. Those who have
discussed the war with the King within
the last few days say that such step is
the last thing he contemplates. Such
step, however informally taken, so IL Is
held here. might seriously endanger the
vital negotiations now progressing between
Russia and Great Britain with view TO
the settlement OF outstanding differences
between the two countries.
King Edward and the Foreign Office are
fully aware that any offer or even sugges-
ton looking TO peace at the present stage
would be resented both by Japan and
Russia. and it is emphaticalIy denied that
the King, even in the family circle at
Copenhagen. has suggested mediation. much
less Intervention. His Majesty has ex-
pressed sympathy with his royal relative
over the losses suffered by the Russian
fleet, but he has been equally thoughful TO-
wards the Mikado.
1t is believed here that all rumOrs bear
ing on the subject of pacific efforts, royal
or otherwise, are due 20 mlsapprenensloh
concerning the negotiations outlined IN the
Associated Press dispatches OF April =,
which said that after King Edward had
given his personal assurances TO Emperor
Nicholas that the anti-Russian comment
In the British press did not represent the
feeling OF his government, Foreign Secre-
tary Lansdowne informed the Russian am
bassador. Count Benckendorn. that he
would be glad to reopen the negotiations
looking 70 a settlement Of all matters In
dispute between Russia and Great Britain.
Lord Lansdowne did not stipulate any
basis or enter into any details. Ambassa-
dor Benckendorff, as stated at the time,
expressed his pleasure at the ofer ana ana
Lansdowne was understood to have taken
them as a material expression OF King
the moment, the matter rested These
negotiations. the Associated Press was
informed tonight, are progressing salts
factorily, although no immaculate compile
tion of them can be expected.
Henry Norman, NJ. p, who was received
in special private audience by King Ed
ward yesterday, ION his return from Rus
STA" as the court circular to-day puts II,
says he was amazed at the great detail
displayed by King Edward in dealing with
men and matters connected with Russia
policy at home and abroad. He related
details OF his audience with the Emperor
OF Russia and intimated that King Edward
has set his heart on settling forever the
long grievances between the two countries.
Mr.. Norman, after seeing King Edward,
said that any. personal or national at
tempt TO step in between the combatantS
seemed to him TO be outside the range or
rational surmise and that he would be
very much surprised indeed if the King
had done or said anything which would
give rise TO such rumor.
The view entertained by the Foreign
Office is that British relations with both
Russia and Japan remain just as they
were during the months previous TO the
outbreak of the war namely, the .observ-
ance of strict neutrality and determl-
nation 10 let the conbatants fight out their
differences by themselves, so long as no
other power interfered
Oficfal opinion inclines TO the view that
Il will be long war. but this does not pre-
vent the hope that an arrangement with
Russia similar to that recently completed
with France may be concluded, quite indie
.pendently of the issue OF the hostilties.