Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-06-20
0UTMTEED THE JAPS

CONTINUED From First Pase1
Port Arthur dated June II, just received
here. reports that no serious fighting has
occurred afDund Fort Arthur. Only a few
skirmishes have taken place, the siege OPP
erations having not yet begun.
Does Japan Desire MediationP
An interview with Baron Suyematzu.
published h Paris, and suggesting that
Japan is willing to accept the mediation of
power equally well disposed to Russia
ana Japan. while regarded as a tentative
utterance. attracted much attention. COM
Ing from Marquis 'Ito's son-in-law.
1t Is generally interpreted meaning
that Japan Is shrinking before the prospect
circles do not show the slightest DISPOSE
tion, however. to relax the officially
nounced position, the sentiment being that
having been forced into the war and driven
to make heavy sacrifices. to stop just now,
when Russia Is prepared to accomplish
something. is quite Impossible.
Dlplomatic circles are keenly interested.
Dut the opinion is unanimously expressed
that 1t Is impossible for Russia to consent
10 end the war with her military prestige
impaired. Besides, It is pointed out that
Baron Suyematzu admits that Japan has
not reduced her demand.
The French and British embassies are
hardly disposed to believe that Baron
Suyematza spoke by authority, and the
American embassy is disinclined to discuss
diator is wanted the United States fulflls
the conditions prescribed by Baron Suye-
matzu.
Argentina's Cruisers.
1t Is now definitely established that ne
gotlations for the purchase by Russia OF
six Argentine cruisers had almost reached
a successful conclusion when Argentina
raised the question as to under what flag
they would be transferred, she being I'M
willing to sell direct to belligerent. The
medium through which the negotiations
were conducted suggested that they be
transferred to Venezuela, Costa Rica or
Bulgaria, which would turn them over to
Russia. but President Roca rejected the
proposal. insisting that a bona ffde mari
time power should be the purchaser. Then
Turkey began negotiations through the Ar
genuine legation at Paris. The result of
these negotiations Is not known.
Commander Moneta has arrived here on
his way to the far east to observe the
operations for the Argentine navy.
General Reynolds Of the Argentine army.
who had been ordered to Joint General
kuropatkin. is Ill In Sweden.
Gear to Discuss Peasant Reforms.
The st. Petersburg provincial consultive
committee, summoned by the emperor to
discuss peasant reforms, assembled here
today The most important question re-
garding which the opinion Of the committee
was asked was whether communal customs
should remain in force or the statute law be
applied. Other provincial committees have
already discussed the question, a minority
OF them favoring the abolition of the COM
mon law. The opinion of the St. Peters,
burg committee Is expected to exercise
great weight in the decision of the matter.
Notes.
According to the Noyoe Vremya the Rus
sian oil combinations have capitulated to
the Standard Oil Company, and even the
Rothschilds and Nobel interests have come
to terms with the American concern. The
whole output Of the Baku wells is at pres
ent in American hands. the rivals having
become friends.
The patriarch Of Jerusalem has appoint
ed Viceroy Alexieff a knight of the True
Cross and sent to the viceroy the decora-
ton, containing a piece of the True Cross.
with letter expressing the hope that it
will preserve him from all harm and enable
him to come out victorious in his fight for
the orthodox church.
The military critics are discussing the re-
suits of the raid by the Vladivostok squad
ron. They say Vladivostok has proved
more valuable as a naval harbor and bet
ter as a strategical position than Port
Arthur.