New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-01
RUSSIA AWAITS PEACE.
ANSWERS MR. HAY'S NOTE.
FaUors Second Hague Conference,
but Not Till War Ends.

Washington, Nov. 3O-Russia is unwilling TO
Join the powers in second peace conference at
The Hague until her war with Japan is ended
The Russian reply TO Secretary Hays circular
note to the powers of October % last. inviting
them. in the name of the President TO reassem-
BILE in conference at The Hague Ito complete
the postponed work of the first conference was
delivered verbally to Secretary Hay to-day by
Count Cassni. the Russian Ambassador. TIE
Ambassador was requested by his government
to say that Russia heartily accepted in principle
the invitation to a second conference at The
Hague. and gladly associated herself with the
American government in it's effort TO complete
the mission of the first great assembly. con-
vened under the leadership of the Russian En-
peror. He was further requested to say that,
while the Russian government very sincerely
cherished these views, It did not consider the
moment opportune for the meeting OF such
conference. and It therefore must withhold its
formal acceptance of the invitation until the
war in the Far East at end
Secretary Hay and Count Cassini were in con-
ference for nearly hour. The Ambassador
was careful to assure the Secretary that his
government welcomed the invitation Of the
President additional evidence Of the Amer
lean governments appreciation of the benehcent
results OF the first conference. and regretted the
necessity OF suggesting a postponement Of the
work then begun work in which the Russian
government. no less than the American. was
keenly interested.
Secretary Hay thanked the Amba ssador for
the cordality with which the declaration of
Russia's adherence in principle TO the PROPOSE
tton had been conveyed to the American govern
ment. and assured him he would forthwith trans
NIT the reply to the President Although diff
ferent in form. the Russian reply does not diff
fer In effect from that of Great Britain. France
and the other European powers. practically all
of which already have answered the invitation.
While Russia is the first power specifically TO
suggest a postponement until the close of the
war. all the powers IN expressing their ap-
proval of the proposition. reserved for future
negotiations the time when the conference
should be held.
1t can be stated that this government is we'll
pleased with the reception given to its note The
powers signatory TO the Hague Convention nave
been officially committed TO a second confer
ence at some future time. In his note Secre-
tery Hay purposely omitted suggesting date
for the assembling of the conference. realizing
that certain powers might hesitate 10 take up
for final definition such complicated questions
as the rights of neutrals at time when
| great war was in progress. So far as the Rus
! sian government is concerned it is said that 1t
| is naturally averse 10 discussion of the many
/ fnportant questions which would come before
| the conference at a time when its attention is
devoted to foreign
| In diplomatic circles the news of Russias
! conditional reply caused some surprise the
| caution which characterized even the considera-
! ton of the invitation at St Petersburg made
several Ambassadors here doubtful about the
| favorable reception OF the American note. This
| doubt has been removed. however. b. the
friendly terms in which the reply to-day was
expressed.
For the present. 1t is probable that the
American government will rest en- it's oars
When the Far Eastern enters on It's final
stage this government will be prepared to fol-
low up it's invitation. In the mean time, should
Russia's attitude change. she will find the
American government ready to lead the powers
Immediately to The Hague for their second con-