Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1904-11-14
WILLING TO STOP
JAPAN INFORMALLY MAKES PEACE
PROPOSAL.
Action Has Resulted in Failure and
is Not Likely to Be Renewed by
Japan Even Proposal
Was Made Direct to the Russian
Government.

London, Nov. ll-Japan uuofticially
has made representations to Russia
looking to peace This action has re.
suited in failure and such representa-
tions, even rivately, are not likely to
be repeated by Japan. Although the
suggestion of a pacrific settlement was
made unofficially it actually had be-
hind it all the weight of AN offer by
the Japanese government. 1t was made
direct to Russia. No power acted as
an intermediary. The proposition was
put forward tentatively and unoffi-
'cially SO that the japanese govern
ment would be in position to deny
any report that it was suing for peace.
The failure of these direct negOtia-
tions, however, resulted in bringing
intervention within Il measurable dis
lance. Foreign Secretary Lansdowne' s
plea for arbitration Wednesday even
ing at the Guild 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 the
Japanese will not resent a proposition
looking to peace from the three powers
(the United States, France and Great
Brittany. There is definite impress
sion here that the initiative will come
from President Roosevelt, thought he
action would be joint 1t is mooted
that Lord Lansdowne only spoke so
openly because he had good reason to
believe that Mr.. Roosevelt, if elected,
contemplated making an effort to bring
the belligerents to discuss terms of
peace.
Three Powers May Act TOge ther.
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 coop
crate in, even in the event of France
not participating. 1t is known, how
ever that Ambassador Cambon. who
continues his work assiduously to bring
about some arrangement, hopes for
joint action by the three powers. In
au interview regarding the foregoing,
Baron Hayashi, the Japanese minister,
said:
81 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 it Is at present. mpos-
sible to see, but there is not the slight
est doubt that combined representa-
ton, especially if led by President
roosevelt, would have a far-reach hing
result between two countries, one of
which was thoroughly defeated. 1t is
comparatively easy to make peace in
this case, as neither side is thoroughly
defeated yet The prospects for the sue
cess of friendly Intervention have vast
ly increased. Since the commence
ment of the war the two nations now
respect each other to a 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 60 on fight.
ing forever. Yet, even with all the
victories won during this war her
statesmen would render themselves liza
BILE to be most seriously misunderstood,
especially in Russia, if they openly
suggested in the name of huma nity
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 humanity which ia
pan cannot voice for fear of being mis-
understood, emanate from the United
States and Great Britain, but nothing
can be done until the fall of Port Ar
thur
Baron Hayashi intimated that he
thought the fall of the fortress would
not be long delayed and added:
'In the meantime have no doubt
that the powers who are now so will
ing to express their desire for peace
will confidently exchange views in the
hope OF arriving at some suggestion
practical to both belligerents.