New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-01
NOT READY FOR PEACE
Neither Russia Nor Japan Would
4ccept Mediation Noe.

! Washington June 3O.-While officials here are
satisfied from their private advices that the re-
cent visit of King Edward to Emperor Williar1
was not brought about by purpose TO begin
| a movement toward the restoration OF peace
between Russia and Japan. there is reason TO
believe that some careful and discreet inquiries
as 10 the opportunities for some such over
lures at this time have emanated from Wash
ington 1t may be said that the result has been
TO disclose the fact that neither OF the bellig-
erent powers is yet In humor 10 sue for peace
or even to entertain overtures from any third
power that subject
The State Department will continue to main
tain the friendly position It has SO far held
toward both Russia and Japan. standing ready
10 mediate and extend its good Offices to the nlll
whenever the belligerents indicate their willing
ness 10 accept them. II cannot be said that the
situation is sensiby changed from what II was
a month ago except that there is a more op-
tinistic feeling in official quarters that there
Will soon be opening for diplomacy TO exer
else its peaceful methods in the Far Eastern
struggle.
London. June 6U.-Tne reports from washing
ton that steps were believed 10 have been taken
looking 10 mediation between Russia and Japan
create great surprise here. The British govern
ment not only has taken no part in such meas
j
progress.
Ofticial opinion here from Premier Balfour
down. is that the time is not yet ripe for any
offer OF mediation; but TO quote person IN Mr..
Balfour's confidence:
Great Britain haze kept the door open for any
such contingency. II is not likely that this gov
eminent would be acceptable in the role OF arbi-
traitor, but II would at the right time use all its
influence TO urge the belligerents TO accept the
offer from a suitable mediator. There seems TO
be no reason for thinking that the government
would not fill that role suitably but Russian
opinion IS always n rather unknown factor.
From the highest official sources here. and
from the japanese legation. comes the positive
statement that nothing whatever has resulted
from the interviews between King Edward and
Emperor William at Kiel that connected in
any way with the Russo-Japanese There
10 De doubt that responsible Ministers
seriously warned King Edward that he must
not take any step in that direction with the
Emperor.
inquiries whether not this advice
carried out. and II said there 10 night
that Japan is in position TO maintain such adj
vantages as she already has won in Man
chura. Without commanding strategiCa!
base, japanese officials here believe. their forces
would be unable either to rest on their present
laures or push forward.
Whether this is accomplished by a decisive
battle or by the retirement of the Russians the
ia panese here say, mediation cannot be dreamed
of until that phase of the struggle Is settled one
way The other. Subsequent TO the Japanese
achieving failing in this objective. 1t was
thought there was every reason TO believe the
was not discussed at Kiel. except In the
most informal conversational way
II was also pointed out at the Japanese Lega-
ton. which ignorant Of any movement tow
ard mediation that the present moment. would
be most inopportune. so far as Japan is con-
cerned for any such step. Japan, II was main
tanned at the legation must first secure some
such strategical point as Lao-Yang before she
deems that mediation might possibly be feast
bic, but Baron Hayashi, the japanese Minis
ter, reiterates that the terms Japan was willing
TO accept before hostlties began cannot posi-
bly, be considered now.