The Oskaloosa herald., 1904-11-17
ENGLAND'S QUEEN
SEEKS FOR PEACE
COMMUNICATES WITH DoWAGER
EMPRESS OF RUSSIA.
REGARDED AS HOPEFUL SIGN
Basis Upon Which the Mikado Is WILL
ing to End Hostilities-Rus-
STA Will Not Accept
Arbitration.

AOnuOu, NOV. 1l.-Ine QlSpaLcn from
Washington confirming the statement
made in these dispatches that Japan had
indicated her willingness to entertain
peace suggestions from President Roose-
welt or King Edward created much in
terest here. Baron Hayashi, the Japan
csc minister, said Friday:
After the fall Of Port Arthur Japan
would, I believe, be ready to treat for
peace on no higher essential basis than
that Russia should eVacuate Manchurta,
Japan also agreeing to a similar evacua-
ton. The two great difficulties in the
way Of any suggestion Of peace are, first,
the apparent opposition Of Emperor
Nicholas present advisers to a settle
ment of any kind; second, the preserva-
ton Of Russian prestige. When a ma
tons prestige, if not gone, Is severely
impaired, it is q difficult matter, even
with the best Of intentions, to preserve
it."
Queen Working for Peace.
1t is learned that Queen Alexandra
has been in constant communication
with the dowager empress of Russia and
Emperor Nicholas himself during the
last few days. This Is interpreted here
as a hopeful sign and as possibly likely
to lead, though not in the immediate
future, to the establishment of some
modus vivendi whereby steps looking
to arbitration might be initiated without
offense to Russia.
The reiteration of the American state
departments determination not to in
tervene except on requests from both
of the ~belligerents tallies with the Off
but it is thought that before long some
method may privately be devised where
by this diplomatic barrier to action will
be overcome.
Cannot Accept Arbitration.
st. Petersburg, Nov. 12.-It is con-
sidered significant that the Russian
newspapers ignore Lord Lansdowne's
suggestion regarding Russo-Japanese
arbitration. Referring to Lord Lans-
downe's arbitration suggestion a
prominent official of the foreign office
expressed the opinion that such an Of
fer even coming from Japan could
not possibly be accepted. "Such a
controversy" he said, cannot be arbi-
Nc led. The idea is not worth consid-
ering. We believe the war has reached
the turn Of the tide and it must go
on. The only possibility Of peace
now, in my opinion, would be on the
basis Of a proposition submitted to
D,-r;a hv Tonon nffnrinO RI onnanf
less than she demanded before hosil-
tiles opened. AS it is inconceivable
that Japan at this %juncture is pre-
pared to offer such terms l can see
no chance of ending the war;"
Paris dispatches published here say
that the French government express
Iy excluded the intention of interven-
ing when it proposed it's good offices
for the settlement Of the North sea
dispute.
Casualties at Shakhe River.
st. Petersburg, Nov. ia correct
ed casualty list of the ten-day battle
Of the Shakhe river issued by the wa
office places the total Of killed or
wounded at 1890, of whom 900 were
officers. The first returns, it is ex-
planned, contained Implications and
some of the men were so slightly
wounded that they returned to the
ranks in a few days.
Continual Skirmishing.
Mukden, Nov. 1.-THE positions of the
armies on both sides remain little
changed, though there is continual skir-
mishing going on with the object Of Sc
curing minor positions tending to
strengthen the respective lines of de-
tense. The Russian scouts arevery dar-
Ing in secretly accommodating the whole
Of the japanese lines, some even creeping
UP to the Japanese trenches and lying
concealed there all day and returning at
night. The Japanese have constructed
IN many places double and even triple
lines of trenches, wire entanglements,
mines and pits. A Cossack patrol on
November 10 penetrated as far as Sandi-
lpu, where they inflicted a blow against
a large force of japanese, and then re-
turned rapidly to the Russian main line
without loss. A patrol also got in the
rear of two Japanese companies moving
to attack a Russian position. The Cos
sacks defeated the Japanese and returned
,,fely to the Russian lines.
Reports of the grave condition Of the
besieged at Port Arthur have reached
Mukden, and as a consequence the Rus
slams will not be surprised to learn of
he capitulation of the fortress.
The course taken by the government Of
Great Britain in the North sea incident
Is now generally known here, and ap-
pears to be regarded as highly magnani-
nous.