Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-05-07
AT PROPER TIME.
King Edward Is Ready to Act as Mcdi
ator.

| London, May 6.-MediatiOn or inter-
vcntion in the Far East was the prom
inent topic of the European press dur
ing the past week. 1t did not need
Russia's sharp reputation of all such
suggestions to demonstrate how fatu
Gus all ideas of this nature are in the
present situation. Nothing could be
more obvious in diplomacy than the
impossibility that Russia would listen
to any proposal for stopping hostilities
so long ;is the present humiliation by
Japanese arms continues.
The German press has been most
prominent in assuming that plans are
already being formed by King Edward
for bringing the war to an end within
reasonable time. There is probably
Just this amount of foundation and no
more for the idea of British interven-
ton namely. that when the time ar
rivns, as probably it will. that both
sides realize the futility of continuing
the exhausting struggle. King Edward
will be glad to proffer his services as
| mediator, or rather as initiator OF ncEo-
! tiations There is little hope that this
point will be reached for a long tine
| to come.
The extreme Russian view was pre-
scented by Henry Norman, who, dazZlcd
| bv the sight of war treasure in the
Russian vaults at st. Petersburg, pro-
claims that there is only one possible
end of the war and ridiculcs the idea of
| intervention at any stage. Mr.. Nor
mans opinion is not shared by the
most unprecedented European observ-
crs. who are inclined to believe that
| the most probable end of the war will
he stalemate. Such a result is, of
of course. Il long way off, and the
| chances of new developments. acciden-
! tai OF otherwise. are as great that any
| body who would venture a definite
prophecy would be rash indeed.
The best thing to hope for is that
| meantime some understanding will ha
| reached between the European powers
| and the United States for the adjust
| n',nt Of rival interests in Asia. TIL"
| steady weakening of both bclliGerents
which will inevitably occur, must tend
| to render such negotiations more posi-
| bic. This, more than the Immediate
problem, is undoubtedly engaging the
| attention Of the british, French, and,
perhaps, the American governments.
| The question is SO vast and complicated
| that considerable time must elapsc be
| fore even the point OF opening nogotiI
| tons is reached. it is enough for iii"
prticnt that the real friends of peace
| among statesmen are strongly impress
| "a ~ the fact that in this direction lies
| security for future amity among the
nations, and that probably il left I'M
| solved it will be Il menace which any
| possible ending Of the present war must
! fail to remove.
The key to tho situation would be
| an agreement between Great Britain
and Russia /and the feasibility Of this
| is still actively discussed. The idea con-
| tnucS in the Utopian stage. No basis
| for the suggested convention has been
put forward. 1t is not even known. of
course. that King Edward or the au-
| thorities of the two countries conceive
such a proposal tn he within the range
of practical politics. Satisfaction over
| the Anglo-French rapproachement is
| the only origin known for the suGgcs-
| ticn and no real confirmation Of the
| reports of negotiations of this nature
need be expected in the near future.