The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-07-18
NOT.FOR PEACE
AT ANY PRICE
Witts Says Russia Will Be
Ready TO Fight for Years.
NOT SANGUINE OF SUCCESS
Believes japanese Terms VIII Bs Of Such
Nature 10 Prevent Conclusion OF
Peace Negotiations.
NOT SANGUINE OF SUCCESS

St Petersburg. July ls.-M. Witte' the
Benior Russian peace plenipotentiary' re-
ceived the correspondent OF the Assoeia-
ted Press at his villa on Yelagin Island
yesterday morning.
In according the honor OF an interview
he said he expressly desired IL stated that
he had declined all previous requests OF
Journalists for interviews and would de-
cline all future requests.
He further said that he made an excep-
ton in the case OF the Associated Press
as Il was the representative OF the press
OF the United States and as he was about
20 become the temporary guest or tAe
United States. and also as mark OF tho
particular sympathy he felt toward that
great country
NJ witte received the correspondent in
the cabinet OF his villa. which overlooks
vast park in front OF which runs the
sweeping Neva
His morning coffee was still before him,
and he was already deep in the mass Of
mail upon his desk A memorandum in
front OF him was filled with engagements,
showing how crowded the hours will be
before his departure Wednesday next.
With his big frame and high, narrow
forehead. from which the scant hair was
brushed straight back. emphasized by the
be instantly recognized as a man OF pow
er and energy and a born leader OF men
~RECEIvED PRECISE INSTRUCTION.
NJ witte spoke in French. After
greetings which were cordial the con-
versa tion gravitated quickly 10 the high
mission with which the Rsusian states
man is charged and the disposition OF the
foreign press 10 interpret his appoint
ment as an indication that Russia was
inclined 10 make peace at any price
mo. no." said his excellency. straight
ening up In his chair and speaking slowly
and distinctly. as IL weighing the value
of each word. In the FIRST place.
have been designated by the emperor as
his ambassador extra ordinary for pour
parlers with the japanese plenipoten-
siaries 10 ascertain whether IL Is posi-
Bile 10 conclude a treaty OF peace. My
personal views are Of secondary import
hnce, but my ideas are in entire accord
with those OF my friend, Count Lams
dcrf. foreign minister.
I'm serving my emperor l have re-
ceived precise instructions from his ma.
jesty and shall follow them.
The ultimate decision remains in the
hands Of the emperor and IL is for him
20 decide the destinies OF Russia. The
emperor is the friend of peace aHa-d&-
sires peace. but / very much fear that
the Japanese terms will be such that
we will be unable 10 reach an accord.
Secondly. the world should disabuse
It's mind OF the idea that Russia wants
peace at any price. There are two par
ties in Russia. One favors the continue
ton OF the war a outrance-this IL a
large and influential party. The other.
10 which I belong. favors peace. avow
Il frankly. because telling the truth has
Al tua heen rtila I'm I xra
FOR peace before hostilities broke out.
When the war began the situation
changed.
MIsINTERPRET CONDITIONS.
Even though there are these two par
ties, as 20 the advisability OF ending the
war in the present circumstances both
would be united IL the japanese demands
wounded the amour propre OF the Rus
sian people or jeopardized our future as
a nation.
II am sure II / report that the con-
ditions OF Japan cannot be accepted Rus
sia will accept the verdict and the Rus
sian people will be ready 20 continue the
war for years If necessary.
Thirdly. Russia is not crushed. as the
foreign press has led the world 10 believe.
The interior situation is very serious, I
DO not deny; but in Europe and America
the true significance OF what is happen
Correspondents come here and talk with
\ few hundred people in 81. Petersburg
and MOSCOW, misintrepet what r. happen-
Ing and fll the world with false impress
Eions as TO Rrssias future.
A PREPoNDERANT POWER
Russia mas little resemblance 10
Western countries. To know Russia, 10
understand the soul OF the Russian peo-
pie, IL is necessary that one should have
been born acre or lived for many years
IN Russia.
''The customs. history and mentality OF
the people arc entirely different from
those people are entirely different from
those OF Western nations, and Russia
cannot be Judged by Western standards
1T is such an immense country COM
posed Of diverse elements and interests
vet the Russian people are like a great
family. At present they are torn by in
ternal dissensions. but these divisions
would disappear should the people really
.eel that the integrity OF the country and
is future destiny were at stake
Russia Is not on the verge OF disso-
ution as a great power and is not obliged
% accept any conditions offered In spite
,f the military reverses she has sus-
Iained
we are passing through an internal
.risis, which has been marked by many
rrave events and which may have Others
ptill in store. but the crisis will pass and
n few years Russia will again take her
place as preponderant power IN the Eu-
ropean concert"