The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-06-12
WHITE MAY BE ENVOY
President of Committee Of Ministers
Would Suit Japs.

st: Petersburg, June I'm. Witte,
president of the committee of ministers,
will leave st. Petersburg for a trip
abroad in two weeks. This very signifi-
cant announcement is coupled with the
statement that he is going ''on public
business
White s visit was instantly associated
with the peace negotiations and it is
possible. that Emperor Nicholas has de-
tions is offered by Japan, to make use
of the services of the ablest and strong
est personality in the empire.
1t is said, however. that M. Witte is
going to Berlin to meet Prince Arisu-
gawa, who was presented to the emperor
at the wedding of Crown Prince Freder-
lex, but no confirmation of this can be
obtained. In the public mind M. Witte
stands out prominently as the one
negotiations. But an intimate friend
of the Russian statesman assures the
Associated Press that M. White has not
been approached on the subject. I'm
doubtedlv court influences would be
solid against his selection M. Witte is
thoroly familiar with the far eastern
question. ~-. .....~.
Peace Plus Alliance.
During his trip to Port Arthur in
1903, M. Witte was invited by the Jap
Japanese, therefore, probably would
wecome his selection to con
duct the preliminaries in behalf Of Rus
STA, knowing that they would be dealing
with the Russian statesman who best
understands the situation and who is
most likely to reach an agreement mutu-
ally advantageous. Last summer while
guest at Norderney, Hanover, he is said
M. Witte was Chancellor Won Buelow IS
to have seen M. Kurino, former Japan
csc minister at ST. Petersburg, and it is
added that they both agreed the war
should be succeeded not only by peace,
but by an alliance. .'~- ..
Russia Poses as Asiatic.
The Novoe Vremya to day has an
editorial, which may be inspired, depre-
eating optimism among the diplomatists
at the present movement ''unless Japan
under the slogan of Asia for the Ash
aticts' should recognize. that Russia in
her original history and destiny is an
Asiatic as well as as European power,
an alliance' The Novoe Vremya adds
that it has always preached the doc:
trine that Russia is the bulwark of
Europe against the yellow peril. - .
The editorial attracted instant atten-
tion. The paper dwells on the idea that
Russia barred from the west and fol
lowing memorable laws must spread east
ward to reach her natural boundaries
and warm waters, refers to the ease OF
her conquests on her right flank. over
the tribes of .Turkestan and central
Asia and concludes: .E..~. IT,
eff Japan can only recognize that
Russia must remain an Asiatic power, as
we'll as herself, durable and perma
nent peace is possible
| On the other hand, well-defnet
rumor has been current. altho the .Asso
ciated Press could not trace its source
that Russia had already practically OBJ
proved SO surprisingly moderate tina
Russia would certainly accept them a.
a basis for negotiations. =
Speculation as to Terms.
! There is an infinite amount of gossip
here about Japan's terms, but it i
almost altogether irresponsible: the bes
Informed members Of the diplomatic
corps, even the British embassy, being
convinced that while the main outline
are matters Of common knowledge il
America and in the chance]lories O.
Europe, Japan has not revealed her ex
act terms even to her ally.
Russia is not likely to be recalcitrant
According to the best advices she i
ready to abandon the whole of her Man
churian venture and give guarantees.
sugar-coated Indemnity.
The rub will come on the question o
i indemnity, which, it is the consensu
of opinion in diplomatic circles, Japal
will exact, but if it should be ma de mod
crate and sugar-coated 50 that it coul
lr1 I041 4 Hxr4 I~ L. Nh
Eastern railway and the cession of Rus
sian property and leases in the Kwan
tung peninsula, it might be overcome.
Russia will probably insist on hold
ing the railway to Vladivostok thr7
northern Manchuria, and will neve
submit to the humiliation of disarma
ment Of her only port in the Pacif
having warships in those waters.
Compromise Is Suggested.
Considering the situation of the tw
countries, members of the diplomat
corps feel that Japan 8 status in tn
Pacific is so firmly established that sh
can afford to dispense with the exac
tion of SO bitter condition.
| Tho the feeling against cession o
actual territory is strong. the island O
Saghalien, over which Japan and Rus
STA once exercised administration
might be coded, or, as an offset to tn
cession Of that island, all fishing an
other Russian rights in the Kommande
islands might be handed over to japan
During this temporary armistice bot
countries probably will be free to COZ
tinue the movement Of, troops and MI
nitions Of war within prescribed limit
altho nothing definite on this point wi
be known until the meeting takes plac.
> !