Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-14
Sitting Of Peace Conference
Resumed This Morning.
AGREEABLE WEATHER
CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE
STATUS OF KOREA DISCUSSED.
Speculation Over Japan's Purposes in
Pending Negotiations-The En-
voys Deluged With Mail.

PORTSMOUTH. N. H.. August 14-The
sitting of the peace conference was re-
sumed this morning under ideal weather
conditions. The excessive heat wave which
has almost driven the foreigners to distrac-
ton during the first days OF the conference
was broken by yesterdays storm, and after
good nights rest the plenipotentiaries and
the members of their encourage appeared
this morning bright and cheerful. The
change in the weather affected their tenn
pers. and as they looked out across the rip
pIng bay. dotted with green islands and
shining white yachts. the universal excla-
nation was How charmng!'
Baron komura and Mr.. Takahira both an
peared in frock coats. They entered their
motor cars shortly after 8 o'clock. smiling
and bowling to the hotel guests who were
already on the veranda to witness their de-
parture. Three minutes later M Witte and
baron aosen came out of the entrance OF
the annex, where the Russian headquar-
ters are located. There also a little crowd
coilecteo 80 cool was 1t that NJ. Witte
wore light overcoat.
Both smilingly greeted the assemblage OF
guests which was awaiting them
Inc secretaries OF the respective missions
had LETT a few minutes before the prfn-
cipals, the Japanese in a taIly-ho the Rus
slams in a launch.
The Status Of Korea.
The conference began at $50 O'Clock tho
discussion being resumed on the conditions
relating TO the status of Korea, NJ Witte
continuing to urge that the language of
the clause should explicitly show what he
cohtended was the true japanese intention
regarding the Hermit kingdom-namely, to
make OF 1t province of Japan.
Before proceeding to business the pIent-
Iotentlarles Were photographed in their
positions around the council liable in tho
main conference room
p among the delegates of the respective
Sldes VINO remained behind at the hotel to-
ddy' 1t was insisted that each side was
sincerely anxious TO conclude a treatv of
Ieace' and 1t is evident if there is to be a
rupture, as the best Informed believe there
VIII be, each side will maneuver to nJace
the responsibility on the other.
Inc japanese seem disposed to throw out
the lntInation that NJ. Witte is trying to
wear out his adversares and compel them
TO break off the negotiations. This intima-
tlon is Indignantly repudiated by the Rus
Sans VINO contend, as does their principal,
that Russia Is ready and willing to ha We
the fullest publicity given to the proceed
lnss in order that the world may Judge be-
tween them
Speculation Over Conference.
1t VIII be several days at the present rate
OF progress before either of the crucial
points Of difference is reached
The exact order of the conditions Is not
Yet known but it is practically certain that
the demand for the reimbursement of the
expenses OF the war precedes that for the
cession of Sakhalin
Relentless method is behind the Japanese
system in the peace negotiations as in their
military and naval operations When they
formulated their conditions of peace the
origin OF the whole struggle between Rus
sla and Japan was kept steadily in view
Korea. which was the real bone of con-
teht!oh, Korea first the subject of an agree
meHt In 1886, Korea which formed the basis
OF the request for the negotiations preced-
ing the war, comes first. Second 1T is safe
TO say, Is the evacuation of Manchuria the
continued occupation of which by Russia
Japan claimed, threatened the independence
of Korea and the safety of Japan
In support of this claim she took a leaf
out of the book of arguments used by
Russia in 1895, when she was compelled by
Russia, supported by France and GERMANY
to abandon the Liaotung peninsula. and
the ShimonoSeki treaty on the very ground
that the possession of Port Arthur and
ldaocung threatened Korea's independence
Two Main Objects in Mind.
These are the two main objects de-
signed to protect the safety of Japan"
for which Japan has fought. Then might
come logically Port Arthur and the Laio-
tung leases. to satisfy the desire for re-
venge which the Japanese nation felt on
account of being despolled as they claimed.
OF the fruits of their victory over China
In 1893. The question of the Chinese east
ern railroad might come next And then
before the "spOils of war Japan's bill for
the cost of the war.
The only reason why the cessation OF
Sakhalin might precede the bill for the
cost of the war is the fact that Japan has
always felt that the island belonged to her
by right of discovery aud conquest and
that she had been compelled when too
weak 10 defend her right to yield IT to her
adversary
Preparation for luncheon was begun at
the naval stores building shortly before
noon. Indicating that the session of the
peace conference will continue in the after
noon.
There is entire absence of formality
in partaking of refreshments in the lunch
room, which is across the hall from the
general conference room The plenipoten-
tiares have several times sat down to-
gether at the lunch table, while the mem
bers OF the Russian and Japanese suites
have mingled freely on those occasions
also. as does his assistants in the quarters
which the United States government Is
maintaining in the naval stores building.
1t was the original intention that sepa-
rate lunch rooms should be provided one
for the Japanese and one for the Russians
but from the first the ENJOYS have eaten
together at their noon meal
Deluged With Mail.
The peace plenipotentiaries have been fair
ly deluged with al from all parts of the
United States. and now letters are begin
ming to arrive from the other hemisphere
Thousands OF letters reach them each day
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