New-York tribune., 1905-08-21
VI. WITTE PESSIMISTIC.
Has Little Hope of Favorable Reply
from st. Petersburg.
Rr The Associated PressD

Portsmouth, n. H. Aug. 2o-The chances OF
peace have undoubtedly been improved by
President Roosevelts action in stepping into
the breach in a last heroic endeavor TO induce
the warring countries TO compromise their 'irre-
concilable differences but the result is still in
suspense. The decision OF the issue has passed
from the plenipotentiaries to their principals
from Portsmouth 90 ST. Petersburg. and. per
haps. in a lesser extent. 10 Toxic Although
there are collateral evidences that pressure both
by President Roosevelt and neutral powers in
Guiding Japan's ally. Great Britain. whose Min
lister, Sir Claude NJ. Macdonald according TO
edvices received here. had long conference this
afternoon with Count Katsura, the japanese
Premier. is still being exerted at Toxic TO induce
Japan 20 moderate her demands. there is also
reason 20 believe that President Roosevelt was
able ct his interview with Baron Rosen practi-
eslly TO communicate Japan's irreducible mini
mum-what she would Yield. but the point be-
yond which she would not go. Whether an
actual basis of compromise was proposed by the
President cannot be stated definitely The only
thing that can be affirmed positively is that II
Russia refuses 10 act on the suggestion or
proposition OF President Roosevelt the peace
conference viii end in failure.
And IN the Russian camp little encouragement
y given Baron Rosen reached here, after an
Ill night ride from Oyster Bay. shortly before
and Immediately went into conference with
NJ witte. They remained closeted together for
almost three hours. during which time the whole
situation was reviewed. Baron Rosen COM
nlunicated to his chief the Presidents message
and It was transmitted TO the Emperor. together
with NJ Whites recommendation. No clue to
the nature Of this recommendation has trans
pired. but II can be stated that NJ. Witte. no
matter how he. personally, may view the prop
fe Dessfrr1fSfic rO
character OF the response which will come from
ST. Petersburg. To a confidential friend this
afternoon he offered little hope Of a change in
the situation.
The japanese. Il is firmly believed. cling 10
the substance. ~ not the form. OF their demand
for remuneration for the cost OF the war Per-
hsps they are willing 20 decrease the sum asked
but substantial compensation under whatever
Euise II lie obtained. they decline 10 relinquish
They also firm upon the cession OF saghalien.
By the transfer Of the southern branch of the
Chinese-Eastern Railway first TO Japan for re-
nnquishment 10 China. payment for the main
tenanoe OF the Russian prisoners and the sur
render Of the Russian warships IL is possible to
figure out a total transfer TO Japan in money
and property Of about S2jOOOoooo. But this is
the limit.
The japanese. as usual, are very reticent and
very quiet. and IL Is impossible TO obtain from
them the least indication of their view of the
change in the situation produced by the Presi-
dents action. II is taken for granted that the
Presidents appeals were made TO Japan as well
Russia, but the japanese side OF the nego-
tistions looking TO a compromise is almost COM
pletely I'm the dark. II is assumed that Baron
Ksneko was able 10 explain the japanese views
TO the President. II The President is successful
with Russia. II may be that he must then turn
10 Japan. That would be the natural course IL
he has suggested 10 Russia what he regards as
fair compromise. and has undertaken II Rus
sa accepts, 10 use his influence 10 induce Japan
10 accept. But il is probab bic that he was able
10 assure NJ Wtte ia advance OF Japan's agree
ment 10 accept Nevertheless. N. Takahirz
spoke to-day though he might be called to
Oyster Bay. He would only say positively that
he mad as yet received summons.
The Japanese view Of the situation is au-
thoritatively, but rather humorously stated
thus:
1he result VIII beknown soon II is useless