The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1905-08-17
Japan's Terms Announced.

Japan Terms Announced.
The first meeting of the peace pleni-
potentiaries was held at Kittery on
wednesday morning and was entirely an
informal affair. Credentials were ex-
changed, examined, and found to be all
right. 1t WAS decided to hold two ses-
sions daily, forenoon and afternoon.
Wednesday evening the amenities were
observed by general exchange of cards,
M. Witte, Baron Rosen and his suite
sending theirs at the hotel office, while
the cards of the Japanese mission were
left at the doors of the Russian mission.
AT the conference the English and
French languages will be used Jointly.
Information will be given to the
press, after being agreed upon by both
parties.
AT the meeting on Thursday, Japan's
demands we're put before the commits.
sioners They are extremely severe and
are as follows:
Reimbursement for the expenses OF
the war.
CessioD of the island of Sakhalin.
The cesson of the Russian leases tC
the Llatotung Peninsula comprising
Port Arthur and Dalny.
The evacuation of the entire province
of Manchuria, the retrocession to China
of any privilege Russia may have in the
province and the recognition by Russia
of the principle of the 'open door"
The cession to Japan of the Chinese
Eastern Rail- DAD below Hardin, the
main line through northern ManchuIia
to Vladivostok to remain Russian
property
The recognition of the Japanese pro
tectorate over Corea.
The grant of fishing rights to Japar
in the waters of the Siberian littora
northward from Vladivostok to the
Behring Sea.
The relinquishment to Japan of the
Russian warships interned in neutra
ports.
Finally a limitation upon the nava
strength OF Russla in Far Eastern
waters.
The Russian government was inform
ed of the terms, and took them into
grave and careful consideration. Tht
news came Friday that upon the two
crucial points, indemnity and the cessior
of the island of Sakhalin. the reply ii
an absolute refusal Other points art
accepted SO far as they may form {
basis for discussion
No one in his senses believed that thu
Russian government would accept al
the propositions of Japan. If the con
ditions as submitted constitute theil
10 of ho n
ed as having disappeared if the feeling
reflected in Russian circles is true
criterion. And that no substantial con
cessions on the main issues will be made
is the belief both in Russian and Japan
ese circles
Saturday was spent in serious con
sideration of the proposals, and on sun
day the commissioners attended church
the Russians in Portsmouth, and The
Japs in Kittery.
Quite rapid progress was made or
Monday, in the negotiations, three OF
the twelve articles which constitute the
Japanese conditions of peace having
been agreed to by NJ. Witte and Baror
Rosen, on behalf of Russia.
These are the articles
First, Russia's recognition of Japan't
preponderating influence" and speela
position in Korea, which Russia hence
forth agrees is outside of her sphere Of
influence, Japan binding herself to rec
ognize the suzerainty OF the reigning
family but with the right to give advice
and assistance to improve the civi
administration of the empire.
Second, Russia's obligation to evacuatt
ManchuIia, each to surrender all specia
privileges in that province, mutual obi
CATION TO respect the territorial integ
rity" of China and to maintain the prin
ciple of equal opportunity for the com
merce and industry of all nations in tina
province (open door
Third, the cession to China of thu
Chinese eastern railroad from HarbiI
southwark.
Two more of the twelve articles, No
and 9, were disposed of Tuesday
Article 4 consists of mutual pledge
to observe the integrity of China ant
the policy of ''open door" for the com
MERGE of all nations and Article cover
the surrender of the Russian leases tt
Lao Tung peninsula, Port Arthur
Dalny and the Blonde and Elliott Is
lands
u AilIClo =, DOtu pdItleo SdHo Iedu.
assent and the official statement of thu
adoption of that article took care t,
state that it was agreed to unanimous
~"
Article 5, the consideration of which
was postponed until later, provides TO
the cessiou of the Island of Sakhalin
Discussion appearing useless at thi
stage on account of the firm negativ,
given in the Russian reply. it was de
cided upon the motion of the Japanes,
to defer its discussion, thus revealing
the Japanese intention of postponing Il
the end the life and death struggle.
This is very hopeful sign, and indi
Gates that it is possible peace may ensne
There was considerable discussion o
a pleasant nature, but the main pointl
these will be hot time