The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-01-04
JAPAN MAY
BRING UP
PEACE TALK

TOXIC. Jan. 4-some OF the foreign di
plomats here believe that there will oS
an early renewal OF efforts looking tc
the securing OF peace. Outwardly the
japanese government gives no indica-
ton OF it's desires in that direction. bun
II is known that II is ready 10 discuss
the question and make terms which are
characterized as reasonable.
Those who predict a movement for
peace declare that the Japanese emperor $
commendation OF General Stoessel and the
determination OF the Japanese TO give
honorable terms 20 the surrendered gar
rlson will soften the blow 10 Russia and
create an opening for the discussion OF
the question of peace.
The United States. Great Britain and
France are named as possible direct or
indirect Intermediates, though IL is not
improba BILE that Japan will broach the
subject directly. The fall OF Port Arthur
immensely strengthens the hand Of Japan.
In the actual conduct of the war Port
Arthur has been a stumbling block to
Japan. who for six months has had en-
gagged there 100000 troops and practically
her entire navy.
This fact compelled Marshal Oyama 10
fight the battle of Lao Yang shorthand
ed Now the entire navy is free 10 pre-
pare 20 meet the Russian second Pacific
squadron and TO attend TO the Vladivo-
stok squadron. A heavy force OF troops
will be Immediately available for service
I'm Manchuria. and this possibly will al
low the undertaking OF other independent
enterprises
RUSSIA Noy READY.
St Petersburg. Jan AT both the War
office and the admiralty all talk of the
possibility OF peace meets with nothing
but expressions of indignation. In diplo-
matte circles IL is regarded as certain that
Japan has awaited this moment 10 sub
init proposals for peace and that she
intends 10 do so through the United
States.
Intervention, or even the offer of good
offices, by the United States without the
request Of Russia is not admitted TO be
possible, and II is known that France will
not act in such a capacity. But direct
proposals from Japan will be considered.
The general opinion. however. is that just
now IL is impossible for Russia to bow
TO terms, even moderate ones, rendered
by Japan as conqueror.
A diplomat who holds close relations
with Russia said to the Associated Press
that he did not believe peace was possible,
adding: IF the war is to end II must be
more than peace. II must be a complete
understanding between Russia and Japan,
almost similar 10 an alliance covering the
Far East.
An ordinary peace which might be rup-
tured In a few years would not be salts
factory. Upon the basis OF an equitable
alliance Russia possibly could yield"
The flood of kilograms from abroad
bringing talk OF peace arouses only re-
sentiment In official circles here, and even
many Liberals. who are urgently pressing
the government FOR reforms, aroused by
the dreadful story OF heroism and suffer
ing OF the Port Arthur garrison, declare
emphatically against any cessation OF
hostilities until Russia's honor is vindi-
Gated by a victory at Manchuria.
Equal resentment is aroused by for
eign criticism OF General Stoessel for
blowing UP the ships in the harbor and
destroying the town of Port Arthur when
he could no longer defend them.
Admiration here for the heroic defence
is mingled with wonder how General
Sotessel continued to hide the true con-
dition from the world.