Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-27
Nicholas Puts Peace Up to
the Mikado.
WILL PAY NO FUNDS
MEYER TRANSMITS ULTIMATUM
TO PRESIDENT.
Rather Fight Than Give Up Money
st. Petersburg Says Efforts
Are Futile.


Petersburg stage and the center of interest
In the peace negotiations between Russia
and Japan has been transferred to Ports
mouth. Emperor Nicholas. after carefully
weighing the consequences of his act, has
said his last words. Russia will make no
whatsoever. and unless Japan accedes to
President Roosevelt's effort to effect q
compromise between Russia and Japan his
efforts will have proved unavailing.
Mr.. Meyer, the American ambassador.
yesterday informed President Roosevelt Of
Russia's ultimatum. She agrees to cede
half Of the Island of Saghalin ana to pay
to Japan for the maintenance of prisoners
Of war; but nothing more. Russia declares
that she has met Japan more than half
way and has proved to the world the sim
certify OF her desire for peace. but that she
had rather fight than pay an indemnity.
On this point Russia has not changed her
opinion one hairs breadth.
Efforts Toward Settlement.
Saturday morning Mr.. Meyer received his
latest communication from President
Roosevelt. and as a result called on Foreign
Minister Lamsdorn later in the day. What
final proposal was contained in President
Roosevelts communication 1t was impos-
sible to learn accurately. but there Is rea-
son to believe 1t suggested a compromise
on the basis of Russia paying Japan for
Saghalin. Russia's final answer was COM
municated to Ambassador Meyer. who at
once informed the President.
No stone was left unturned and no effort
was spared here to secure a settlement.
President Roosevelt carried On his hegotia-
tions with Emperor Nicholas with great en-
ergy and showed himself to be rich In ex-
pedient. All his communications with the
emperor were made directly through the
American embassy. and Mr.. Meyer con-
Quoted the extremely difficult and delicate
negotiations with great tact and ability.
and won the high esteem Of the Russian
authorities for his careful and skillful han
ding of these weighty matters. and also
received the warm commentator of his
fellow-members of the diplomatic corps.
But One Obstacle Remains.
Every single obstacle save one standing
In the way of the signing of peace treaty
at Portsmouth was overcome. In the mat
ter Of financial contribution Russia's
answer was a firm and persistent refusal;
and there Is excellent authority for the
statement that II the Portsmouth negotia-
tons fail it will be solely on the question
Of money.
The question of the cession of Sakhaln
was arranged satisfactorily. according to a
well-informed authority here. who declared
yesterday that Mr.. Meyer. during his in
terview Of Wednesday with the emperor.
succeeded in persuading his majesty to
agree to a division Of the island.
Supported by the People.
In his determination not to pay an in
demnity Emperor Nicholas believes he has
all Of Russia at his back.
There are many excellent reasons for
his believing this Is so. particularly the
fact that since the beginning Of the dis
cussion of the Japanese terms not one
voice has been heard in Russia that even
suggested the conclusion of peace on the
basis of financial contribution The pay
ment of indemnity would inflict a
financial burden upon the entire Russian
people, increase discomfort and conse-
quently threaten the vital interests of
the empire.
This undoubtedly was the powerful rea-
son that impelled the emperor to make his
decision with regard to the payment of an
Indemnity. Another reason advanced was
tnat a HnanCiai contribution WOulO give TO
Japan the wherewithal to menace Russia
with armies and fleets. Russia does not
believe that a lasting peace could result
from a settlement which would permit
Japan assuming this attitude.
Russia Will Not Compromise.
If 1t Is fact that President Roosevelt's
efforts to persuade Russia to effect a COM
promise have failed and Russas attitude
leaves practically no room to doubt that
this is so, peace still depends upon Japan
foregoing indemnity.
In this connection well-informed dlplo-
mat said to the Associated Press yesterday:
'If Japan refuses to forego indemnity and
make peace she will place herself on rec
ord before the world as being more de-
srous for money than for the lives of many
thousands of her sons. Should the war
continue I believe that its final settlement.
whenever that comes. will find Russia just
as determined not to pay financial in
demnity she is today