The San Francisco call., 1905-06-16
First Obstacle to War s
Ending Removed by
Belligerents.
Protocol and Armistice
Will Precede the
Negotiations.


potentiaries of Russia and Japan for
treaty of peace. The choice of Washing
ton as the location of the peace con-
ference marks another step forward In
the negotiations toward ultimate peace
in the movement instituted by President
Roosevelt.
Oficial announcement of the selection
of Washington was made by Secretary
Loeb at the White House as follows:
when the two Governments were un-
able to agree upon either Chefu or Paris
the President suggested The Hague, but
both Governments have now requested
that Washington be chosen as the place
of meeting and the President has ac-
cordingly formally notified both Govern
ments that Washington will be so Sc
lected.'
This statement was supplemented short
ly afterward by a semi-off1cial announce
ment that, 'after meeting and organizing,
the plenipotentiaries of the two Govern
ments, If it should be found to be uncom-
fortably hot in Washington may adjourn
the meeting 10 some summer resort in the
North and there continue their sittings
until such time as the weather in Wash
ington shall be more comfortable
JAPAN vETOEs EUROPEAN CAPITAL
Now that some of the details of the
more than two weeks are known, the Sc
lection of Washington is regarded as the
only solution of the problem presented to
the belligerent Governments. After the
acceptance by Russia and japan of Presi-
dent Roosevelt's proposition that they
consent TO consider the question of peace
Russia indicated Paris as the most desir
able place for the meeting to negotiate
a treaty and Japan indicated Chefu.
u, 81 oferl,+
hours.
Finally Japan declined to consider Paris.
for obvious reasons, and Russia objected
to the holding of the conference in any
oriental city. Washington then was sug-
gested as a place at which the belliger-
ents could meet on common ground, un-
disturbed by either political or personal
influences.
AS a means of facilitating the negotia-
tions the President suggested that the
conference be held at The Hague the
seat of the international and the location
of the first general arbitration conference,
called at the instance of Emperor
Nicholas of Russia. He indicated that
for both practical and sentimental rea-
sons. The Hague would be most desir-
able place of meeting for the plenipo-
tentiaries.
Further consideration of the subject de-
veloped the unalterable objection of
Japan TO any European capital as d seat
for the conference. She objected par
ticulaTly TO The Hague, believing it was
too far within the sphere of Russian in
fuence. and for a similar reason she de-
clined favorably to consider Geneva. I'm
I'll to-day. however. Japan's irreeoncilable
opposition to the selection of any Eur
opean capital was not known definitely.
At a conference which Takahira. the Jap
anese Minister hadtwith President Roose-
welt to-day he conveyed to the President
the japanese Governments final refusal
to consent to the holding of the confer
ence IN Europe
This refusal was communicated by
President Roosevelt to the Russian EN-
bassador and likewise cabled to St.
Petersburg.
WILL HASTEN NEGOTIATIONS.
In view of the selection of the seat of
the conference 1t is expected that. within
a few days AT most Russia and Japan
will announce formally the names of their
respective plenipotentiaries and an agree
ment will be reached as 10 the time of
holding the conference.
1t is indicated, however, that the pro
posed conference is scarcely likely to be
convened before the middle OF August
and perhaps not until a later date II
may be July /. possibly a little later be-
fore the arrangement for the meeting of
the plenipotentiaries are finally accepted.
Both Russia and Japan are moving with
the utmost deliberations, for the game
OF diplomacy now being played is of even
greater Importance to each Government
than are the movements of the armies on
the battlefelds. 1t will require at least
a month for the negotiators of the two
! Governments, with their respective staffs,
TO come together. the distance from Japan
being so great that a shorter time scarcely
could be allowed.
Prior to the formal assembling of the
conference ii is probable, if precedent be
followed, that a peace protocol will be
negotiated. The making of the potocol
will take place before the declaration OF
a formal armistice.
JAPAN URGED TO BE MODERATE
Pressure is being brought to bear upon
Japan to induce the Emperor to fix the
sum he will demand as an indemnity for
| the pending war at as low a figure In
cash as possible in the circumstances
This pressure Is being exerted especially
by European Governments. but President
Roosevelt, il is intimated in diplomatic
quarters also has advised the japanese
Government that moderation in her de-
mand for a cash indemnity not only
would facilitate the negotiations of peace
terms but would be regarded by the pow
ers with particular favor.
The payment by Russia of any such
cash indemnity as a billion dollars moi
only would embarrass seriously the ST
Petersburg Government but probabl,
would disturb the finances of the entire
Western world. Indeed. ii has been sug-
gested that such a payment, to all in.
tents and purposes might render Russia
practically bankrupt. The opinions anc
views of the United States and other pow.
ers on this subject have been permitted
to, reach personal advisers of the Japa-
nese empire.
1t is well understood that the japanese
Government will not make known prior
TO the assembling of the plenipotentiarie.
the terms upon which she is willing Il
conclude peace. The Mikado is said Il
desire that when peace is secured IL shall
be coupled with reasonable assurances O.
its permanency. Among well informed
diplomatists 1t is deemed probable tha
Japan's terms, once they are stated will
] h. I'd dad ~ ha u0rI6 Ill