Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-23
PEACE PARLEY'S HALT
Alleged Effect Of Count Lams-
dorff's Illness.
NO HITCH DEVELOPED
NEGOTIATIONS, IT rs DECLARED,
WILL SOON BE RESUMED.
Conference Of the President and Secre-
tary Hay-Belief Current in
Diplomatic Circles.
NO HITCH DEVELOPED

IL,
the Russian foreign minister. there has
been a slight check to the negotiations af-
fecting Russia and Japan. 1t is specifically
stated. however, that this does not imply
that there has been any hitch, but simply
that the negotiations have been unavoida-
bly, delayed for the reason given.
President Roosevelt so far has not re-
ceived an answer from Russia to his latest
representations regarding peace. 1t Is be-
lieved that the illness of Count Lamsdorff
may account for this delay
While there is no official announcement on
the subject. the general understanding in
tnat these representations concern an ar
mistice. Count Cassini has had a long talk
with Secretary Hay at the latter's home
put the visit was primarily personal one
and no decision regarding the negotiations
was reached Secretary Hay has number
or cablegramS from Tokyo and ST. Peters,
burg. The President and Secretary Hay
are aware of the wishes of Japan that be-
1ore asserting to an armistice she receive
more definite assurances regarding Russia's
intention. Sir Mortimer Durand, the Brit
ish ambassador, and Baron Speck Won Stern
burg, the German ambassador. will be in
washington by the end of the week.
President Roosevelt and Secretary Hay
had brief talk today about the status
OF the peace negotiations.
Secretary Hay talked to the President
about the situation just before the formal
assembling Of the cabinet today, but the
result of their discussion, IL any definite
result was reached, was not disclosed at
the White House The subject OF the peace
negotiations was not considered at the
cabinet meeting.
Belief in Diplomatic Circles.
In diplomatic circles there is a strong feel
ing that a lively game of diplomacy Is go
ing on which may affect the events of the
next few weeks in positive manner.
{c J1xyo
agreed upon at this time would prove to
the advantage Of Russia. both in Saving
her face" as the Chinese say, and in a
substantial financial way, when the terms
of peace are to be considered
The Japanese are advancing and getting
In position, it is believed, in which they
can deal practically blow of annihiiation
to the army of Russia. There is practically
universal confidence that the next conflict
between the two nations will be enormously
to the disa advantage of Russia, allowing the
the Japanese, If they should SO desire, to
make terms as conquerors.
At the same time there is no desire on
the part Of Russia to play the role of the
and to ask for an armistice 1t
being believed that through diplomacy OF
the most delicate nature she is endeayoring
to have the President hold up his hand and
stop the armies just where they are.
1t is naturally the desire of the President
without wish to throw an advantage one
way or another, to bring the war to close,
which he started to do several weeks ago.
But even his humanitarian Is made to halt
when the question Is considered in view of
its effect on the two powers that are to
treat for terms of peace.
The Point Of Difference.
The only point of difference that is be-
lieved in diplomatic circles to exist is whether
Russia should have the advantage Of merely
to the ending of the war or
tbQr he CHI Mo
position of practically suing for peace
The Japanese minister did not return to
the city today, but he Is expected back this
afternoon or evening. But it is believed
that the question of the manner for having
the request for an armistice made is prac-
tically an international one. The advantage
OF Japan or Russia In the settlement of
terms of peace goes beyond the interests of
those countries For that reason there are
several governments that feel a personal
selfish interest in seeing whether Russia
makes terms of peace as vanquished ma
ton or merely in the role of a nation desir-
ing to avoid the horrors of war.
Recent Representations to Russia.
It is expected that within day or two
there will be developments. 1t was said
today that President Roosevelt had made
some recent representations to the Russian
government, but the nature of the commu-
nications he has sent have not been dis
closed. 1t is believed that the President is
now endeavoring to fix a date for the meet
ing of the peace plenipotentiaries.
Both japan and Russia have signified
their willingness to meet early in August,
but no date has yet been fixed. It is known
definitely that the Russian and Japanese
governments are now selecting the pleni-
potentiaries which will meet In Washing
ton to discuss the terms of peace, but 1t
cannot be learned that either of the gov
ernments has made known the personnel
of the mission which will come here. When
ever either country makes known to the
President the identity of the plenipoten-
tiaries he will Immediately transmit the
names to the other government for apprO
val. 1t is possible that something of this
sort is now being done.
Mr.. Hay and Count Cassini discussed the
peace question thoroughly yesterday, going
over every phase of the situation. Secre-
tary Hay, 1t is understood, pointed out to
Count Cassini that it was not to the in
terests of either Japan or Russia to go on
fighting when peace is in sight. The Presi-
dent has expressed the same view, but it
seems doubtful that his suggestions of an
armistice will bear fruit. as neither govern
ment seems willing to have a cessation of
hostilities until after the plenipotentiaries
have organized. A few days ago the Japa-
nese attitude was in favor of an armistice
after the plenipotentiarles met, when 1t
would be better shown that the Russian
government really intends to end the war.