The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-08-09
Ready for the Meeting.

Portsmouth. N. H., August S.--The Rus sian and Japanese peace missions have submitted themselves to introdtictfon and otherwise to all of the ceremonies of well come and reception on the part of the United States government and the state of New Hampshire, and are tonight on the eve of facing each other for the pur- pose of ending the war in the far east. and If possible consummating a permanent peace between the two great nations.
 Tomorrow they will meet in the naval stores building of the Portsmouth navy yard The Russian plenpotentiaries will examine the credentials and powers which the Emperor of Japan has delegated to Baron Komura and Minister Takahira, and in turn the Japanese plenipotentiaries will scrutinize the powers which the Rus sian Emperor has conferred upon MT. Witte and Baron Rosen.
 May Take Up Armistice.
 The second days session. to take place Thursday or Friday, 1t Is expected will be devoted either to a consideration of the Japanese peace terms or the proposi- tions for an armistice by the Russian envoys. 1t has been estimated that if basis of negotiations for peace is found the actual negotiations will consume something like five weeks time before a treaty will be perfected and signed
 The landing reception of the envoys today was function replete with cere- mony. The dignity of the nations salute was contrasted with the hearty exclama- tons of good will on the part of thou sands of persons who thronged the streets of Portsmouth and surrounded the court house. where Governor McLane pro- nounced his cordial words of welcome.
 The envoys of both Japan and Russia were much affected by the demonstration of the American public. Mr. Witte rode through the business section of the town with his tall silk hat raised above his head in constant acknowledgement of sa- lutes Ambassador Rosen in the same car riage was also uncovered in honor of the cheering crowds In the carriage follow Ing were the two Japanese envoys. and they. too, were not remiss in responding to the hurrahs of the crowds. Three car riages were occupied by each mission. and in the procession through the streets of Portsmouth the Russians and Japanese were given alternate positions. the first. third and fifth carriages were Russian and the second, fourth and sixth Japa- nese.
 Public Vigorously Excluded.
 The public was vigorously excluded from the navy yard where the envoys came ashore. The landngi was effected most expeditiousy and everything moved without the slightest interruption. The Russian suite was proceeding to the breakfast room from the landing when the salute battery announced the landing of the Japanese.
 The euyoys were met at the court house by Third Assistant Secretary of State Perce, who first presented Mir. Witte to Governor McLane and then Baron Ko- mura. The senior Russian presented his suite to the chief executive of New Hampshire. and the Japanese plenipoten- tiary did likewise.
 Governor McLanes formal speech of welcome was responded to by profound bow of both parties. At the conclusion of the ceremonies. the Russians were arranged on the immediate right. The group was then surrounded by the gov- crnors staff and council. and the entire party was photographed.
 Ceremony Was Private.
 No one but the governors staff and United States Senators Burnam and Gall Higher. Representative Subway and As- sistant Secretary Perce were present at the court house function. although crowds surrounded the building. When the Hotel Wentworth was reached short ly after o'clock there was an out burst of applause carried on in good natured rivalry The Russian suite ig- nored the elevator and climbed the stairs to the second floor. The Japanese arrived moppent later and were lifted to their hoo1- -nss though private dining rooms had been, "provided for the plenipotentiaries,
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