Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-08-09
MODS OF RECOGNITION
 BUT NO HAND SHAKES.
Russians and Japanese Envoys Passed Each Other Rather Stfly-h. Witte and Baron Rosen Did Net Eat in the Main Dining Room-The Weather Was Pleasant But Very Hot-First Session Held.

Portsmouth, N. H., Aug 9.-The day which was to bring the initial meeting of Russian and Japanese peace pleni- potentiaries at the navy yard here, began delightfully."- as far as weather conditions were concerned. The sun rose in clear sky and although there was a prospect of the usual heat or August, there also was promise of re lief in the cool ocean breeze. <
 The members of both the Russian and Japanese missions were early about the hotel and with the exception of NJ. Witte and Baron Rosen, break lasted in the main dining roOm AS several of the Russians were coming out of the dining room this morning they met two of the Japanese entering. They exchanged profound bows, put did not shake hands.
 It was expected at that time that the start would be made for the navy yard, where, by agreement reached yesterday, the first sitting of the com mssioners was to be held at 10 o'clock, would be made at about 9!3O. It was arranged that the plenpoten- tiaries should make the trip ill two large automobiles which had been sent for their use, instead of by launch, which is expected to be the usual method They will be accompanied by several secret service men.
 Upon their arrival at the yard a marine guard will meet them at the gate and escort them to the navy gen. eral store. Several marines will stand on watch just outside the building throughout the time the envoys are in session.
 There were many people waiting on the veranda of the hotel to witness the departure of the enyoys for the navy yard, number having taken places before the breakfast hour.
 With the approach of the hour of meeting the feeling became more pro- nounced than before than an armistice would not be agreed upon until the success of the negotiations was as- sured. The known opposition of Japan to this formality and the hearty sup. port which London is understood to have given Tokio, 1t Is believed. has operated to minimize the wish of the Russians for signed truce. Another cause for their willingness not to press for an armistice at the first meeting is believed to be the recent opposition said to have manifested itself among the Russian forces at the front against peace negotiations. It is felt that to ask them to sign truce might have a bad effect upon their spirits and serve to increase their op. position to the ending of the war.
 It took about half an hour to cover the six miles from the hotel to the navy yard and it was 10:30 when the envoys arrived at the naval stores building, where their sitting was to take place The foreigners attracted no particular attention as they passed through the city to-day.
 At the navy yard the careful ar engagements made by Rear Admiral Mead, the commandant, for excluding all persons not connected with the peace proceedings operated perfectly, every outsider being stopped at the en- trance of the yard.
 After the plenipotentiaries left the hotel for the navy yard this morning Mir Honda, private secretary to Baron Komura, went to the apartments of the Russian mission, where he was re. ceived in the reception room by MT Shipoff, Mir De Plancon and Mr Batch. eff and Mir Berg. Mir Honda said the object of his visit was to discuss the best program for the exchange of cards by the members of the two missions. The short conversation which followed was very cordial and 1t was decided that the cards should either be left al the office or that a secretary from each side should convey them direct to the respective apartments and there be formally received.
 It is noticeable that with each day the members of the two missions are fraternizing more easily and it is nc longer subject for comment when q ing together.
 Whether the meeting this morning will he more than one of organization for the purpose of exchanging creden. tials will probably not he known until the plenipotentiaries return to their hotel Baron komura and M. Witte reiterated tO Third Assistant Secretary Peirce shortly before leaving for the yard today a request that everyone he excluded from the yard throughout the time the envoys are meeting. Even the members of each mission to gain entrance will be required to show passes signed by their chiefs and couniersigned by the comman;.int of fhe yard.
 Had it not been for the fact that automobiles were in waiting for them. Baron KOmura and Mr TakahIra would have gone by launch to the navy yard Baron komura asked Mr Peirce at the hotel about going that way and orders were at once sent for a launch fo he brought to the landing. Baron Esmura. however. seeing his aufomo- bile awaiting. insisted on going in the way that had been arranged.
 Before leaving his hotel this morn Ing. one of the members of the Rus sian mission in a conveTsafion with q | correspondent for the Associated | Press. said:
 T wish you wouli reiterate on be half of ourselves how grateful we are for the courtesieS extended to us si-earl the Mayfower by Captain vTuslow and his officers. Our every want was supplied in fact anticipated q nd the trip on the Mayaower was eD ,oyesi even by those who gre not good eafIotS-
 The Iapanese have slso been pro guse in their expressions of grstisca. fioa for the hospitality teniered them