New-York tribune., 1905-08-29
". WITTE PROVES SKILL.
Attempt to Lay Onus of Breaking
Negotiations on Japan.
lBv The Associated PressN

Portsmouth. y. H, Aug 2S.-Baron Kornura,
acting upon instructions received from Toxic
as a result of to-day's meeting of the Cabinet
and Elder Statesmen. under the direct presi-
dency Of the Emperor. win submit tomorrow
morning to NJ. Witte new basis of cOmpro-
mise. and that compromise, it is firmly believed
tonight viii insure peace. The revelation con
taiped in the announcement to-day that Japan
had already informed Emperor Nicholas through
President Roosevelt that Japan was ready to
waive the question of indemnity and submit the
price to be paid for the northern half Of Sag
halen to the Judgment OF a mixed commission
but prepared the way for Japan's backdowp on
the main issue
The announcement had met with denials high
and low 1t was declared to be impossible, in
credible. The japanese declined to admit II. and
the Russians said that they had no confrma-
ton NJ Witte intimated strongly that 81.
Petersburg had not apprised him OF any such
action by the President There was even a dis
position to ridicule the idea OF arbitrating the
price of half the island. Nevertheless. all
hands it was admitted that If japan took this
position. the ground was cut from under En-
peror Nicholas
n Witte, by consummate skill In conceding all
the demands of Japan involving the real issues
of the war had manceuvred his adversaries into
a position where. unless they abandoned the
claim for indemnity, they could be held re-
sponsble for continuing the war for money. Ths
japanese, by now foregoing the demand for In
demnity. practically turn the tables on the Rus
SLAMS and shift the burden back TO their
shoulders. if they do not consent to submit
minor issue 10 the impartial judgment OF tri-
bunaL
NJ Witte pubIically dlssents vigorously from
the proposition and there viii still be struggle
. 70 49,
formally to renOunce all claims for direct or
indirect compensation for the expenses OF the
war the big stumbling block to peace is out OF
the way Everything viii depend the form
in which the proposal is submitted should the
renunciation be so coupled with the other propo-
sition that Russia could claim it was still only
a disguised demand for tribute. the gulf might
be narrowed. not bridged-
All the private advices that reach the Russian
mission from ST. Petersburg indicate that the
military party is bellicose tnsistent that Line
witch have a chance, and active IN its insist
ence that negotiations be broken off, NJ Witts
feels the pressure Of this sentiment. and a.
man of ambition he may not feel that he can
afford to lay himself open to the charge that he
is temporizing with the situation.
He has power under his instructions to reject
out OF hand any proposition involving the pay
rnent Of a kopeck OF tribute. He need not con-
sult his imperial master. He is a man OF In
spiration and he is quite capable, if the japanese
proposition savors stin of blood money. OF
refusing even to accept IT for transmission 10
st. Petersburg. But such a reckless stroke II
not expected. Mr.. Witte knows that public
opinion. both in America and in Europe, as vel
as in Russia would condemn him II he broke
off the negotiations just as the way was opened
for a possible accord
While. apparently the real negotiations lead
ing up to to-day's denousment were eonducted
by the President at Oyster Bay. acting througo
Baron Kaneko on the one hand and Ani-assa-
dor Meyer on the other. it is now believed tha'
-,,,ob has been gong on beneath the surface
here.
some Of the Japanese correspondents were
greatly excited tonight over the reports that
the Toxic government had surrendered on ths