The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-06-15
That a Billion Dollars Is Too
Big an Indemnity.
RUSSIA CAN'T PAY 1T.
Without Becoming Bankrupt
and Disturbing Finance.
Washington Still in Favor as a
Meeting Place.

Washington, June 15.-Pressure is
being brought to bear upon Japan to
induce her to fix the sum she will de-
mand as an indemnity for the pending
war at as low a figure in cash as pos
sfble in the circumstances. This pres
sure is being exerted especially by
European governments but President
Roosevelt, it is intimated in an impOr-
tant quarter, also has advised the
japanese government that moderation
in her demand for a cash indemnity
not only would facilitate the negotia-
tons of peace terms but would be re-
garded by the powers with particular
favor The payment by Russia of
any such cash indemnity as a billion
dollars not only would embarrass seri-
ously the st. Petersburg government
but probably would disturb the
finances of the entire world. Indeed,
it has been suggested that such a pay
uents to all ntents and purposes,
might render Russia a practical bank
1upL The opinions and views Of the
United States and other powers on
this subject have been permitted to
reach the principal advisers of the
Japanese emperor.
such discussion of the question of
cash indemnity as has occurred has
been merely suggestive of conditions
#nen she shall formulate her peace
terms. Thus far the Japanese gov
eminent has refrained from indica ting
the precise form of her terms as il IS
not her purpose, naturally, to forearm
me SHreWd and powerful antagonist
mich she is to meet on the field of
diplomacy.
During the past ten days President
Roosevelt has had conferences with
Baron kanekO, the japanese financial
agent in the United States. Baron
AanekO is one of the most eminent of
oriental hnanCiers- Both in this coun-
try and in Europe, since the war be-
gan, he has been of i0eStirna ble service
to his emperor in the negotiation Of
loans and watching all Of the financial
phases of the conflict. In him japan
repOses implicit confidence in allmatters
pertaining to the fiscal policy of the
empire He is competent to speak bv
authority on all subjects relating to
Japan's finances. For this reason he
was consulted by the president His
conference with the president at the
White House yesterday, there is reason
to believe, concerned the subject of
Japan's cash demands upon Russia.
Such advice as he might give to his
government as to the cash indemnify
undoubtedly would receive the deepest
consideration and, very likely, might be
followed
Washington May Get 1t.
No decision has yet been reached as
to the place Of holding the peace con
ference The impression is srroyy-ins
that Washington is likely to be the cifV
finally selected. although both The
Hague and Geneva are under consider
alton. There is reason to believe that
President Roosevelt while he MIGHT
favor Washington for sentimental rea-
sons, would prefer that the conference
be held elsewhere.
It is expected, however that the Rus
sian and Japanese governments will de-
v1T1 Of
without outside assistance. although
suggestions from time to time may bs
offered either by the United States OF
by any other power on friendly term,
with either Russia or Japan 1t /.
known that one diplomatic representa-
tive at this capital has pressed upo1
both Count Cassini and Minister Taxa
hira the desirability Of The Hague
The time of the conference. while no
go important as the place, is of concern
especially to diplomasts. A mid
summer conference anywhere is not re
Earded with entirely pleasurable antiC
1patiOns. it is pointed out, however
that the proposed conference is scarce
~ likely to be convened before the mid
die of August and perhaps not until
later date. 1t may be July l. possibI
a little later before the arrangement
for the meeting OF the pIenipotentiarie
are finally completed.
Therefore. Russia and Japan ar
moving with the utmost delfberatiou
for the game Of diplomacy now beinl
played is of even greater importance
to each government than are tn
movements of the armies of the bat
tie field.
After the completion of the prelini
nary arrangements, the plenipoten
tiaries must proceed to the pIac
agreed on FOR the conference. Should
Washington or some European capita
have been selected, It viii require q