The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-08-29
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When the peace plenipotentiaries left
for the conference room this morning
there was a recognition on both sides that
the decisive hour in the fate OF the peace
conference had come. Mr.. witte seemed
not In a pleasant franfe OF mind. He
had received new instructions during the
night. reiterating the old. II left him no
leeway. unless the new japanese proposal
met the cars ultimatum. as given TO
President Roosevelt through Ambassador
Meyer (no indemnity. but the cession OF
half OF Sakhalin without money payment
beyond that for the maintenance OF the
Russian prisoners and that involved In
the cession of the Chinese Eastern). he
considered that he had fun authority 20
reject II fatty without reference TO 81.
Petersburg.
Mr.. witte considered that the emperor
had hguratively burned his bridges be-
hind him I'm the replies he had given to
the head OF the American republic.
- TIED HAND AND FOOT.
The emperor having thus committed
himself. Mr. Witte felt himself tied hand
and foot Unless the Japanese proposal
this morning. therefore. came strictly
within his instructions, he will. according
be compelled 10 refuse it. Diplomatically
he would. according to the Russian coun-
sci, have that right. To a proud man
like witte the position was insufferable.
He is playing dogs comedy" he said
90 a friend.
But he Is a man OF passion. a man OF
Inspiration, who acts sometimes upon sud
den impulses and he Is quite capable at
The critical moment OF disregarding the
letter OF his instructions and laying them
at the feet OF his majesty and thus I'm face
OF the world forcing the emperor TO take
the responsibility.
OTHER IMPELLING MOTIVES.
But there were other motives that
might impell him in the other direction.
None knows as well as he the hostility
which exists at court against him. None
knows as well as he that the emperor's
advisers are trying 10 poison his maJesty's
mind against him. None knows as well as
ne that the military party is demanding
q continuation OF the war and that II he
disobeyed the letter OF his Instructions he
knew he would be accused OF temporizing
He would be charged with being willing
90 make peace at any price No plenipo-
tentiary at such a crisis was ever placed
in so difficult a position Court intrigue.
the curse OF Russia, Re again IN play.
Even the members OF his entourage could
not fathom his intentions when he went
- the conference. One OF them said ''lf
you want my opinion Il Is 95 chances out
OF hundred that Mr. Wtte will not even
consider the japanese proposals"
II cannot believe that they will abso-
lutely waive indemnity and not substitute
something I'm lieu thereof. which will in
volve money payment by Russia And |
81 they offer a proposition which again I
arrays Indemnity IN any amount I'm new |
dress, Mr. Witte. | am satisfied will not \
even consider H. He goes 10 the confer |
ence 70 listen 10 what they have 10 say. \
He will take his seat az the conference |
table and SIT silent until they have an 4
ished. That will be the psychological mo- /
ment. Then he will reply. Perhaps ne /
did not himself know when he left the |
hotel this morning what reply he would !
give"
HAS A STRONG CARD
Just before the conference met. the As
sociated Press received an intimation that
Baron Komura held n strong card In re-
serve which would make 81 almsot impos-
siSe for Mr.. witte. no matter how ne
viewed his instructions. 20 reject the sec
ond proposal without submitting it 90 his
emperor.
Should the first proposal be refused. the
Information OF the Associated Press was
that Baron Komura would then play his
last trump-a wholesale proposal 20 arbi-
the conference.
II is hardly conceivable that Mr. witte
would dare 10 refuse TO place before the
author OF The Hague tribunal such a.
proposition. NJ do so would be for him
20 court both for himself and his govern
nent an universal outburst OF denuncia-
ton.
FRANTIC CHEERS.
Mr. witte. accompanied by Baron de
Fosen. came 20 the hotel for luncheon.
There was a wonderful demonstration
upon their arrival great crowd had
collected under the porte cochere of the
annex. where the Russians are quartered.
and when their autOmohile drew up the
air was torn with frantic cheers
Hats were thrown aloft. Mr. Wtte ss
he stepped out of the motor car. seemed
quite overcome. Too full for utterance.
he could only grasp and shake the hands
That were extended 20 him.
Baron Rosen also was equally moved