The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-03-30
No IntimatiOn 10 United States
That He Wants Peace
UNCLE SAM is NOT SELFISH
But This Country Thinks Japan and
Russia Should Negotiate Direct
and Avoid an International
Conference.

Washington, March 29.-Neither Russia
nor Japan have asked President Roosevelt
to assist them in ending the war So far
as the Washington government is aware
Emperor Nicholas has not vet weakened
in his announced decision ito prosecute
the war to the bitter end"
The genuine wish of this government for
peace in the far east Is not based upon
selfish interests. American fnanciers have
not overloaded themselves with the bonds
of either of The belligerents. Washington
believes that it is to the advantage of
both belligerents that the far eastern war
come to a speedy end, and anything that
this government can do to bring that
Gbout will be done gladly. From the out
set of the war the President has taken
the position as has been repeatedly an
rounced by Secretary Hay hat he will do
anything IN his power to assist Russia
and Japan TO a peace basis when mis- SER
vices should be acceptable to the bellie-
erents. But it is authortively stated that
no official OF the Washington government
is ambitious to pose as the mediator
between the Gear and Mikado.
Should Negotiate Direct.
1t Is the feeling that Russia and Japan
should negotiate respectively and avoid
an international conference. Indeed Japan
has recently received an urgent warning
against indirect negotiations lest they lead
to an international conference, the results
of which might prove disastrous to the
interests of both belligerents.
There is authority for the statement
that France is diligently striving to end
the war and for six weeks past negotia-
tions of the most confidential character
have been In progress between Paris and
St Petersburg Even diplomats of the
highest rank have failed to obtain from
M Delcasse the Fren minister, the
results of these negotiations. But~it can
be announced on the same authority
that Count Lamsdorff, the Russian min
lister for foreign affairs has within the
week admitted Le had in a general way
outlined to M. Delcasse the geenral terms
along which Russia might consent to
consider peace.
Fear international Conference.
Advices from Europe tell of the fear
prevalent there in certain quarters that
the activities of Lamsdorff and Delcasse
are directed toward an international con-
ference to be held in some neutral Euro
pean capital such as Stockholm, where
peace negotiations might be conducted.
1t is said that this move has been, in
a measure, blocked by the refusal of
Japan to give any indications as to peace
terms she would accept until positively
assured in the name OF the Car himself
that Russia is prepared to negotiate in
good faith for peace. Not only does Ja-
pan insist upon this assurance, but she
prefers to negotiate directly with St
Petersburg
With the United States, Germany and
Japan opposed to an international con-
ference to end the war. the belief Is
strong in Washington that successful
peace negotiations will date from the day
st. Petersburg communicates with Toxic
direct. The Washington government is
alertly watching for the opportunity to
assist Russia and Japan in getting into
diplomatic communication. Thus would
an international conference be avoided
and the United States would be In a bet
ter position to insist upon the mainten-
ance of the integrity and administrative
entity of China. No NEGOTIATIONS involv-
ing an attack upon this principle can
be acquiesced by the United States.