The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-06-02

ST. Petersburg, May 31.-5:35 D. m.-
The seriousness of the situation Great
ed by the complete destruction of the
Russian fleet seams to be fully reaIiz-
ed at Tsarko Se;o where the Emperor
has assembled practically all the mem
bers of the imperial family to decide
upon the course to pursue. A series
OF conferences were proceeding which
will determine not only the question
of peace but whether it is advisable
to yield to the popular demand for
the immediate ccnvocation of a nat
ional assembly. Some of the mem
bers of the imperial family areun1er-
stood to be urging the Emperor TO re-
trieve the situation by making common
cause with the people against the ou-
reaucracy. The Emperor has decided
to send his brother Grand Duke Mi
chawl to attend .he marriage of Crown
Prince Frederick William of Germany
instead of his uncle Grand Duke Vlad-
imir whose moro mature judgment and
advice the Emperro regards as very
important in the present crisis.
This afternoon theEmperor summon
ed Admiral Alexieff and all the MN
listers to an extraordinary council
This was Foreign Minister Lamsdortfs S
regular day for receiving the foreign
representatives and when he got the
imperial command he hastily sent the
representatives q notification that he
could not receive them.
The Associated Press was informed
that all the ministers with the excep-
ton of the ministers of war and marine
unanimously favor the conclusion of
peace
No trouble is anticipated in meeting
the payment of IN indemnity as finan-
ciers who were not willing to lend non-
ey for a continuation of the war are
ready to accommodate Russia it money
is needed for the purpose of conclud-
ing peace.
In view of possible demonstrations,
three regiments, which were at the
summer camp at Krasnoye-Selo :16
miles southwest Of ST. Petersbtrg)
have been hurriedly brought back TO
st. Petersburg.
Washington, May 31.-While the
President has discussed Informally the
subject of peace negotiations with
members of the cabinet and with some
representatives of foreign govern
ments at this capital, and, in the near
future, probably will take up the mat
ter with others, it can be said author
itatively, that no definite steps toward
ro1z hxy &c
government. That such steps may be
taken is regarded as quite likely, but
whatever action may be taken will Ge-
pend upon information not yet in hand.
That a concerted effcrt on the part of
several important powers, includiag the
United States, to bring about cessa-
ton of hostilities in the Far East may
be made soon is reasonably certain.
The result Of such an effort is quite
another matter It is regarded as too
soon yet, after the great naval battle.
for Russia to determine upon a def
mite course of action. At least until
the st. Petersburg government shall
have indicated what its desires may he
the probabilities are regarded as favor
able only to an informal discussion Of
peace.
ST. Petersburg, June 1.-3:20 a. NJ
Whether peace or the continuance Of
the war will be the result of yesrec-
days all important conference be-
tween the Emperor and his ministers
at Tsarkoe Selo hangs in doubt the
ministers who returned to ST. Peters
burg late at night preserving cautious
retirence over the proceedings of the
council as far as the attitude of the
Emperor is concerned. Prince Obolan-
sky, who had an audience yesterday
with his majesty found him resolutely
determined on the prosecution of the
war
Various rumors as to the results OF
the council are current, all agreeing,
however, that continuance of the war
was the first question taken up,
whereupon the peace party offered a
strong line of argument which was SUD-
plemented, it is said. by dispatch