The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1905-03-30
JAPS' TERMS
ARE HARD
Places Her indemnity Figures
at $500, 100000
IT STAGGERS RUSSIA
And is the Principal Stumbling
Block in the Way Of Peace
Negotiations
IT STAGGERS RUSSIA

ST. PETERSBURG, March 30. -
Trustworthy reports from Georgia,
Russian Transcaucasla, say that the
insurrectionary movement Is growing
In the mountainous districts. 1t is add
ed that the authorities have been de-
posed, that a provisional government
has been proclaimed and that the
troops decline TO carry out the orders
given them.
At Batum, Erivan and Kars anarchy
prevails and business is at stand
still.
The Novoe Vremya, supposed TO be
the official organ Of the Russian gov
! eminent, for the first time has admit
ted the possibility of negotiations for
peace, commenting on the efforts OF
the British and French press to prove
that peace is advisable both for Rus
| sla and Japan. The Novoe Nremya de-
clares that the payment of Indemnity
J by Russia is utterly out of ques-
ton, as it would be contribution
tending 10 build up the strength of
I Japan, and that Japan is not in a po-
sition to claim Indemnity.
Equally important news is that col
umn Of Japanese is moving against
( Kirin. perhaps with the intention Of
turning The position eastward and
striking at the Nladiyostok line Of com
| nunicaton. with the double purpose of
lsolating the fortress and separating
General Linevitch's army from a val
liable base of supplies. the Ussuri dis
! trict.
St Petersburg dispatches this morn
Ing say that officially the authorities
continue to deny stoutly that Russia
| has made any proposals TO Japan. This
Is literally true as Russia has only
made known the negative conditions,
leaving the intermediary TO convey
bility TO Japan.
In spite of the general inclination in
favor of conclusion of the war Russia
has not proposed any peace conditions
nor prepared any such conditions.
1t is asserted that Japan has permit
ted Russia to learn that the peace con-
ditions will be severely rigorous and
will not be responsive TO the recent
sentimental appeal 20 Japan's mag
nanimity.
In particular 1t is said that Japan's
indemnity figure is $500, ,000and that
| this stupendous sum has proved to be
so staggering to Russian diplomacy
that 1t Is the chief cause why the peace
prellmlnaries do not advance TO de-
clsive stage.
There is good authority for the state
ment that France is diligently striving
to end the war. and for six weeks past
negotiations of the most confidential
character have been in progress be-
tween Paris and st. Petersburg. Even
diplomats Of the highest rank have fail
ed to obtain from NJ. Delcasse. the
| French foreign minister, the results of
these negotiations, but 1t can be an
nounced on the same authority that
Count Lamsdorff the Russian minister
| for foreign affairs has within week
admitted that he had in general way,
outlined to NJ. Delcasse the general
terms along which Russia might con-
sent to consider peace.
Advices tell Of the fear prevalent In
certain quarters that the activities Of
| Lamsdorff and Delcasse are directed
| toward an international conference to
be held in some neutral European cap
ital, such as Stockholm, where peace
| negotiations might be conducted. 1t Is
said that this move had in measure
been blocked by the refusal of Japan
to give any indication as to the peace
terms she would accept until positive
| ly assured In the name of the car
himself that Russia is prepared to ne
gotiate In good faith for peace. Not
only does Japan insist upon this as
surance, 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 Ia
| strong that successful peace negotia-
tons will date from the day St Peters
burg communicates with Tokyo direct.
The powers are alertly watching for
the opportunity to assist Russia and
Japan In getting into diplomatic COM
| municaton. -.