The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-23

efforts for three ends to induce Nlchoias
70 retain the Crown, to make an early peace
and TO maintain the autocraoy with the
fewest possible concessions to the popular
demands.
There Ia no man living OF moro masterful
personality than the German Lmleior.
Those who know both men have small
doubt as to what will Re the result OF to-
morrow's interview, which will certainly
be Of greater historic i'm ortance than any
modern meeting of Monarchs. The imag-
nation, indeed. Is staggered by its POSSIBLE
CONSEQUENCES. It will be interesting to
know what was It's INCEPTION The SUMS
correspondent at st. Petersburg wires
that It is due to the Kniser's initiative
THE SUNS Berlin corresr ondent on the
other hand, says it is of the Cars seeking.
Is It the last desperate resort Of dis
traotsd monarch who feels the throne
tottering beneath him and longs to escare
With his life or is It preliminary to another
sreat move In world politics by the master
mind who let's slip no opportunity for the
Acknowledgement Of the German EmpireY
While We await the answer TO these fateful
questions we may turn to the less pressing
matter Of the impending peace conference
HITTE's REAL tIxws ON THE WAR
An unfavorable impression has been
created by NJ, Whites declaration regard
ing Russia's peace attitude. The sole in
terpretation put upon IL Is that 1t Is dis
heartened piece Of bluf intended to alarm
Tokio. The Spectator justly remarks to-day
that NJ. Witte, like all other Russians, cannot
quite. rid himself OF the idea that he is adj
dressing interiors and that 1t is well to
begin with covert but perccptible menace.
It Is not wise way Of beginning and II
will somewhat shake confidence IN NJ
Whites capacity. He forgets that loklo
IL as proud az St. Petersburg. Does NJ
Witte, after all recent experience imagine
that Japanese diplomacy is i'll intormed'
The tone Of his interview seems to indicate
that half comprehension OF ones enemy
which is always the greatest obstacle to
successful negotiation.
Much more interesting and important
than Ibis ,insincere pronunciamento ID
an article which M. Witte wrote before he
was selected as peace plenipotentlary and
which Is published this week anonymously
in tho Revue de Paris THE SUNS oorrcs-
spondent has authoritative information
that NJ. Witts is the author Of the article.
The writer disoloses project for con-
vention which was proposed by Japan
to Russia in Jply, 1903. and which hitherto
has been kept secret. In the project
the two countries bound themselves to
respect the independence and integrity
OF China end Corea and to maintain the
princtple Of equal opportunity for the trade
and industry Of all nations. They also
bound themselves to recognition Of
Japanese interests in Corea and the special
interest Of Russia for railway enterprises
q Manchuria.
Clause 8 provided for the free develop
rnent of the trade of both countries in Corea
and Manchuria respectively, with a promise
from Russia not to put obstacles IN the
way Of the eventual extension of the Corean
railway as far as southern ManchuIia
Russia by clause recogr lied as the
exclusive right of the Japanese the Civ
ing OF advice and assistance to the Coreails
In tho interest Of the good government OF
that country, necessary military aid being
included.
In 1895 it was Russia who put herself
forward as the champion of the integrity
Of China against Japan. In 1908 Japan
becomes the defender of China against
Russia But between these two dates Rus
sia's policy has been completely reversed.
She had taken over Port Arthur and had
u6cQ " CNuCbapC
KAIsER's SHARE IN CHINESE GRABS.
The cause Of the occupation Of Port
Arthur, an act which was contrary to the
spirit and letter of the treaty Of 1895. is
thus explained:
A little more than a year after the sign
ing Of this treaty the German Emperor
went 10 Russia. After a review which was
given In his honor and as the two Emperors
were driving back alone to the palace En-
peror William suddenly said to the CzaI
that he hoped the latter would see no OBJ
lection to q German fleet going to Kao-
chau to avenge the murder of some Ger
man missionaries and he added that he
on his part would willingly see Russia es-
tablish herself at Port Arthur. The Gear
who was taken una wares, replied court
oously without giving his formal assent
to the proposal, but the tenor of his re.
ply was rather favorable than the reverse
The arrival Of the sovereigns at the palace
cut short the conversation.
Imrnediately upon his return to Berlir
the Kaiser despatched German fleet te
Kiao-chau NJ Muraveff was then Russian
Minister of Foreign Affairs. Cabine,
council was held early in November, al
which besides the Gar and this mister
there were present M. Vannovski, Minister
OF War, NJ, sTyrtaG. Minister. OF Marine
and NJ Witte.
The. writer Of the article in the Reru
de Paris gives q succinct account Of thu
deliberations, in which NJ Witte in oppos
ing the advice of Al. Muravief to initiate
the Germans by occupying Talienwai
and Port Arthur urged that the treat!
with China rendered such action impossible
Moreover, he said. Russia ought to do he
best to induce Germany to evacuate Kiao
chau. In any case, said M. Witte, tn
occupation Of Port Arthur would com
promise Russias Asiatic prestige, which
was based p4 traditional friendship wit
China. Such a change of policy would
he urged, be disastrous. for it was aggres
NJ. Murav;ei's views, however, pre-
vailed. A heet was sent to Port Arthu
on the pretext of protecting China, wh'
for three months of painful negotiation