The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1905-08-28

Continued from page one
Portsmouth. N. H., Aug. 8.-The peace
conference is likened TO n dying man
kept alive by oxygen administered by
President Roosevelt. Yet no actual evil
dence can be obtained here that the presi
dent has made a new appeal 10 the en-
peror OF Japan What may have been
only slip of the tongue OF Mr.. Witte
was so interpreted. Speaking of the final |
decision OF the Toxic government, he re-
marked on the 14-hour difference OF time
between Oyster Bay and Toxic, and then
hastily corrected himself and said New
York and Toxic" Certainly the president
has not Initiated new representations. Tho
emperors reply 10 Ambassador Meyer
was of such a nature TO preclude tenta-
tive echo In that direction at this stage.
MIGHT BRING REBUFF
A way might be open. but for the mo-
ment TO offer new advlces I'm the face OF
what practically amounted TO an ultima
tum from the czar. on the subject of In
demnity might court n rebuff. New
representations at Toxic alone would |
perhaps be In accordance with the presi- |
dents role. At least II would constitute
a change is his attitude. Heretofore he
has not acted as mediator. but as the head
OF a state friendly 10 both parties. tender
ing his good offices and friendly advice |
impartially and simultaneously TO both.
The president took good care that this /
should distinctly be understood. Some |
promise he suggested TO Peterhot, he sug-
gested simultaneously 60 Toxic. II would
seem more probable therefore that the
president had not attempted 20 influence
directly the question OF Japans response
10 the fat refusal of Russia 20 pay any
thing in the shape OF indemnity. All eyes
turn 10 Toxic where the momentons- -a1es-
tion is being and indeed perhaps already
has been decided The action of the meet
ing OF cabinet and elder statesmen this
morning was awaited with feverist ankle
~.
WITTE SCEPTICAL.
Mr.. witte frankly expresses scepticisn
OF the effect OF any new proposal Japan
may be able 10 offer. He does not believe
Japan will withdraw entirely her de-
mand for Reimbursement OF the expenses
OF the war and to scale IL down or at
tempt 10 disguise IL In another form. He
declares would not change the situation.
Minister Takahira is quoted as having
replied In the negative when asked
whether any modification OF the japanese
proposal would touch the question of I'm
demnity. But such a response may only
have been technical. A clear road out OF
the embroglio by which Japan could OBJ
tain a large sum and Russia stand by
her present declaration can be discerned
withdraw the prices she places upon the
redemption OF the northern half OF the
island and place II upon q basis for In
stance, such as the president suggested.
Of determination by n mixed commission.
DE FACrO POSSESSION
Acceptance by Russia would I'm turn in
volve St Petersburg government But
with indemnity as a stumbling block
would be out OF the way and pressure
could properly be put on Emperor Nicho-
las. NJ. Witte personally. II is believed
sympa thizes with such n solution and !
would not be averse 60 n general redemp- !
ton as he recognizes the de facto pos |
session OF the island by Japan and her /
claim TO reimbursement for It's relinqush-
ment
II the meeting today OF the Toxic cabi- |
net and elder statesmen and the emperor |
sanction such new proposal as thore Is
reason 10 believe II will the proposltio.
would seem 20 be so fair that Emperor
Nicholas could not refuse without assum-
ing before the world the responsibility
of continuing the war.
In twinkling should Japan now ab.
bolutely withdraw her bill for "the cost
OF the war tho basis OF an accord may
be reached. one of the chief remaining
dangers would undoubtedly be n false
gauging at ST. Petersburg OF Japan's at
tituds. The conciliatory spirit Japan dis.
pihyeu III Nor compromise proposals fol-
lowed Wednesday Is now emphasized by
still further recession is apt 20 10 ,n- 4
terpreted Al St Petersburg as "a symp- .
tom OF great weakness and might only I
serve 10 make the emperor and his nd /
v'sors at Peterhof moro obturate But
with such a proposition before him NJ
White could once more assert himself and
throw his own masterful personality into
the scale.
St Petersburg. Aug 2s.-The syiet to-
day says:
''The japanese conditions for peace
would only be acceptable AZ a japanese
feet was threatening ST Petersburg and
a japanese army was occupying Mos-
COW.
RUSSIA will not bow 20 the Japaucse
yoke TO fulfill President RoOseveits de-
sire 90 guarantee the American creditors
OF Japan and 20 cover himself With glory
as a poacemaker. Japan needing peace
seeks 10 through the Intermediary or her
friend, President Roosevelt. and makes
exorbitant demands while the president
is striving strictly 90 secure the consent
OF Russia.
From the long and fruitless negotla- |
tions II would seem we are on the eve of /
what Russia has long desired great /
battle between General LineWitqh and I
Field Marshal Oyama"
AGREEABLE sURPRIsELooKED FOR
Paris. Aug $3.50 p m.-Diplomats and |
officials today In discussing the prospects
% Portsmouth y r.. displayed evident
anxiety. Nevertheless, despite the un-