The Washington times., 1905-08-26
Answer to Modified De-
mand Regarded as a
Counter Proposition.
DISCUSSION TO CONTINUE
Both Governments, 1t Is Said.
Are Anxious fer Peace
full Settlement.

PORTSMOUTH. \. H.. Aug. 26.-Rus-
sta $ answer to Japan's modified de-
mands is a counter proposition Tt goes
beyond that which had been expected
alld instead of being a declingtfon pure
II. it is understood to be so framed
as TO furnish n basis for further nego-
tiation.
Whether this will be of one days dur
alton or a dozen is but mere conjecture.
But from the frame of mind of the two
governments as indicated by the deveI-
opments Of the past forty eight hours
there is excellent ground for the belief
that neither of them desires TO break
of negotiations a this time
Meeting Time Uncertain.
The answer was not received until late
last evening. For that reason no final
decision as to the day or hour of meet
Ing has been fixed. although when the
conference adjourned on Wednesday it
vas until 3 o'clock today. Yesterday,
however, there was some talk Of meeting
this morning. but for some reason. al
though the matter was under consider
alton at midnight no definite announce
ment had been made
This morning. and as it was all
through the night, the tension Is high.
The ENJOYS attempted tc appear indif-
ferent 10 the outcome, bat they ap-
peared in public only when the neces-
slty demanded IT, From the hints that
were dropped by members Of the re-
SpectiVe suites and from cable informa-
ton from across the water II was ap-
parent that for the time being the home
tons
During last evening there was con
SpicuouS absence of the members of the
suites in and about the hotel lobby
Even the inscrutabie. but sociahle Nr
Sato, who cuStomarily enjoys the al
fractions OF the palm room until a late
hour each night. took the elevator to
his rooms before 8 O'Clock.
Russian Spokesman Spars.
The Russian envoys, through their
spokesman, NJ. KorostovItz do not ad-
NIT that the answer of their govern
ment 70 the Japanese proposals is in
any way a counter proposition Theil
only reference 10 il is that l. 5 not
an ultimaturl and they say that it may
or may not furnish the basis for further
negotiations.
What is meant. Mr.. korostovitz. by
the statement that the answer of the
Gar 10 the japanese conditions is part
I DO not know" he replied.
Unless II is that any reply 10
proposition may be considered respon-
siYe, Whether 1t is favorable or un-
favorable, 1 cannot say.
IT comes from an excellent authority
that Russia = answer might be con
strued as counter proposition was
Not IN a diplomatic ense." he replied.
We have net the japanese proposals
in the proper spirit, but what form our
response has taken, / am not at liberty
to divulge.
is Russta's answer OF such char
acter as 20 lead to further negotia-
tions ?? he was asked. After a moment
he answered:
Depends Upon Developments
THAT depends upon today's develop
ments The japanese ENJOYS may at
Gnce express their dissa tisfactioa at
Bussias attitude. That would mean the
end Japan may have = further propo-
sition 10 submit; or something come
from our side. Then again the japanese
ENJOYS may desire further time fer con-
Slder3tIOn- The fate Of the NEGOTIATIONS
rests upon the attitude taken todav.'
w hat Is your personal opinion of the
prospeCts2' Mr.. Korostovitz WAS asked
I am beginning to believe that the
conference viii end today or at least on
Monday, was the response.
The impressions created from these ut
terances are that the Russian ENJOYS
II not actually expecting would not be
surprised to receive further adViccs from
The Car before the conclusion OF todav's
meeting 1t is apparent that the Rus
sian plenipotentiaTies expect JaDan TO
reject their answer in its present form.
That is why they believe negotiations
are rapidly dra wing to an unsuccessful
conclusion. The suggestion, however
that something may come from our
side which Mr. korcs;ov5tz makes.
strengt hens the impress. on that the ga +
Of Russia and not his ENJOYS is at pres
tnt personally directing tho negotiations
On the part Of bis government
IT IS significant that heretofore in DIS
cussing the probable action Of the con-
ference the Russian spokesman has ex-
htbited no doubt as TO what course the
Cars ENJOYS would take.
What Russia Asks.
Three specific propositions are, il is
understood, embodied in Russiu's an
Gl A reiteration Of her determination
not 10 pay a cash indemnity Of any
amount under whatever guisc the prop
Osition MAJ be presented.
% a refusal 20 purchase half of
Sakhalin island. and to establish .
dual government thereon.
10 The expression Of q willingness to
reimburse Japan 70 Il reasonable amount
for the maintenance of Russian Dris-
0ners, and fer certain other charges
which Russia is willing TO recognize.
NJ. Witte in a Rage.
NJ. Witte was seen by the newspaper
correspondents relative TO a publica-
ton in the st. Petersburg Slovo, pur-
porting to como from its Portsmouth
correspondent, which declared that a
member Of the imperial family had ex-
pressed his belief that Russia was con-
sidering a compromise, and that he be-
lieved peace was in sight. The senior
Russian envoy flew into a rage when
he read the telegram, and denounced
il and the agency that had sent Il out
with violent gesticulations.
NJ. Witte declared that II was merely
lContIaued on Second Pagel