Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-07-26
PEACE DELEGATION.

PEACE DELEGATlON. N.
That Japan will demand an indemnity
of Russia in the negotiations for peace,
and that the war will be declared at an
end at the conclusion of negotiations at
Portsmouth, N. H., next month is the
belief of Baron KomuTa. head of the
japanese peace delegation, who arrived
in New York yesterday, as voiced by
Almar Sato, who is thu official spokes-
man for the baron on his mission. Mr.
Sato, in an interview last night, said
al am confident that peace will be
successfully negotiated by the appointed
delegations. The japanese viii be
guided by moderation and no excessive
demands will be made, but the sentiment
in Japan and Russia is for peace, and in
the interests OF humanity and prOpriety
there must be peace. The cost to Japan,
however, has been very great. On both
sides the loss in men has been $40, 900,
Russia losing $40, 900 of them. Thewar
is costing Japan 81 900. 900 day, and
there is a feeling that there ought to be
an indemnity.
The peace terms, while held lnvl0late
by those who know their text, were
formulated by the Emperor of Japan and
his council. Mr.. Sato was asked II III
the flush of victory the japanese
ueople would not feel entitled to more
than any treaty would allow, and Mr.
Sato said:
"The japanese are not so gentle as to
abide by any decision we may make, but
they pay great respect to the offices oil
President Roosevelt and his acts have
done a great deal to emphasize the need
for peace."
MIR. Sato further said that the Japan
ese would prefer to have the negotla-
tons in the English language, as neither
Baron Komura nor himself speaks
French.
OF the future of China, Mr.. Sato said:
'Tf the central government could work
in harmony with the district OF PROVINCIAL
governments, China would become
great power, but at present that seems 10
be impossible"
Japan's attitude toward China, was
most friendly, said Mr.. Sato, aud while
maintaining no moral Monroe Doctrine
over the empire, she felt that twas more
or less under Japan's protection. Ihis
protection, by way of illustration, MI
Sato said. was "nOt so strong over emma
as that of the United States over South
America.
Mr. Sato emphasized the announce
ment made frequently before that Japan
does not seek territorial aggrandizement,
and on this point thespeaker said; 1--WE
want in Manchuria equal opportunity,
or what Mr.. Hay called the open door.
As to Japan's attitude toward Ameri-
ca, Mr. Sllo laughingly asked; "Iou
mean the yellow peril?" and then be-
came more enthusiastic in his converse
ton than upon any previous topic. he
said:
1--WE are almost boyish in our euthu-
siasm and friendship for America.
While we are friendly with China as
orientalp, our greatest friends are America
aud England. Why, the first monn-
ment ever erected to any foreigner IN
Japan was that 10 Commodore Perry,
and the policy and conduct OF the
American people for the last 80 years
have been one of help to US. We re-
gard America as an ally without a treaty I"
The question was put to Mr.. sato as
to any possibility Of conflict with the
United States in the future, as suggested
by some of the American press at the
outbreak of the war, and Mr.. Sato asked
what could bring about such conflict.
When it was suggested that Japan might
covet the Philippine Islands be laughed
heartily, and replied that Japan would
not have the Philippines as gilt, even
though bonus accompanied the gift