New-York tribune., 1905-02-23
BASIS OF PEACE LAID.
Continued from first page.

sentiment in Japan. The japanese express
strong personal convictions that prior TO de-
termining details it will be indispensable TO set
lie the main principle that the terms will insure
peace in the Far East for many years to come
The japanese position is said to be Definite
against arranging a peace which would permit
Russia to rehabilitate herself
Concerning the indemnity 1t is said that the
japanese war budget up to March 81 shows that
the total expenditure viii be about $3.50
100000. The legation considers that some in
demnity is equitable. since Japan has expended
double the amount of the cost of the Chinese
war in maintaining principles which. Russian
reports indicate. Russia is now disposed to rec
ognize
London. Feb. 22.-Tne terms on which Russia
is reported TO be prepared to conclude peace are
regarded in official circles in London as made
quate and largely in the nature Of trial bal
loon. Among the British officials the hope of
speedy cessation of hostilities is mostly based
on official advices telling of the increasing as
cendancy and activity of the peace party III
Russia 1t is known that Count Benckendorff
the Russian Ambassador to Great Britain. is an
adherent of this party, and it is understood that
he did all possible 10 impress his views on his
government i'll his recent visit 70 st. Petersburg
If Russia will express her willingness to conclude
peace or terms which viii recognize Japan as
the victor a satisfactory solution could be
reached through the good offices of France and
Great Britain.
The Japanese in London declare that the sug-
gested terms are impossible of acceptance.
Baron Suyematsu. son-in-law of Marquis Ito,
and former japanese Minister OF the Interior.
pointed out that Corea and the Liao-Tung Pen
insula. which Russia proposed to sacrifice. are
already in the hands of the Japanese, and that
Japan certainly is entitled to an indemnity.
Russias proposal to restore Manchuria TO China
as far north Harbin. the baron added, would
leave Russia in possession Of two-thirds Of Man
churia.
Vienna. Feb. 22-The announcement of the
possibility of peace in the Far East published
here to-day was received with much satsfac-
tion in diplomats circles but 1t is believed that
the universal hope may have resulted in prema-
tUre expressions. For several weeks unofficial
inquiry has been made whether Austria might
fill the role of mediator and whether En-
peror Francis Joseph would not himself take
steps to this end. The Emperor is not inclined
to undertake mediation in view Of Russia's
definite statement and consequently the entire
matter remains unchanged.
1t is reported here that the proposal for
mediation by friendly power came from the
japanese side.
Berlin, Feb. 22.-That the Russian Emperor
has determined to seek peace does not appear to
be known here officially, but this court has
been aware that the Emperor's mind has been
Wavering between peace and a continuance OF
the war. What Emperor Nicholas has far
decided to do seems to be to request France
to ask the British Foreign Office to inquire of
Japan what terms might be expected were Rus
sia 10 propose peace. Russia will thus be able
to refuse 10 open negotiations if Japan's terms
are exorbitant, and the Russian Emperor could
again appeal to the discontented classes 10
support the war as easier TO bear than the
price of peace. This price. il is said at the
japanese legation here, will not be beyond what
even Russia would consider just. because Japan,
in order to gather the fruits OF war. must avoid
an embitternent that would keep fresh war
ever in prospect