Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-28
WAITING UPON TOKYO
Final Disposition Of Peace in
Hands Of Japan.
, STATUS OF SITUATION
MEETINGS OF ENJOYS TO ASSIST
THE CONCLUSION.
Talk of Financial Payment by Russia
to Go to Mixed Commission
for Arbitration.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H.. August 2s.-The
Associated Press has definite knowledge
that several days ago President Roosevelt
was authorized. on behalf of Japan to
waive all claim for indemnity or reim-
bursement for the cost OF the war and to
cede back to Russia the north half of SAX
halin Island, leaving the redemption
price of the same to the arbitration of a
mixed commission. This statement was
transmitted TO the Russian emperor through
the American ambassador at St. Peters,
burg.
An Associated Press telegram announced
that the czars reply was partially re-
'sponsive." There is reason to believe that
this proposition behalf of Japan was
not clearly understood at Peterhof, but was
supposed to be a revival of the effort OF
Japan to secure an indemnity under the
guise OF purchase money for the fraction OF
Sakhaln.
1t is believed the conference, which was
held last evening between Messrs. Witte
and Takahira for the purpose of clear
ing up the situation and 1t Is now not
improbable that following the precedent
of it's ally, Great Britain, Japan VIII agree
to settle the whole question OF the redemp-
tion price of Sakhaln as the Dogger Bank
troubles were adjusted.
The Japanese Contention.
The Japanese contention is that Sakhalin
Island Is de facto Japanese territory, ana
that Russia has no means at her command
for it's present recovery. 1t is understood
that NJ Witte has accepted this view IN
principle, and expressed the Judgment that
Russia should pay something IN the ha-
ture of redemption money. ,
II is believed that the Tokyo council,
which is in session this morning, IS con-
sidering this phase of the question.
1t is not true that the adjournment Whch
was agreed to last night until Tuesday
afternoon was made at the suggestion OF
President Roosevelt. There is reason 1or
believing that he knew nothing whatever
Of it, but that the adjournment was by
mutual agreement between Messrs. NItte
>and Takahira. -s-. -
tween Messrs Witte and Takahira last
evening did not bear upon the question oI
the cession of SakhaIin or the question oi
At noon Mr. Takahira said that nothing
had yet been received from Tokyo.
Kept Alive by Roosevelt
The peace conference is likened to
diving man kept alive by oxygen admins
tered by President Roosevelt. Yet no ac-
tual evidence can be obtained here that
the President has made new appeal 10
the Emperor of Japan. What may nave
been only a slip OF the tongue lroih M
Witte was Interpreted. -
Speaking of the final decision of the To-
kyo government, he remarked upon tHe
p, fourteen hour difference OF time pe W.
oyster Bay and Tokyo. but then hast!ly
corrected himself and said New York ana
Tokyo" Certainly the President mas not
initiated new representations at feterhor. MOI
Emperor Nicholas reply to Ambassador
Never was of such q nature as 10 preciuue
another tentative in that direction AT tiIs
stage. Later the way might oe open, 80
for the moment TO offer new advice In the
face of what practically amounted TO an
ultimatum from the emperor on the sup1ect
OF indemnity might be to court a rebuilt
The Presidents Position.
New representations at Tokyo alone
would perhaps not be in accordance WIFE
the Presidents role. At least, II Wouiu
constitute change in his attitude. Here
tofore he has not acted as mediator. but
as the head of a state friendly to both par
Ties rendering his good offices and friendly
advice impartally and simultaneously 10
. both. -,
should be distinctly understood. The COM
promise he suggested to Peterhof he sug-
gested simultaneously TO Tokyo. IL Would
seem more probable, therefore, that the
President has not attempted TO influence
directly the question of Japans response
to the fiat refusal of Russia to pay any
thing in the shape Of indemnity. All eyes
turn to Tokyo. where the momentous ques-
ton is being. and indeed perhaps already
has BEEN decided. The action of the meet
ing of the cabinet and elder statesmen this
=. morning. was awaited with feverish anx-
iety.
Witte Skeptical
NJ Witte frankly expressed skepticsm of
the effect of any new proposal Japan may
be able to offer. He does not believe Japan
will withdraw entirely her demand for re-
endorsement of the expenses of the war
and to scale it down or attempt TO dis
guise it in another form, he declares
would not change the situation.
The conciiatory spirit Japan displayed IN
her compromise proposal Of Wednesday II
now emphasized by still further recession
Is apt to be interpreted at st. Petersburg as
a symptom of great weakness and might
only serve to make the emperor and his ad-
visors at Peterhof more obdurate. But with
such a proposition before him NJ. Witte
could once more assert himself and throw
his own masterful personality into tie
scale.
Mr.. Takahira is quoted as having replied
in the negative when asked whether any
a modification of the Japanese proposal would
touch the question OF indemnity. But such
q response may only have been technical.
Road Out of Embroglio.
clear road out of the embroglio by
which Japan could obtain a very large sum
and Russia stand by her present declaration
can be discerned If Japan will offer in n new
proposal to withdraw the price she places
upon the redemption of the northern half
OF the island and place IL upon basis. for
instance, such as the President suggested
of determine tion by mixed commission.
Accordance by Russia would in turn in
volve a change upon the part of the ST.
Petersburg government. But indemnity as
a stumbling block would be out OF the way,
and renewed pressure could properly be put
on Emperor Nicholas. VI. Witte personally
Il is believed, sympathizes with such solu-
ton. and would not be averse to a genuine
redemption as he recognizes the de facto
possession of the island by Japan and her
claim to reimbursement for its relinguish-
ment
II the meeting today of the Tokyo cabinet
and elder Statesmen under the presidency or
the emperor sanctions some such new pro-
posal as there Is reason to believe IL WILL
the proposition would seem to be so fair
~that Emperor Nicholas could not refuse
without assuming before the world the re-
he In