The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-08-28
question Of whether there would be any new

proposals.
HOPE REVIVED.
whils. Mr.. Witte has been pessimistic all
along, evidently firmly convinced that the
Portsmouth exchanges would be futile,
somo members Of the mission which he
heads have expressed the view that rather
than see the negotiations fail the Japanese
would make concessions Of a character
sufficiently moderate to pave the way
to the arrangement Of a peace treaty.
Yesterday. however, even the hopeful
pereons admitted that they were mistaken,
and early to-day they frankly declared
that an agreement was an impossibility.
But the action Of the Japanese ENJOYS in
securing postponement has brought them
hack to the optimistic ground which they
previously occupied.
Skill they are emphtic in saying that
there can be no peace unless the Japanese
wsive the claim to remuneration for the
expenses which they have incurred in
prosecuting the war. Mr. Witte has de-
clared over and over again and is still de-
claring that Russia will never agree to pay
Q penny of tribute to Japan. and he Is ap-
parently Of the belief that the Toxic Govern
ment will not consent to make a treaty
unless II receives a good round sum.
There are some people here who are
accusing Mr.. witte OF not being overanxious
to make peace under any circumstances,
hut his we'll known stand against the course
Of hs Government in engaging in the Far
Eastern enterprise which brought about
the war; and his public statements that he
was anxious to zee the Portsmouth con-
ference result suoce ssfuly. are regarded as
showing that he was not playing game
Of pretense for the purpose Of ascertaining
the terms which Japan had to offer.
As matters stand now, the Russians, while
naturally impressed by the significance Of
the request Of the Japanese ENJOYS for a
postponement, look upon this arrange
ment as simply deferring the end for very
brief period. The Japanese are not telling
what they may have to say when the con-
ference again assemblies, 30 that IL they
have anything important TO offer on Tues
day afternoon 1t will probably remain a
secret until then.
- ROos1vELT's EFFORTS.
President Roosevelts tenac city Of purpose
In connection with the nego tiations is not,
however, without its effect upon the ENJOYS
OF both belligerents.
They see in the influence which the Presi-
dent yields as the executive head Of great
power, the chance OF reaching an UNDER
standing that will bring the war to close.
From all that has developed at Portsmouth,
there is little, il any, reason to doubt that
both warning nations are anxious for peace.
Certainly the Japanese desire hat the
Portsmouth negotiations shall not fail.
Within the past few days Baron Komura
and Mr., T'akahira have shown conciliatory
spirit that is encouraging to those who are
praying for n successful conclusion OF the
current exchanges. They have dou btless
been Influenced in this attitude by President
Roosevelt's efforts, and it is believed in
40 me quarters that they will go to great
lengths to conform to the Presidents wishes.
The request Of the President, transmitted
through Baron Kaneko, that the next meet
ing Of tho ENJOYS be postponed for another
day, marks a renewal rather than a oon-
inuance Of his work for peace. His latest
step came at the blacklist hour in the whole
series of exchanges, and it has turned what
seemed the certainty Of failure into reason,
slight though it may be, for more hopeful
feeling. The Presidents definite proposals
to tho ENJOYS have not been fully disclosed,
bat they are regarded by those who know
what they are as so reasonable that Russia
and Japan would be stingingly rebuked
by the public opinion Of the civilized world
II they were rejected.
RUssIA's OFFER
The conversation yesterday between
Mr. Witte and Baron Komura, at which
the only others present were interpreters,
was not made a matter Of record. and moth
ing in regard to it will appear in the Of
fetal proceedings Of the conference. 1t
was at this interview that Mr.. White is
supposed to have proposed to settle the
indemnity and territorial cession ques-
tions by the transfer Of part Of Sakhalin
Island to the Japanese and the payment
by Russia OF liberal amount for the ex-
pense to which Japan was put in caring
for prisoners OF war. That such a pro-
posal was not acceptable to the Japanese is
indicated by the declarations Of Russians
that the negotiations were a failure and
would be brought to formal conclusion
at the next meeting.
Mr.. Takahira. the junior Japanese envoy.
was asked tonight if Russia had offered
to pay fifty million dollars 10 the Japanese
in compensation for the keep of Russian
prisoners. He said he hadn't heard of it.
Mr.. Teknhira took occasion to make some
comments on the position OF his Govern
ment.
whatever change Of sentiment there
may be With regard to the war;" he said, lis