The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-29

ondly, tho occupation OF the island Of
Sakhalin; thirdly, an advance against
viadivostok; and. lastly, the delivery
by Marshal OyAMA Of decisive blow
against the Russian army in Manchuria.
1t will be observed that loan has been
floated; that Vladivostok at this moment
is invested on the sea side by part OF
Admiral ToGos fleet; that a Russian
force has been landed to the north OF
that fortress, and that considerable
Japanese army, variously computed
at from 4O,OONto 100000 men, is moving
toward the Russian naval station from
the northeastern corner Of Corea. Then,
too, not only has the island Of Sakhalin,
or most OF it, been occupied, but the
Japanese have landed detachments Of
troops on the opposite mainland, with
the evident intention OF commanding
the mouth OF the Amur and thus render
ing practicable an expedition up that
river in the rear OF Gen. LINIEvITCH's
army. Up to the present hour, Marshal
OYAMA has refrained from attacking
in force his Russian opponent, but he
is supposed only to be waiting for a
cessation OF the torrential rains, which
render the movement Of heavy guns
almost impossible.
Mr.. RoosEvELT,s suggestion that an
armistice would be desirable would
doubtless be transmitted by Baron
KoMuRA to his imperial master, but
whether it would be adopted or not de-
ponds, of course. on the view Of Japan's
vital interests which is taken by the
Toxic Government. Farsighted Japa-
nese patriots, who have no wish to fight
Russia over again some ten or twenty
years hence, may deem it important
that hostile operations shall continue
until a treaty OF peace shall have been
actually signed. They have reason to
expect that ample time will be afforded
for effecting a material change in the
Far Eastern situation. AS was pointed
out by Mr.. SATo in an interview with
representative OF The Sun, it is highly
probable that the course pursued at
Portsmouth will be modelled on that
which was pursued at ShimonOseh.
That is to say, the first move will be an
inspection of the credentials. Should
it turn out that, as in the case Of the
Chinese envoy, Ii HUNG CHANG, in 1895,
the powers delegated to Count WIrTE and
Baron RosEN are not plenary, the Japa-
nese ENJOYS are likely to insist upon a
postponement Of the conference until the
defect is remedied at St. Petersburg.
Some weeks may be needed for that
purpose, il they wish to see the Cars
signature on the revised document.
Then, again, after Japan's demands
have been formulated, the Russian
ENJOYS will naturally require some
time for their consideration, and for
the purpose of framing an alternative
proposal. Next, Japan's representa-
tives, in their turn, will need time for
celebrating and, perhaps, for consult
ing their home government. Thus,
even if the credentials prove satisfactory,
many weeks may elapse before the
plenipotentiaries come to an agreement.
The question Of pecuniary indemnity
alone is one that is likely to involve a
great deal Of discussion and delay. 1t is
perfectly true, as Mr. SATo says, that the
present war, having lasted longer and
having brought forces equally large into
the field, has exacted from Japan much
greater sacrifices of blood and treasure
than were imposed upon Germany by the
War of 1901.