New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-07-29
MAY BE AN ARMISTICE.
But Not Until Peace Negotiations
Are Well 4dUdnced.

An authoritative denial was made yesterday
by A. Sato spokesman for Baron Komura, Jap
anese peace envoy. of the report that the ques-
ton of an armistice discussed with Presi-
dent Roosevelt during the visit Of the baron at
Sycamore Hill. on Thursday. Speaking Of an
armistice, not as Baron Komuras representa-
tive, but merely as japanese, Mr. sato. de-
clared that il any proposition for the arrange
rnent of cessation OF hostiiities were made it
must come from Russia, and that If the request
were made it might be granted by Japan The
war will continue without regard to the peace
conference at Portsmouth.
Japan's attitude on the question of ar
mistice Is this: On grounds Of humanity She
would welcome such a step, but the Japanese
army would be seriously hampsred in It's opera
tons If the stoppage were only temporary and
fighting Were renewed because of failure on the
part of the peace ENJOYS to negotiate treaty.
So it is necessary. from the Japanese point Of
view, that the negotiations advance sufficiently
to successful issue before arrnistics
can be entered into.
AS TO the claim for an indemnity OF $780, 100000
which China makes against Japan and Russia
for the occupation of Manchuria- Mr.. sato said;
China may have some claim against Russia,
but none against Japan. Her inability to defend
Manchuria against Russia is responsible for the
present war, and do not see how China can
tributeble to her own lack Of power. She would
have better claim against Russia
Discussing the probability of an offensive and
defensive alliance being effected between Japan
and Russia. Mr.. Sato said that an alliance might
be possible in the future, but that such a sug-
gestion is out OF place at present Baron
Komura, he said. is not empowered TO negotiate
the alliance.
Baron Konura spent the greater part Of the
day in his apartments at the Waldorf-Astoria.
In the afternoon he took drive unaccompanied,
and in the evening he attended a dinner given
in his honor at the Nippon Club. in West S5th-
st.
The repas: was simple one. served in Japan
csc style and eaten with chopsticks 1t con-
sisted OF thirty-two courses. Among these were
capon. divided into small pieces; Komura sea
bass, Oyama chestnuts. peaches of the Rising
Sun. seaweed of the Land of Yama, cherry bios
som chicken. fish of the loyal subject,
ducks turkey. mushrooms of Japan and Togo
Holsters When it was suggested that in
America IL was not customary to look upon the
distinguished admiral as lobster. it was stated
that in Japan it was thought rather a pretty
compliment 10 call man a lobster The figure
Of the lobster with it's Grecian bend, was held
TO signify the bowed figure OF old age, and as
the japanese ascribe to the crustacean strength
man a lobster that he is sure to live to be a
patriarch and be happy and healthy 10 the end.
Baron Komura made a speech in his native
tongue, speaking quietly, with a good deal of
humor, and evident force. In the course Of his
remarks he said
I have been very much pleased with all
have seen in New-York. and my first impress
sions are most pleasant ones. 1 thank you all
for the very kind welcome you have accorded
me and my suite, and l am happy to be able
TO say that have never seen in any place out of
Japan so prosperous and contented q community
Of japanese. The Japanese I'm New-York seem
TO be prosperous and happy in every way.
The baron rsad rev carers. Several book
agents and life insurance canvassers who have
tried TO the envoy have found their way
blocked by of his watchful attendants.
Mr.. Sato much amused by the receipt Of
several tracts from woman in Brooklyn. They
for Baron Komura. The good woman
in Brooklyn apparently exercised over the
statement made few days ago that Baron
Komura had religion, and would probably
have none until he died Hence the tracts and
the effort to convert the baron
Mr.. sato said, in discussing the trip of Secre-
tary Taft and Miss Roosevelt that the dis
patches made a mistake in saying they were
the first foreigners ever admitted to the famous
chrysanthemum gardens of the Emperor They
were the first for whom they had been thrown
open on a private occasion, but once or twice
every year their imperial majesties gave large
garden parties, TO which all the diplomatic
corps and other prominent foreigners resident
in Japan were always invited. The gardens had
been reserved for their imperial majesties for
300 years.