Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1905-03-25


the government which is urging the
emperor to indicate to Japan Russia S
willingness to end the war If q rea-
sonable basis can be reached, as re-
lated in these dispatches on March 20,
has been greatly encouraged the last
few days, and an actual pacific pro-
posal may be just ahead.
The subject has occupied much OF
the attention of the conferences at
Tsarskoe-Selo.
Certain grand dukes, supported by
Gen. Sakharoff, the minister Of war,
Admiral Avelian, the head of the ad-
miralty and what is known as the war
party, are still bitterly opposed to the
idea OF peace under present circum-
stances, but with the exception of the
ministers of war and marine, the en-
peror's ministers, backed by M. Witte,
solidly favor this course, and the con-
Vincing arguments they offer are aell-
ing.
French influences in the same direc-
tion are now being supported by Ger
man opinion. The rumor noted by the
Associated Press last week that EN-
peror William had rendered his good
offices now seems to be confirmed.
The Associated Press is in a position
to assert, however, that if Emperor
Nicholas decides to approach Japan, it
will be through France, and that nego-
tiations will be conducted either be-
tween NJ Delcasse, the French foreign
minister, and DR.. Montono the Japa-
nese minister at Paris, or NJ. Harmand,
the French minister to Japan, and
Count Katsura, the Japanese premier
at Toxic
The Russian government now feels
certain that Japan will not make the
first move nor disclose her position
until overtures are made authoritative
ly in the Russian emperor's name, on
the ground that he alone is capable of
binding Russia.
1t is quite possible that Japans atti-
tude in this regard has been exposed
through unofficial attempts to ascer-
tain terms.
Japan, 1t will be remembered, took
the same position when Herr Detring,
the German commissioner of customs
at Tientsin, without plenary powers,
sought to obtain Japans terms for
ending the China-Japanese war, de-
clinging to treat until Lii Hung Chang,
accompanied by Gen. John W. Foster,
went to Toxic clothed with full powers
Furthermore, in view of the posi-
bility that no basis of agreement
might result even should the emperor
now approach Japan with pacific pro
posals, it Is Regarded as entirely likely
that hostilities would continue, again
following the precedent of the China,
Japanese war, until negotiations ended
The Chlna-Japanese negotiations
were begun in December and peace was
concluded in the following April. Mean
while the Japanese made a winter
campaign in Manchuria.
In the conferences concerning the
question whether Russia should now
Indicate her willingness for peace are
all agreed, firstly, that preparations to
continue the war shall not be relaxed,
and secondly, to reject humiliating
terms
There probably would be two points
On which Russia would be found i'm
olacable, namely, cession of territory
and indemnity, to neither of which, it
is said, would Emperor Nicholas ever
agree.
1t is pointed out, however, that If
Japan seriously desires enduring peace
On collateral questions Russia might
be ready to offer liberal compensatory
considerations
For instance, in lieu of direct in
lemnity, she might turn over to Japan
the proceeds of the sale of all the
lights and property Of the Port Ar
thur and Dalny and Chinese Eastern
"ailways and literally pay for the
maintenance of Russian prisoners in
Japan, and, while refusing to cede
5akhalin, might grant rights TO the
fisheries there or even relinquish all
he valuable sea fisheries on the Com
mander islands.
1t is possible, also, that satisfactory
arrangements might be made regard
.ng Russian naval strength in eastern
waters for period of years.