Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-04
TALKING ABOUT PEACE
MINISTER TAKAHIRA MAKES A
LONG CALL ON THE PRESIDENT.

kogoro Takahira, Japanese minister,
spent more than an hour with President
Roosevelt last night talking about peace
with Russia and then gave the newspaper
men less than minute to explain that
there was nothing new. practically Meth
ing. as he put 1t. Everything depends on
st. Petersburg" he said. That was the gist
of his brief remarks.
1t failed to explain, however. what should
keep the Japanese minister with the PI.esi-
dent more than an hour. Whether he called
by request or whether the President wanted
to see him was not learned. but there was
no formal appointment for him. He got
to the White House shortly after O. clock.
having come over from New York. and he
left before 1890 o'clock. He was with the
PRESIDENT in the library. the private part
The fact that the Japanese minister Is
visiting the White House pretty often does
not Indicate any reluctance on Japan's part
to bring about peace negotiations Mr..
Takahira has made number of calls on
the President in the last few days, far more
than Ambassador Cassini of Russia and
the outward indications would appear to
be that Japan is perfectly willing to open
negotiations with her enemy. The semi
official statement that Japan will deal only
with Russia without other nations interior
Ing evidently does not refer to the willing
ness OF Japan to have the United States or
some other nation put the ball in motion
and then leave her and Russia to take care
of themselves.
Diplomatic activity In Washington indi-
Gates that the European powers are pre-
pared actively to assist the President in
any efforts he may make in the interest of
peace In the far east. and 1t is learned on
high authority that the German emperor
heartily shares the earnest wish of Presf-
dent Roosevelt for an early ending of the
war. Neither the President nor the en-
peror. however. are ambitious to assume
the role of peacemaker, although anxious
to do what Is possible to assist Russia and
Japan to enter upon peace negotiations as
soon as practicable. From Information re-
ceived here 1t is believed that the King of
Italy can be relied upon to cast his in
huence for peace, and the long conference
of Baron Mayor des Planches, the Italian
ambassador, Friday afternoon with Count
Cassni, after the latter's call at the White
House.. Is but one of several evidences of
the activity of the kings envoy at Wash
ington in the interest of peace Sir Nor
timer Durand, the British ambassador in
a recent visit to the White House, placed
the President in possession of the views of
King Edward, who would welcome an
early peace The views of the French gov
eminent are well known to be of similar
character.
Several of the more prominent diplomats
were enabled to cable their governments
Friday night the general features of the
conference between the President and Count
Cassini and yesterday the whole diplomatic
corps was aware of the important words ut
tered by the President and were specializing
upon their effect in ST. Petersburg.
For an hour yesterday afternoon Baron
Won Sternburg. the German ambassador,
was at the Russian embassy discussing the
situation with Count Cassini. Thus far the
latter has not heard from his government,
and advices from Europe would seem to in
dictate that the car and his ministers have
reached no definite decision as to their fu-
ture policy.