New-York tribune., 1905-08-11

journed to await the formulation of the Russian
reply. The written proposition of Japan was
handed to NJ. Witte by Baron Komura with the
express stipulation that its character should be
kept absolutely secret. This may be stated Oh
the highest authority. may also be the fact
that the Russian ENJOYS regard themselves in
honor bound not to divulse even the tenor of the
proposition. 1t is learned. however, that the
terms are reasonable. if not moderate; that they
afford basis for discussion, and that every
effort will be made to complete the Russian
reply in time for submission TO Baron KOmura
and Minister Takahira next Monday morning.
With the submission of Japans terms the
trend of opinion among the diplomats gathered
here has undergone a decided change and the
pessimism of yesterday has given place to an
optimism which is probably better founded
than the sentiment prevalent last night.
That Russia is not only prepared TO pay
reasonable indemnity but has already taken
stems toward raising the necessary amount
since learning Japan's terms. may he asserted
with authority.
NOT A GREAT SURPRISE To RUSSIANS
That the Japanese terms proved a great sur
prise to the Russian plenipotentiaries can hardly
be supposed. as they were doubtless pretty we'll
prepared in advance. although. had the peace
proposition been exceptionally drastic. grave
surprise and disappointment would have been
experienced
The events OF the last few days may be re-
o,-5o5 &c Io-irc doD,Onctra+a rod bevoDd ouaStiOu
the sincere desire of both parties to the con
ference to effect a lasting peace. and the atmos-
phere here while difficult to describe in con
crete terms, seems to warrant sanguine view
regarding the outcome of the conference.
1t is expected that the Russian reply will pre-
sent certain counter propositions and there is
reason to believe that these will receive the
careful consideration of Japan which has clear
Iv demonstrated desire 10 deal with the situa-
ton on an equitable basis and not to bumilate
Russia
When the conference met this morning the
formal acceptance of the credentials Of all the
plenipotentfaries was recorded. The objection
of the japanese ENJOYS 10 the presence AT the
sessions of NJ Martens as legal and diplomatic
adviser Of the Russian members. to he offset
by the presence of Mr.. Dennison or such other
adviser as Baron Komura and Minister Taxa
hira might select. was made final. and then fol-
lowed discussion of the adviSability of fur
nishinS to the press brief statement Of so
much of the proceedings of each session as the
conferrees deemed It proper to make public.
Baron Rosen supported this proposition and
Baron Komura opposed it. bat affirmative
decision was finally reached
PRESENTATION OF TERMS.
These preliminares having been disposed Of,
NJ. Witte announced that he and his colleagues
were prepared TO receive the terms of peace
which Japan would offer. and Baron komura
replied that these terms had been reduced to
writing and had been framed in English, which
text must be regarded as official, but that for
the convenience of NJ Witte a translation into
French had also been prepared He then sug-
gested that the terms be, read and discussed
seriatfm This led to brief conference be
tween Baron Rosen and NJ Witte. who then an
nounced that this method of submission would
not he satisfactory. and he would request that
the terms he submitted oil bloc, adding that
the Russian representatives would not lie pre-
pared to discuss them to-day. Baron KOmura
agreed to this and the documents were handed
TO the Russian ENJOYS. who glanced over them
and then proposed adjournment until they
could submit their reply in writing. adding that
it would. of course he necessary 10 transmit
the terms to st. Petersburg The proposition
the immediate assent of the Japanese
anvoys and an adjournment was taken.
Immediately thereafter NJ KOrostovetz was
dispatched to the Hotel Wentworth. and re-
turned TO the conference building with NJ. Mar
ems. NJ. Pokotiloff, NJ Roiestvensky, General
Ernoloff. Prince Kodascheff and NJ Shipon.
Later the same attache again returned to the
wentworth for certain papers. making the
welve miles round trip each time in incredibly
hort time his automobile fairly skimminS over
he ground The entire afternoon was spent
" the Russians in translating the Japanese
erms into cipher for transmission to 81. Peters
,urg.
BLOW TO THE RUSSIANS.
The decision to exclude NJ Martens from the
meetings of the conferrees is generally regarded
S a serious blow TO the Russians, who are par
icularly in need of the We'll recognized ability
rhich NJ Martens could have placed NJ their
isposal. Both Baron Komura and Minister
Takahira are perfectly familiar with every
avn on the diplomatic chess table, aud with
he precise position of every piece. This is not
rue however of the Russian enjoys NJ.
vitte is not an experienced diplomatist, and |
bosom Poses, is ,-snerau,- rae,ardel os inclined /