New-York tribune., 1905-08-23
THE CLOUDS BREAKING.
Il Better Outlook for the Peace
Negotiations.

tFIom Special Correspondent of The Tribune
Portsmouth. y H., Aug. 22.-The black clouds
which hung so ominously over the future of the
peace conference last night have suddenly
broken asunder. and tonight large rift af-
fords some promise again. The old adage that
The darkest hour always comes before the
dawn" may have been verified once more.
1t would still be far too strong a statement
TO say that peace is in sight but that there is
ground for hope is unquestionably true Japan
has evinced an entirely unexpected spirit of
cOnciIiation, and ii is learned this evening that
informal exchanges which have occurred since
the adjournment of last Friday have paved the
way for an extended discussion OF the disputed
points, have, perhaps even rendered it feasible
for the plenipotentiaries 10 bargain.
What instructions the Russian ENJOYS have
received from St Petersburg il is impossible to
ascertain, but it may be stated on the highest
authority that they too. have suddenly receded
from their 'unaIterable determination" to
ject even in principle the demand that they
defray the expenses OF the war. and that in their
estimation it is chiefly a question Of Japan's
moderation which stands in the way of peace.
That proposals or suggestions have passed be
tween the Russian and Japanese envoys that
now point to a solution of the deadlock over
Articles and 8, concerning the cession OF sag
halien and Russia's payment Of the cost Of the
war, is fact That Japan, while vigorously
protesting her readiness TO continue the war,
has been really more anxious to end the con-
Hict than has been thus far admitted is equally
fact. though it must be admitted. TO the credit
of japanese diplomacy, that for a considerable
period the japanese ENJOYS have refused TO
commit themselves in any way whatever while
the imperturbable NJ. Sato has never receded
from his original attitude-that of expecting
successful outcome from the negotiations.
Even now. however. it would be rash definitely
10 predict the success of the negotiations, be-
cause to do that with even reasonable certainty
would require knowledge of the attitude Of
the Mikado and a confidence in the stability Of
the Car, which are not probably. possessed
by any newspaper correspondent in Portsmouth
1t can only be said, therefore. that long stride
in the direction of peace has been made. and
this as the result of direct though informal.
negotiations between the plenipOtentiaries them
selves.
There was no session of the peace conference
to-day and it was officially announced that this
was due 10 the failure of the secretaries to com
plete the protocols. 1t is more probable, how
ever, that the real reason for the delay was 10
permit of further consultation with Toxic and
ST. Petersburg This evening NJ Sato declared
that the protocols, seven in number. were com
pleted In reply 10 a question he estimated
the shortest of these documents at fifteen hun
dred words and the longest at forty-ive hun
dred but emphasized the fact that this
merely an estimate.
NJ SatO also confidently predicts that the
signing of the protocols tomorrow will be fol
lowed by an extended discussion of the points
at issue THUS far no attempt has been made
to reach common understanding regarding
Articles . and 10, concerning the limitation Of
Russa's naval strength in the Pacific and the
surrender by ..er OF certain interned ships. but
these are regarded comparatively unimrOr-
tant for the reason that neither would ever be
permitted 10 become the occasion for disrupting
the conference and continuing the war.
faItN III llc udS IL bcNdAc OoNiOUS LAAot Il
change had occurred in the situation. and i'm
mediately all sorts of rumors gained circulation
The appearance Of Colonel Michael. chief clerk
of the State Department, ON the scene added 10
the belief that the President was proving
active factor IN the negotiations. and later II was
reported that the Presidents Stenographer. Mr..
McGrcw. was in Portsmouth. had brought a
message 10 Secretary Percc and had attended
a conference between NJ. Witte. Baron ROsen
and the Third Assistant Secretary OF State At
the navy yard Still another report to the
effect that NJ. Saki. private secretary to Baron
Kaneko. was in Portsmouth ana had been pres
ent ut the conference.
Later in the day Baron Rosen and NJ. White
each emphaticaly denied that he had conferred
with Mr.. Peirce at the navy yard ana that they
had received any message from the President
whatever. Mr.. Peirce also categorically denied
that he knew Mr.. McGrew or NJ Saki OF that he
had seen either and he further asserted that
olonel Michaers visit to Portsmouth pertained