The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-05-30
ROOSEVELT TO LEAD
NEUTRAL NATIONS WILL NOW TRY
 FOR PEACE. Takahira Pleased With News, But Cas- sini Says RussEa WiIl Fight on Until the Tables are Turned
 In Her Favor.

Washington, May 39.-Qnick to real ize the far reaching effect of Admiral Rojestvensky's disastrous defeat in the Korean Straits and in keeping with his promise announced a long time ago to do all in his power to bring the belligerents in the Far East to direct negotiations at the proper time, President Roosevelt tonight re- ceived by special appointment Mir. Takahira, the Japanese Minister. and a conference followed for the greater part of the evening. Mir. Takahira called at the White House shortly af- Iter 9 o'clock this evening and was Immediately received. Earlier In the day the minister had called and left !, for the President the report of the battle later given out at the legation. Sir Mortimer Durand, the British Ambassador. who is just back from London. where he was received by the king, May IS. will lunch with the President Wednesday when tine whole situation will be thoroughly discussed. Count Cassini, the Russian Ambas- sador, said tonight that he expected to see the President before the week is over and Baron Stermburg, the Ger man Ambassador, who was early at the Russian Embassy today. where he remained for some time in cnnferenca with the Ambassador, Is constantly in touch with the President Through his intimate acquaintance with Mir. Roosevelt he is at liberty to call at any time. The German Ambassador is observing a discreet silence but is thoroughly posted on both the Rus sian and Japanese point of view as represented here and stands ready to give the President all assistance pos- sibIe.
 The result of the conference at the White House tonight could not be ob- tained at a late hour but 1t Is un- derstood the minister assured tho President that he had received official advices of the overwhelming charac- ter of the Japanese victory.
 The promptness with which Wash ington has been able to furnish the world with the first news of tht great battle is due primarily to the intima- ton conveyed to the American diplo- matic, consular and naval officers abroad that the President desired prompt and full details of the impend- ing naval battle at the earliest possi- ble moment
 The conference of Mir Takahira at the White House tonight was not gem orally known here. At the interested embassies and legations during the evening the opinion was firmly express ed that President would undoubtedly lead the neutral nations In the emortS to bring about peace. In tonight's conference 1t is thought that the Presi- dents first object was to ascertain on what basis Japan can discuss the ques- ton of peace.
 At the Russian Embassy tonight Count Cassini, while naturally greatly depressed at the loss of life. expressed the belief that when fuller details came in 1t would be found that Admiral Rojestvensky had saved a part of his squadron and that his passage of the straits had been accomplished not with out infiicting great damage on the op- posing fleet.
 "Talk of peace Is premature" the Ambassador declared. If the victory be as stupendous as the Japanese would have the world believe, the neutral powers can scarcely wish for Japan to be allowed to remain without taste of defeat. Much as I should welcome an end of the war for some reasons, my belief is that the effect of Rojestven- sky's defeat will be the indefinite pro- lonRation of the war. Russia must fight on, perhaps for years. but until the tables are turned"
 At the Japanese legation Minister Takahira had earlier in the day ex- pressed hIs keen satisfaction at the vic tory of Togo. "I cannot discuss the effect of this battle" he said. until the final reports are received; until we know Rojestvensky's fate. Ask Rus sia. not Japan, If the hour of peace has arrived. Our fleet Is still pursu- ing the enemy It is to Russia, not to Japan that the initiative toward peace Is to be looked for.'