The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-02-24
FRANCE TO WORK FOR RUSSIA
LOOKS TO Us FOR HELP. IN M0DI-
FLYING JAP4NS DEMANDS.
No Peace Oner From 81. Petersburg Yet
Plan 10 Make q Neutral Zone Between
China and the Japanese sphere OF In
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Can On Hay.

Plan 10 Make Neutral Zone Between
China and the Japanese Sphere OF In
Observation-Disclosures Can On Hay
Special Cabis Despatch 10 THE SUN
LONDON. Feb 23.-Too much confidence
must not yet be placed upon definite reports
Of peace proposals from Russia or Japan.
The logic OF the situation so far az Russia
is concerned makes peace daily more i'm
perative. There arc no two opinions on
this point in any Foreign Office in Europe.
II ia true also that the mass OF tho Russian
| nation demands IL, and that tho group Of
| advisers, who for the moment have the
| ear of the Gar. urge 1t in the strongest
| terms.
Russia has, however. made no move
whatever. direct or indirect, toward open
ing negotiations or even toward ascertain
ing unoffioially on what basis or terms
Japan would be willing TO discuss peace.
The Sun Is able to announce this on the
same high official authority that made
known the exchange Of views between the
Powers a few days ago.
France hopes. and rightly hopes. TO use
her influence on behalf OF her ally IN obtain
ing "a much mitigation as possible Of Japan's
demands when the time arrives for Russia
to sue for peace. French diplomatists
expect substantial assistance In this direo-
ton from the United States, especially
toward the end that Japan shall not acquire
preponderating influence in China.
She will endeavor TO secure if possible
some sort Of buffer State or neutral terri
tory between China and the Japanese sphere
of influence on tho mainland. There Is
reason to believe that the great Powers
are of one mind In this respect.
Thus far. however, no intimation Of any
sort has reached French official quarters
hat Russa Is ready to bring the war to a
close on any terms. On the contrary, It is
greatly feared in Paris that the war coterie
will again succeed in getting temporary
control Of the Cars policy, and that Rus
sia's fortunes will sink still lower before
she IA ready TO seek terms. The task of
negotiation will then be far more difficult
than now and Russia's humiliation neces-
sarily will be greater.
There il no real hope In France or else
where in Europe for that matter that any
substantial Improvement will take place
in Russia'5 ilitary position. Worse dis
a=ters In the near future are expected, and
Russia will then be in position where she
must accept any terms offered. Peace,
therefore. is not far of in any event.
Russia to-day has the choice Of making
a dignlfled honorable compact with Japan,
with liberty to turn all her attention to the
solution of her terrible domestic crisis, or to
delay few weeks until fresh disaster comes |
in Manchuria and anarchy at home. This |
choice will not long be hers. Hence the |
keen anxiety Of all her friends In Europe.
The latest advices from st. Petersburg are
not encouraging.
LONDON, Feb 2i-The ST. Petersburg |
correspondent OF the Times says that the !
Ear has now decided to convoke the Gem
ski Sober and leave the representatives |
of the nation TO settle the question of war
or peace. Whichever way they may de- |
eide, the Government position will be |
vastly strengthened and the dynastio |
interests safeguarded,
II az generally anticipated, the deputies
decd Ia In favor Of peace, the Government.
being strengthened by the nations sup
port, expects to obtain favorable terms
from Jaran. while IL these are not conceded
the nation Ia likely to insist upon war to
to the end
TOXIC. Feb 23-The announcement Is
made Of the issue shortly OF fourth do
nestle loan of $50, 100000. 1t will be issued
at 90 and viii bear interest at per cent,