Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-03-14
A HOPE FOR PEACL
Russian Disaster at Mukden
 May End War.
GAR AWARE JAPAN DESIRES IT
Recall of Roiextvensl<y May Mean That St. Petersbur. Is Ready to Accept Mikado's Conditions
 and Stop HOstilities.


 LONDON, March 14.-St. Petersburg dispatches say that d Russian official opinicn that Russia will be forced to ask for peace in view of KurOpatkin' S defeat.
 There is high authority for the state ment that the Russian second Pacific squadron has been rstAEied be fhe Russian government. While not re- garded as q sure sign of peace, the re- call of Admiral Rojcstvensky's squad ron in the opinion of European chan cellories is regarded as a hopeful sign that peace is at hand.
 Another diplomat has. expressed the opinion that the field of battle would be the scene of the first negotiations between the belligerents looking to peace. However secret the negotia- tions. it is declared that the United States. Great Britain, Germany and France are keenly on the alert for just snch development and would prompt ly demand the terms of the agreement for their inspection.
 When the czar calls his war council today he will he able to inform them that Japan will welcome peace on req sonablc terms and will promptly name her conditions provided she receives trustworthy assurances that they will he seriously considered.
 This the emperor has learned from friendly chancellories in Europe as we'll as the general terms acceptable to Japan. These. it is said. include the re- tention by Japan of Port Arthur, q Japanese protectorate over Korea and an indemnity.
 Briefly these were reports current in the diplomatic corps. and as q result of this important information it is be- lieved that Russia and Japan are on the verge of peace. If it be true that the second Pacific squadron has been recalled even the most optimistic of Russia's friends admit that this is Il strong indication that Oyama's mighty blow has made for peace.
 The small portion of the Russian ar my which General kuropatkin had gathered along the banks of the Sha- khe and Hun rivers that has reached Tie pass is worn out from many days of fighting and retreating and is not yet out of danger. the Japanese. it is reported. having already started an- other turning movement which will force the Russians on to the plains north of Tie pass. where in their dis organized state they would be easy prey for the victory flushed soldiers of the mikado. E
 A report from General Kuroki's ar my in the field. northeast of Muk,ien. says:
 Every hour increases the magnitude of the disaster suffered by the Russian armies. Now o3.OO dead are known tc have been left on the field. making tIs casualties at least 1Op.Vp. Be- tween fifty and sixty thousand prison CTS. some seventy guns and enormous quantities of ammunition and provi- sions fell into the hands of the Japa- npsc. The Japanese losses do not ex- ceed those of former great battles. even General kuroki's army losing only 5.0p-
 Field Marshal Oyama's plans de- eeived General kuropatkin- The Rus sian commander misjudged the posi- lions and the strength of the Japanese. He at first thought that General Nogi's Por, Arthur arms was pressing his east flank and concentrated great force therr- Tbis f-rce Ise was after ward obliged to shift to Musden. where it arrived in a state of exbsus- tiou after . forced march and was un- able fo fight.
 .A retreat from Mukden began 0n