Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-23

larger than any since the conference began
its sittings.
The Russians got away first, M. Witte,
Baron de Rosen and Mr.. Naboukon, M
Whites secretary, entering their motor car
at exactly 8 O'Clock. They appeared ex-
cessively gay, greeting the crowd assem-
bled to them off with broad smiles and
CHEEKY good mornings, and the physiog-
nomy readers instantly translated what
they had seen certain augury that peace
would virtually be arranged today To the
more careful observers, however the smiles
OF the Russians appeared forced. and be-
meath the gay exterior there was an ex-
preston of anxiety.
japanese Inscrutable.
Baron Komura, Mr.. Takahira, Mr.. Sato
and Mr.. Adachi appeared on the main
veranda with faces composed and inscruta-
BILE as ever. They, too. smiled in response
to the greetings of their partisans, but
there was no excessive manifestation OF ex-
uberance.
The popular belief was that today would
decide the issue, but the Associated Press
had what 1t considered certain warrant
for the statement that such would not be
the case. Were it to go to complete
show down of hands a rupture was GER
tain, since the long cablegram of instruc-
tons which NJ. Witte received from his
government last night would not permit
him to accept the compromise which it
was understood Japan was prepared to
offer this morning, as a result of the
Presidents heroic endeavors to save the
conference.
Sparring for Time.
The rumor telegraphed to the Associ-
ated Press after midnight was confirmed
this morning, but 1t requires an important
explanatory statement. The cablegram
from ST. Petersburg was sent before M.
Witte had communicated to the emperor
the contents of the communication from
President Roosevelt delivered to him
yesterday afternoon at the navy yard
Hence it was not necessarily to be ac-
cepted the emperOrS last word, and
NJ. Witte, who, there is reason to believe,
is personally in sympathy with the COM
promise suggested, went to the confer
ence prepared to spar for time"
1t was believed that at the conclusion of
the sitting today an adjournment would
be taken over tomorrow upon some pre-
text or other, in order to give NJ. Witte
government. A high Russian authority
summed up the situation this morning
with the words: There is still hope"
Almost to a man the members Of the
the compromises suggested by the Presi-
dent. In their opinion it offers an honor
able road to peace. But they are powerless
II the emperor and his advisors stand
firm. The Russians realize that the turn
events have taken will put their country in
a difficult position If rupture comes now
Japan's Attitude.
Japan will stand before the world not
implacable but ready to accept compro-
mise on the two main issues by the ar
rangement' to practically yield. in whole
or in part, article five (cession Of SAX
harn), while obtaining in substance If not
In form article nine Remuneration for the
cost of the war; Should Russia refuse
this solution which will enable her to main
tain quite correctly that she ceded neither
territory nor paid war tribute, they believe
nothing can prevent the worlds verdict
from being against them
They say that in effect, 1t only involves
the recognition by Russia of an accom-
plished fact (the military occupation of SAX
halin) and an equal recognition of the prac-
teal impossibility of Russia reconquering 1t
with her navy at the bottom OF the sea-
The japanese seem keenly alive to the ad-
vantage of their position. Should Russia
eventually decline the compromise, they say,
they do not believe she can escape the re-
sponsibility for the failure of the negotia-
tions.
Two Articles in Dispute.
1T will be diplomatic Tsushima for
Russia said one of them this morning.
Articles 10 dnterned warshps) and II Qimi-
tation of Russia's naval power In the far
eas) can be easily arranged. They were
never serious obstacles. Japan is believed
only to have placed them In the list OF con-
ditions to give away in the final bargain,
but even Russia would not prove obdu-
rate, certainly not on ten II nVe ana nine
were adjustable.
1t was the general. understanding before
the conference met this morning that
Baron komura would suggest the compro-
mise, but the fact that M. Witte was not
preps red to make a final response might
lead to a change of program. Diplomatic
maneuvering might be the order OF the
day, and the question of signing the proto-
coils, which was the official business BEFORE
the conference, be employed to assure the
nect ssary delay. 1t should be understood
that the Presidents suggested line of COM
promise will not appear officially before
the conference.
The Presidents Action.
What he has done has been done In
name II not in fact, behind the scenes. He
has labored with each side separately. He
has secured the acquiescence Of Japan. and.
according to the general understanding
officially, his solution would be offered in
the conference as the proposition Of Japan.
Should Japan formally propose the COM
promise. M. Witte can only ask for time
to deliberate, l. e., to consult his govern
ment for the last time He will give no
absolute final answer today.
The peace conference adjourned at 1918
pm. M. Witte and Baron de Rosen at
once left the navy yard in their autorno-
bile for the Hotel Wentworth.
A Recess Until $50 Pm.
The meeting of the conference this morn
Ing was In reality not a meeting OF the
plenipotentiaries at all The secretaries of
the respective missions were still in dispute
over the text of the protocol. and the pleni-
potentiaries gave up the conference room
to them to adjust their differences. The
plenipotentiaries remained in their respec-
tive private quarters while the secretaries
were trying to straghten out their diff
ferences. 1t claimed that certain cor
rections to which both sides had agreed had
not been placed in the text
AT 1915 this work had not been COM
pleted by the secretaries. and It was de-
cided to take a recess until 2:3O. At that
time 1t is understood, the plenipotentiaries
will go into formal session and take up the
protocol in full. deciding any disputed ques-
tions they arise.
The peace conveys returned to the con-
ference room at pm, half an hour be-
fore the time set for the meeting.