New-York tribune., 1905-08-13

they appear to have undergone some change Of
attitude. Baron Komura and Minister Takahra,
unlike Mir. witte and Baron Rosen, have per-
sistently refused 10 discuss the results of the
conference to which they are party, but some
of their attaches have curtly insisted upon the
irrevocabnity of Japan's demands and the hope
lessness OF a cause, the success of which must
involve any yielding by Japan. Nevertheless,
Air Sato, spokesman for the japanese delega-
ton. clearly indicated this morning that Japans
terms were not so nfexible as he and bis COM
patriots have previously asserted.
On being Informed that a tone generally pes
simistic had characterized last nights dis
patches. particularly those going TO the foreign
press. Mr. Sato inquired the ground for such
view, and was told that ii was authoritatveiy
asserted that Russia could not yield 10 all OF
Japans terms. and that It was fully expected
that Japan would refuse TO recede His reply,
spoken with great gravity and with gradual
interlacing of bis fingers. which seemed TO In
dicate a gradual adjustment of differences, was:
we are not here TO dictate terms. but to reach
an agreement" This assertion, taken in connec-
ton with Mr.. Whites declaration that the press
was chiefly responsible for the pessimism Of
yesterday and the length of this afternoons
session, has naturally served largely TO dispel
the gloomy forehodings Of yesterday.
OWNERSHIP OF sAGHALIEN.
With the ultimate ownership of saghalien con-
stituting one Of the crucial issues of the con-
ference, ii is interesting TO note that, apart
from the national pride involved Russia might.
without relinquishing her possession of that
island. make concessions to Japan which from
a commercial standpoint would virtually Offset
the actual ownership of this somewhat barren
possession. The most valuable asset Of the
owner OF Saghalien is. and seems destined al
ways TO be, the fishing privileges along its
shores, the island being described as the New
foundland of the East Along the Russian coast
line and in the mouth of the Amoor River the
fishing privileges are equally valuable, and suf-
hciently liberal concessions accorded 10 Japnese
fishermen in these waters might, apart from
the question of pride, be accepted by Japan as
an adequate equivalent of the ownership Of tho
island itself
In so far as the military and strategic value
OF the island is concerned. it is pointed out that
with, is assumed TO be true offensive and
defensive alliance being formed between japan
and Great Britain. and with the example of the
current war in view. Japan has comparatively
little 10 fear from Russia as naval power. and
the same reflection would apply to Japan's ef
forts TO limit Russia's naval strength on the Pa
cfc, although it is fully appreciated that the
attack Of tie Vladivostok fleet on Japanese
commerce has rendered the latter nation peeul-
iarIy sensitive this subject.
The japanese demand that Russia forfeit con-
troll of the Manchurian Railway. even if 1T in
cludes the trunk line to Yladivostok. would not,
If acceded TO. place Russia at such a disad-
vantage as is assumed in some quarters, for IL
will be remembered the original plans and sur
veys of the Trans-Siberian Railway did not con-
template that II should traverse Manchuria.
but, instead, that il should proceed directly from
Lake Baikal to Khabarovsk, the Manchurian
projection being of more recent date, and, in
fact. the branch which now runs from Vladi-
vostok to Khabarovsk was in process of con-
struction before the Manchurian line was I'M
dertaken 1t remains, therefore, for Russia
10 complete the link originally projected be-
tween Lake Baikal and hhabarovsk 10 perfect
transcontinental line equally as effective as the
trans -Manchurian trunk line.