New-York tribune., 1905-08-26
HOPE FOR COMPROMISE
Settlement Along Such Lines Er-
Dected IN Russia.

St Petersburg Aug. 26. A. M.-Everybody In
St. Petersburg is awaiting the developments OF
to-day and hoping that compromise is being
effected the most likely basis Of which, 1t is be-
ieved would be indemnity. but payment
for Saghalen. 10 be left for future adjustment
In fact il was asserted yesterday in an excep-
tionally we'll informed quarter that thir was the
only possible basis for a compromise
The belief is expressed in some quarters that
there will be session at Portsmouth to-day,
and The Associated Press is informed. on
cellent authority. that a further adjournment
would be taken as "a most hopeful sign, as 1t
would prove that serious efforts looking to a
compromise continuing.
I'D TO s O'Clock last evening Ambassador
Meyer had received message from Washing
ton The idea that President Roosevelt might
again communicate with the Emperor. through
the American Ambassador. finds credence in
certain official quarters. The exchange OF mes
sages between Portsmouth and the Foreign Of
fee continues. but the nature Of these dispatches
is a most carefully guarded secret.
1t can be asserted, however. on the best
thority that any suggestion to Russia from any
source whatever that she accept the terms
latins 10 the payment of indemnity. would be
most unwelcome. On that point. IT is reiterated,
Russia has said her last word, but sincere
desire for peace leaves her open for the sugges-
tion Of a compromise not attended by the pay
ment of indemnity
Such suggestion, and even peace settle
ment along such lines is now expected. Russia
IS showing no nervousness regarding the out
come of the negotiations The Emperor is calm
and serene. and evidences Of confidence in his
decision and the course he is pursuing in the
conviction that Russia has ceded all she can are
noticed among all intelligent classes. Peace. or
fna rolaf
fatalistic tranquility; in fact. the disasters of
Lao-Yang. Moukden and the Sea Of Japan seem
almost TO have been forgotten One hears fire.
Quent expressions of confidence in the army in
Manchuria TO defeat the enemy. This confidence
is based upon the many reports which have been
received here of the good condition of the troops.
the advantageous positions they hold. and the
improved morale Of the whole army, and finds
expression in a recrudescence OF more or less
bellicose talk.
Behind Russia's refusal to pay an indemnity
there IS not only the determination not to do an
undignifed thing. which is without precedent In
Russian history, but the belief that the payment
of an indemnity would permit japan soon to
assume the aggressive again.
The Russian government must colonize ST.
IBERIA and in the course OF time Russias in
huence on the Pacific is bound to expand. She
wants to be rid for long a time possible
of the menace OF japanese aggression, which
indemnity would make possible.
In this connection a we'll Informed diplomat
said to The Associated Press
If the bankers would say to Japan, You can
nave money for the conclusion of peace. but not
a penny for the continuance Of the war" peace
would be declared tomorrow. The fnanciers
have the matter entirely in their hands
The Ministers of Finance and War pres
ent in the Foreign Once at the meeting yester-
day afternoon. Certain peace matters dis
cussed briefly.