Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-08-12
Whites Reply Feared to
Have Ended Hope
of Peace.
INVITES DISCUSSION
Based On Theory Country Was
Not Responsible for War
and is Not Whipped.

Portsmouth, Aug. 12.-The Russian
and japanese plenipotentiaries resum-
ed their session this afternoon and at
once entered into an animated discus
sion.
Portsmouth, Aug. $50 pessimistic
is the feeling among those in the con-
fidence of both sides that the predic-
ton is made to the Associated Press
that, If the meeting should be held this
afternoon, il might be the last, and
that the history of the washington
conference" would be abruptly conclud-
ed today.
WILL FIGHT IMMEDIATELY.
If the negotiations are broken off,
Oyama will Immediately give battle to
LineVitch. The Associated Press learns
Oyama's armies are ready and only
await the signal that a rupture has oc-
CURED to launch an attack.
Portsmouth, Aug. 12-The Russian
and Japanese peace plenipotentiaries
reported at the naval stores building
from the Wentworth hotel at 9:35
O'Clock and at once proceeded to the
conference.
Time to Examine Document.
Portsmouth, Aug. 12.-The Russian
reply to the japanese conditions of
peace was delivered by Witte to Baron
Komura this morning. The conference
adjourned at 10:4O. The adjournment
was TO give Komura and colleagues an
opportunity TO examine the document.
Expects Promptness.
Witte indicated courteously he ex-
pected the same expedition in the Jap
anese response as had been observed
in the preparation of the Russian re-
ply, and this was readily assented to,
the Japanese agreeing to meet at this
afternoon OF at the same time tomor-
row. The Russians as well as the
japanese remained at the navy yard.
Mind Made Up.
The action of Baron Komura relative
TO the meeting produced distinctly
unfavorable impression. To fix time
of meeting in advance of the examina-
tion of the reply was interpreted as evi-
dence that the Japanese mind was
made up and that such concessions as
they were prepared TO make had been
agreed upon in advance and only re-
manned 10 be formulated.
Told Orally.
Witte. however. is believed to have
practically outlined the reply in pre-
sentiug il SO that when Komura made
his announcement he would know the
substance.
Two Points Denied.
Upon the two points of indemnity
and cession of Sakhalin the Russian
reply declines to admit discussion.
Others il accepts and still others it &C
cents conditionally. The argument
against the payment of an indemnity or
the cession of territory is based upon
the general theory that Russia is not
responsible for the war and as Russia
is still prepared to continue the strug-
gle and has sought this meeting not as
vanquished country begging for
terms, but because she sincerely de-
sires peace if honorable peace is pos
sible Therefore. she could neither
agree to foot Japans bill for war ex-
penses nor cede territory.
InvItes Discussion.
Ii can be said. however. although
firm on the main points, NJ. Whites re-
ply is exceedingly courteous and leaves
the way open to discussion and negoti-
ating if the Japanese are willing.
See "A Conspiracy.
The Associated Press is in a position
TO state that the Japanese believe the
Russians have been laying the founda-
ton for a claim that responsibility for
the rupture, if one comes, will have
been due TO their attitude. They have
decided, in case of a break. to take
steps to disprove any such claim.
Hold Close Conference.
Soon after the adjournment of the
joint session of the peace plenipoten-
tiaries and the departure of the Rus
slams from the building. the Japanese
chief ENJOYS and assistants went into
formal session in the private council
chamber. taking into consideration the
preparations for cabling the Russian
reply 10 Toxic.
Heat Intense.
The heat was almost unbearable
when the plenipotentiaries set out for
the navy yard The Russian and jap
anese plenipOtentiaries were taken TO
the navy yard in automobiles while sec