Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-25
No Hitch, Merely Delay.


Japan have come to dead halt on account
of an illness of Count Lamsdorf. the Rus
sian minister for foreign affairs. 1t is ex-
planned. officially. that nothing in the form
of q hitch has occurred, but that the nego-
tiations merely have been suspended tenn
pOraTIy.
Count Cassini the Russian ambassador.
had brief interview with President Roose-
welt yesterday. but he had no additional
important advices from his government to
communicate. He called merely to pay his
respects to the President prior to the lat
ters departure tomorrow afternoon for the
summer. They discussed informally the
peace situation. the President expressing
his earnest hope that another general en-
gagement on the battlefield of Manchuria
might be averted by the negotiations for
a permanent peace now pending. Count
Cassini told the President that he expected
to sail some time about July II.
In view of the fact that the negotiations
thus far have for the most part, been di-
rectly with the emperor Count Lamsdorff
having been consulted about details rather
than principles, members of the diplo-
matte corps are at loss to understand
why the illness of the minister of foreign
affairs should block the selection of the
pleuipotentiaries. The European ambassa-
dors and ministers at st. Petersburg as
result of the feeling of anxiety in Wash
ington are being put on the lookout for
developments there which may explain the
delay.
Suggestion for an Armistice.
1t is learned that, up to this time, sug-
gestions for an armsice have not been re-
ceived with absolute favor by either Russia
or Japan. Quite naturally. each govern
ment is seeking an advantage over the other
in the diplomatic sparring that is going on
now, and among those in touch with the
situation IL Is regarded unlikely that
definite arrangements for an armistice will
lpd hnxy IN
Guided at all-before the formal meeting OF
the Observation-Disclosures of the two powers.
As heretofore noted, there is serious ap-
prehension that, unless a temporary suspen-
sion of hoStilitteS be arranged. a great bat
tie may be precipitated. the result of which
might wreck completely the pending peace
negotiations.
So far as an armistice is considered. these
negotiations must necessarily be postponed
until the plenipotentiaries have been an
nouneed.
The Peace ENJOYS.
1t was expected confidently that an an
nouncement of the names of the ENJOYS of
the two powers to the Washington confer
ence could be made by the end of the past
week; but, as a matter of fact, the negotia-
tlons have not progressed in the least since
last Tuesday. That both Russia and Japan
have decided upon their representatives at
the conference is quite certain, but each
n.
70 make formal announcement of them
In diplomatic circles Russias delay in
announcing her peace plenipoteutiaries has
aroused feeling of apprehension. There Is
no rack OF confidence on the part of the
Fl esident in RuSSia's sincerity but this de-
lay in the preliminary negotiations it is
realized. may have exceedingly bad eff
Test upon public opinion in Japan
A European ambassador last night said:
believe that the announcing of the Rus
sian pienipotentiaries Is only a question OF
time and We must have patience. The feel
ing or anxiety which has been aroused
WITHIN the last twenty-four hours is due
10 the confidence with which the public has
awaited for more than a week the an
nouncement OF the peace Observation-Disclosures
The knowledge that Japan is prepared to
MAKE public her mission when Russia an
nounces hers shows that the hitch Is in St
petersburg. l am hopeful, however that
the atmosphere may be cleared within the
next Few days by an announcement of the
names OF russian ENJOYS. If a longer de-
lay occurs |. too. must share In this APP
prehension."
Assistance of France.
The visit of the French ambassador 70
the White House Friday and his presence
there again last night at dinner leads to
the belief in officiol circles that the assist
ance OF France will be at the command
of the President in expediting the negotIa-
tons in every way possible but there is no
oflcial confirmation that this assistance
mas been sought at this time
IL seems scarcely probable. at this mo-
fhent, That President Roosevelt will be In
position to authorize further official
statement of the status of the pendiny
negotiations before he goes to OYSTER Raw
Tor the summer. While both Russia pnd
Japan have indicated that they may be
READY 10 open the conference about the LIST
OF August. the belief In welIfnformed quar-
ha