Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-08
Willing to Hear Japan's Terms.

the overtures made to him, but indicated
his willingness to consider them
Willing to Hear Japan's Terms.
The profoundest secrecy is being observed
throughout governmental circles, and al
though 1t is definitely ascertained that Mr..
Meyer has cabled important information to
President Roosevelt, information he pro-
cured only after conference with the car.
all details of his long dispatch are withheld.
AT the State Department 1t Is acknowledged
that the dispatch has arrived in Washing
ton but 1t is said that the amba ssador's
message Is for President Roosevelt, and that
the greatest care will be taken to see that it
does not become public.
That the car has expressed his willing
ness to learn the Japanese peace terms has
been further substantiated today. 1t is
thoroughly believed that Mr.. Meyers COM
munication to the President conveys the
cars attitude on this score.
The statement published this morning
that the Japanese minister was requested
by President Roosevelt, during his call at
the White House last night, to ascertain
the terms upon which Japan would end
the war has also been further substantiated
by developments today. Mr.. Takahira
communicated with his government today,
and by this evening he may have an an
swer from Tokyo, although it will, Of
course, take some time for the Japanese
government to decide upon precisely what
it desires to lay down to Russia. The sit
uation is one of extreme delicacy. and one
requiring the greatest exercise of diplo-
macy.
No Official Announcement.
That there is something doing in peace
negotiations s so thick in the air around
| the White House that it can be felt, but not
an official word comes from any direction.
Foreign representatives who call upon the
President blandly say that the word must
come from the President himself. He is
the one man you must see and the one man
who can tell you what you ask" was the
way Mr.. Jusserand the French ambassa-
dor. put it this morning after he had been
with the President for fifteen or twenty
minutes. Mr.. Jusserand was as courteous
in his Geclination to talk as if he had been
giving out the most valuable piece of in
formation in diplomatic history.
Other equally mute men We're Secretary
Taft, who was with the President this
morning, and Acting Secretary Loomis.
Heretofore the President has not talked in
detail with his cabinet officers about the
conferences he has had with the ambassa-
doris and ministers OF the great countries
interested in peace. but it is the impression
that this morning he impaired all the facts
up to date to Secretary Taft and Acting
Secretary Loomis, with instructions to
carry out certain orders.
Other Conferences Arranged.
Later in the day the President is to have
confer ences with Minister Takahira of ia
pan and Sir Mortimer Durand, the British
ambassador. Both conferences will be held
by appointment. 1t is possible that Minis
ter Takahira may have information to i'm
part to the President received by him from
Toxic in response to a cablegram which he
sent to the mikados government last night.
At that time too. the President will COM
municate to Minister Takahira such part
OF the reported result of Ambassador
audi witt 6a ha
deem expedient.
Count Cassini. the Russian ambassador
last night received a long telegram from
his government, but he absolutely refused
to make known its contents. 1t is proba-
be that he will see President Roosevelt
soon, although he may transmit the COM
munication he has received from his gov
eminent TO the President by a messenger.
Discreet Reticence.
At both the japanese ard the Russian
legations today there was the utmost dis
erection in relation to happenings between
their governments. Neither side wants to
talk. They feel uneasy that the newspa-
pers of this country should find it necessary
to comment or speculate on peace terms.
There is no doubt that throughout diplo-
matte circles there is an earnest desire to
bring the war to a close, and that the eff
fcrts of every one will be exerted to that
end
ceived by the State Department from Am
bassador Reid at London the British
government has indicated it's earnest desire
for peace. The British government how
ever il is realized, occupies a peculiarly
delicate Position as an ally of Japan. No
doubt is expressed in official and diploma tic
circles, however. that King Edwards gov
ernment will cooperate heartily to the ex-
tent of its power in the promotion of peace
negotiations.
Views Of Distinguished Diplomat. =
A distinguished diplomat, standing as
high any of the foreign diplomats in
Washington. said today that he was sure
that a distinct step has been taken, al
though he is not fully cognizant as yet Of
what has happened. The situation is very
reassuring, and 1t is not unlikely that
peace will come out Of the present move
| ment,' he said. President Rooseyelts
movements have been very polite, and ne
seems to have struck fire.
He has achieved much In bringing Rus
| STA to the point where she will consent to
| be informed of the terms of the Japanese
| Even IL this movement fails absolutely by
| Russia refusing to accept the terms OF
! Japan. the President will have lost no pres
uge; and what he has done will do much
| good, as there will always be q working
basis for negotiations Of the future
THE indemnity which Japan will ask Ia
the greatest question. and I think that 1t
| Is the only one which will stand In the
way OF peace. 1t Is hard to guess what
Japan will do about the indemnity. as there
are at least three parties in Japan who
have widely different ideas on the subject
Il happen to know. however that the
Japanese governments terms are not I'm
moderate.
1t can be said today without qualification
that President Roosevelt has all OF the
powers behind him In his actions toward