New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-06-11

hostilities in Manchuria-in other words. the
declaration of an armistice while peace negotfa-
tons are being conducted.
1t is believed by military experts that some
intimation has already been conveyed TO the
military commanders that it would be we'll TO
avoid clash. as an extended period has now
passed without any engagement of any fmpor-
tance but proclaimed armistice Is expected
to follow almost Immediately.
With such an armistice effective steps must
be taken to arrange for meeting of plenipo-
tentiaries either in Manchuria between the
lines of the facing armies or else in the United
States probably In Washington No European
capital will be selected for this purpose, for
the reason that it would be almost impossible
there to escape the influence of other powers
whereas in either Washington or Manchurfa
the negotiations could be conducted without
embarrassment and wholly without the sphere
of European influence.
1t is regarded as entirely likely that Wash
ington may be selected the place to hold
the probab bly, extended negotiations which must
precede a final declaration Of peace for the
reason that here the advice and assistance Of
President Roosevelt would be most available.
Moreover, Washington is more nearly midway
between Toxic and ST. Petersburg than any
other capital of an independent nation. being
approximately three weeks journey from Japan
and a little less from Russia. Were the nego-
tiations to be conducted in Washington. it is
improbable that they could actually begin in
less than six weeks as some time will neces
sarily be consumed in arranging the prelinli
naries
Aside from the advantage Of being In cloSa
touch with the President. Manchuria would, on
the other hand. present exceptional advantages,
being within ten days access to the capitals
of both belligerents. wholly removed from out
side influences and directly connected by Off
oiel telegraph lines with Toxic and st. Peters
burg.
1t will be remembered that in 1898 it re-
ouired from July &c until August II to draw
I'D and sign peace protocol. the French Am
bassador having Informed President Mckin-
lev of Spain's desire for peace on the former
date and it is regarded as unlikely tnat al
fairs can be more rapidly arranged in this IN
stance especially as the time required for COM
munication between Washington and the CAPT
falls of the belligererts is greater. On the other
hand it is appreciated that the President will
do all in his power to expedite matters, and
will press his advantage at least until an ar
mistice has been formally declared. After that
there NAV be no occasion for fastening the
neootiations. which may be safely prolonged
over considerable period.
The impression prevails among diplomats az
uasbipgton that Russia has agreed, in prin-
cinIa Mt least TO Japans right to en- indemnity,
and this is regarded as the aIl-important ques-
tion at issue The amount, it is held, while GER
tain n he the subject of extensive discussion,
and nerhaps prolonged negotiations, is certain
eventually to be settled without clash.
From now on internal affairs in Russia will
no watched with the keenest anxiety and with
tb., hope that they may in no way contribute
~ THO difficulties of the Emperor in arriving at
q basis for peace between Russia and Japan.
t is regarded as fortunate rather than other
wise that the negotiations are likely to be ex
tended as the interest in Russia is the more
likely 10 die out and the country become more
accustomed to the idea of humiliation and
rifice before definite announcements on the sub
iect are unavoidable.