Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-08-31

concilable but for the encouragement
offered by the President.
The final decision of the japanese
to waive their claim for indemnity to
surrender their assumed right to place
limit upon Russia's future naval
strength in the far east, as we'll as to
take possession of Russian vessels in
termed in the ports Of various nations
and to accept the cession of the south
ern half of Sakha1in island was un-
questionably reached because they
felt that such generosity was due to
the president of the United States.
The Foremost Figure.
President Roosevelt's triumph
makes him even more than ever the
foremost figure in the worlds politics.
He occupies place perhaps never be-
fore attained by the executive head of
a modern nation. He has challenged
and won the regard and admiration of
the civilized world and brought to his
own country measure Of respect and
prestige which will fix our status
among the powers for generations. No
victory of arms on land or sea could
have won for us such admiration and
respect as the Presidents victory in
behalf of peace. 1t was a victory COM
manded by his own genius, his wis
dom and his courage. When he
reached the decision to request Japan
and Russia to end the war perhaps not
one in a hundred European statesmen
or diplomats believed he would sue
coed. Some Of them sneered at him
as a blunderer and said that his viola
ton of all diplomatic and other prece.
dents would cause both Russia and
Japan to peremptorily refuse his SER
vices. These pessimists did not know
the President They know him now,
however, and they are willing to unite
with all the rest of the world in pro.
claiming him the greatest living
statesman.
Russia is Happy.
Sarvtoff. Russia, Aug. 30.-The peo-
pie hace received the press announce
ment of peace enthusiastically. The
official announcement is awaited i'm
patiently, after which there will be a
celebration.
The news of the peace agreement
did not reach here until 9 o'clock last
evening. 1t speedily circulated by
word of mouth and was received with
general incredulity.
1t is no exaggeration to say that it
produced display in official circles and
amaZement to the general public.
Not for a moment had 1t been ex-
pected here that Japan would aban-
don all her essential demands. Not
for moment have the members of
the war party believed that peace was
a possible outcome Of the conference.
Their attitude last night was one of
furious evaporation, as of people who
have been tricked into a false posi-
ton.
Government Plans Upset.
The plans of the government are
completely upset by the sudden
change in the situation. The reaction
aries talk chiefly of future revenge
against Japan, but they are more i'm
mediately concerned by the vital eff
ton and the resulting confusion in all
the government plans.
There is even rash talk Of sending
General Linevitch's army Immediately
against Constantinople. in order to
prevent the return of the troops to
their homes to foment revolution, and
for the purpose also to retrieve the
military prestige of the empire.
Country Welcomes Peace.
There cannot be. the smallest doubt
that the country at large will well
come peace with the utmost enthusi-
assn now that an indemnity has been
abandoned and the territorial secri-
fees will be mere trifie. Russia, out
side Of official circles, is only too glad