The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-07-29
ARMISTICE IS
 VERY LIKELY Tte Usual Custom in Peace , Negotiations. JAPAN WILL NOT OBJECT Powers of Plenipotentiaries
 Discussed. spskesman sato Thinlks China Has Nc Right to Ask Indemnity When the
 Conference Meets to
 Discuss Terms. ..
JAPAN WILL NOT OBJECT


 the Japanese Peace Commission today relative to the visit to President Roose- welt yesterday of Barnn Komura and Kogoro Takahira. the Japanese Com missioners. Aimar Sato, Minister resi- dent of the Emperor of Japan. who Is the official spokesman for the Commis- sion. said to the Associated Press to- day:
 There Is no statement to make about the visit of the Baron and Mir. Takahira. What could be said is that 1t was a most formal visit and no questions of any importance relating to the coming negotiations were touched upon. There was not even time for discussion of matters that by precedent go before the parties of the negotiations.
 The question of an armistice is one that is considered at formal meetings. and I can assure you that President Roosevelt made no request for an arr mistice."
 Inquiry was made of Mir sato as to the attitude of the Japanese on the question of an armistice, and he re- piled: Japan is perfectly willing to agree to an armistice after the creden- tials of both Commissions have been examined and verified.
 The examination of credentials must necessarily be the first duties of the peace delegates to ascertain that all are qualified in the capacity to which they are reported. In the negotiations for peace that ended the Chinese war. remember, there was much delay be- cause the credentials of one of the Chi- nese plenipotentiaries did not bear the Emperor,s seal granting him plenary powers.
 However, think an armfstics will be agreed upon after the Commissions enter formally upon this work It has been the custom in all peace negotia- tions to cease hostiiities during the con- vention of peace plenipotentiaries."
 Powers of COmmission.
 Mir. Sato was asked as to the definite powers of the members of his Commis' sion, and said: .4 s.. X sss..-
 .sThey have power to reject any pros posaI and commit the Japanese GoverYi- ment to any document they may sign. subject. of course. to the sanction of the Emperor"
 The report that China intended ask ing an indemnity MT. Sato had read. and regarding this he said:
 China could not ask any indemnity of Japan. It was her inability or un- willingness to keep Russia out of Man churia that forced us into the war"
 Throughout the day Baron Komura has applied himself closely to his off, cial duties. Many dispatches are trans mitted to and from Tokio and all the secretaries with the suite are taxed with an enormous amount of work.
 Tonight Baron Komura and his suite dined with the trustees of the Japa- nese Club. Mir. Sato commented upon the reception to Secretary Taft in To- kio and said he had read the reports with great interest. The fact that the historic chrysanthemum gardens had been thrown open to the party. MT. c-A tw.It ~f A<N- ing towards Americans in Japan.
 These gardens are most sacred in our country" said Mir. Sato, and this is the first time they have been opened to a foreign citizen. It is a marked distinction and honor. They are open ed for our own people but twice year."
 Taft Party Entertained.
 Tokio. July 2S.-General Terauchi. Japanese Minister of War, entertained Secretary Taft and party today at luncheon and garden party in the fa- nous gardens surrounding the arse nal. The cabinet, Elder Statesmen and many officers of the army and navy were present. The party numbered 250. Lunch was served in a temporary with American and Japanese flags. General Terauchi escorted Miss Alice Roosevelt and Madame Terauchi was escorted by Secretary Taft. President Roosevelt was toasted by General Te- rauchi who also led the cheering for him. When Minister Griscom proposed the health of the Emperor of Japan the Americans present arose and gave three banzas and three American cheers. General Teraucht proposed the healths of Secretary Taft and Miss Alice Roosevelt.
 Secretary Taft, in toasting the Jap anese army. dwelt chiefly on its record in the Chinese wars and Boxer upris- ing and on questions connected with it's organization and leadership. He did not refer to the present war. Be- fore leaving. Minister Griscom and Secretary Taft thanked the Japanese for their kindness. The Secretary eu- logized Griscom's services as Minis ter Marquis Ito then chanted an or iginal poem composed in honor of the Americans. After the luncheon an hour was spent in viewing the exten- sive gardens.