The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-08-28
JAPAN'S MOVE.
Russia Now Waits on Her
Enemy's Next Play.
Peace Conference Stands Ad-
iOurned Indefinitely.
1T WILL MEET AGAIN.
When the Japanese ENJOYS Hear
From Toxic.
Situation Not Quite But Almost
Hopeless.
IT WILL MEET AGAIN.

Portsmouth, N. H, Aug. 2S.-The
life of the peace conference seems to
hang by a thread, but the thread will
not be broken today. At 10 o'clock
Saturday night, after q conference
lasting three-quarters of an hour be-
tween Mr.. Takahira and NJ. White, in
the latter's room in the hotel annex,
the announcement of a postponement
was made. M. Witte explained to the
Associated Press that Mr.. Takahira
had told him that no new instructions
had reached him from Toxic, and
fearing none might be received before
the meeting scheduled for this after
noon. he had suggested the propriety
of postponing the meeting until Tues
day. To this M. White said he had
readily assented. Mr. Takahira made
the following statement to the Assoc
ciated Press:
'Inasmuch as this conference was
initiated by the friendly offices of your
president. after consultation we felt
that we should be cautious about
terminating its labors."
Almost Hopeless, Says Takahira.
Pressed as to whether he regarded
the situation as hopeless Mr. Takahira
said:
mo, not hopeless. but almost hope
less
This in itself from one who has
spoken always in the most guarded
fashion, is sufficient to show the des-
perateness of the situation. The real
crisis in negotiations is at hand. 1t is
very acute, but If it can be tided over
for few days without a rupture a
basis of peace acceptable to both sides
may come very SUDDENLY
Japan Must Speak
To save the situation now, Japan
must speak. If Tuesday It has nothing
to offer, all is over. M. Witte. even if
he would, is powerless to take a new
step. His hands are tied. He now oc-
cupies the role of an imperial messenger
who transmits his masters orders to
Baron KOmura, and Baron Komura
turns them over to Toxic for the re-
Spouse. The conference room has ceased
to be place for negotiations. It is
simply the place where the emperors of
the warning countries exchange their
communication by the hands of their
ENJOYS.
Upon the point of indemnify or reinl-
bursement of ''fras de guerre'' under
any disguise, Emperor Nicholas has
given the Japanese emperor his last
word Mr.. White accepts it as final
and in writing informed the Japanese
plenipotentiaries that Russia would
have nothing further tossay upon this
subject. Russia would cede half of
Salxhalin and pay the cost of the main
that was all. Emperor Nicholas had
given the same response to the president
through Ambassador Meyer.
The Russians generally seem not dis
pleased with the situation. They be-
1ieve Japan has been automatically
unanswered into a corner from which,
If it now persists in its attempt to ex-
act tribute with the alternative of a
continuance of the war. it cannot extri-
cate itself before the public opinion of
the world.
The Russian View.
Japan, here and in Europe, they say, APP
pealed for sympathy on the ground that
Russia had compelled IT to take up arms
to protect it's life. The fortune of war had
gone in its favor and Russia, recognizing
THAT it had been beaten and Areferring
peace to the continuation of the war; Ii al
agreed to cede upon every point involved
IN the quarrel. 1t was willing to allow
Jaran full swing in Korea, it was willing
90 get out of Manchuria bag and baggage,
and commit itself to the recognition of
China,s integrity and the policy Of the
open door" But Japan's insistarre upon
tributes because Russia refused prolOngs
the carnage. IL that act they contend ia
par would grange the purpose and cnar-
acter of the war which would cease to be
longer one of principle, but degenerate
There is no doubt that the Japanese are
worried over this aspect of the situation
and they do not propose to be placed in
this position II it can be helped.
Assistant Secretary PIERCE after the an
nouncement of the decision to adjourn
over until 1 ueSudg saw nOln NJ. White and
Mr.. Takahira and then sent long cipher
message to the president.
Although the public was led to believe
that the meeting was definitely adjourned
until Tuesday, the Associated Press learn
ed late that according to the joint under
standing between NJ. White and Mr. Taxa
hira, it was agreed that there would be
no meeting until Jajan's response to what
may be regarded as the Russian uTti-
matum arrived. The meeting therefore
may not be held until Wednesday or
THURSDAY: Toxic must now decide and
Judging from the tone of the Japanese
press the government must face a great
deal Of opposition at home if it yields fur
Their.