Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-04-01
Motono Makes Statement.

Motono Makes Statement.
The Associated Press correspondent
has talked lengthily with Motono dur
Ing the last few days and the situation
2 heretofore set forth in these dis
patches reflected the view of Motono
and others directly concerned, al
though with the usual reservation of
not using their names. However, in
view of the continued reports that
there were indications that Delcasse
and Motono were taking active part
in negotiations the correspondent Of
the Associated Press called at the
Japanese legation today and requested
Motono to furnish decisive state
meut which would put 1t past all mis-
understanding Accordingly the min
lister gave the Associated Press the
.soliowisg categorial statement which
was taken in writing and may be ac-
cepted as authoritativly clearing the
situation.
'T tell you explicitly that there are
no peace negotiations or preliminaries
for initiating peace negotiations in
progress at this time as far as am
aware and I believe my information
Is complete.
No Negotiations on FOOT.
81 am not desirous of discussing
the general question of peace for,
owing to the complete absence Of nego-
tiations or preliminaries towards nego-
tiations that questions can only he
academic and without practical bear
ing. The statements that 1 have con-
ferred with Delcasse at his residence
are false and are calculated to confuse
the situation, which is perfectly plain.
Conducting Military Campaign.
"There is no representative of Japan
authorized at this time to discuss
peace or foreshadow in the least what
conditions the Japanese government
might consider if the negotiations as
sumed a practical stage. On the con-
trary Japan is now engaged in con-
Quoting military campaign. She will
resolutely proceed with that important
work"
An Authoritative Statement.
1t can be added that the introduction
of the foregoing dispatch, as we'll as
the portion quoted, was submitted to
Motono, who approved every word. 1t
was similarly submitted to the foreign
office where it was approved through
out. Therefore the dispatch can be
accepted as being in the highest de-
gree authoritative.
Jusserand Shares Same ,ew.
Washington March 31.-French Am
bassador Jusserand is of the opinion
that peace is not in immediate pros
pect between Russia and Japan He
SO expressed himself after a visit to
the President today to bid him good
bye before the President goes on his
southwestern trip, and said both com
batants at this time appear to be bent
on continuing hostilities for salts
factory adjustment of their difficulties
United States Not in Case.
He added that he did not believe the
Washington government had yet con-
cerned itself officially in any move
ment looking to a cessation of the
war.
Rumor Makes President Mediator.
New York, March 31.-The repeated
announcements in regard to the prox-
unity of peace are confirmed, it is as
serted in dispatch from the Times
correspondent at st. Petersburg, by in
formation from what is called an un-
impeachable source, showing that Rus
sia and Japan have selected President
Roosevelt as mediator, that negotia-
tions are already in progress and that
suspension of hostilities shortly may
be expected.
oyana Begins Advance.
st. Petersburg, March 31.-News
from the front today indicates that
Field Marshal Oyama has begun a
geuine advance of lis main army with
the wings far extended. Heavy recon
naissances are being made against the
Russian center with the object Of de-
veloping the Russian positions.
Russian Newspapers Silent.
ST. Petersburg, March 31-The news
papers today are so significantly silent
about peace reports from abroad that
1t leads to the inference that they have