The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1905-03-20
Minister Points to Way Out
of Difficulty
SEES NO GLORY AHEAD
Asserts Japan Must Realize That Gar
VIII Some Day Be
ReVengsd

ST. PETERSBURG, March 20. 1:45
a. m.-While Emperor Nicholas, whose
word is final, still declines to abandon
the prosecution of the war, and the
government maintains its ability to
continue the conflict, powerful influ-
ences, including several of the en-
peror's own minister's are now strongly
urging that the time has come to indi-
cate to Japan Russia's desire for peace
upon reasonable basis. Should Japan
then attempt to impose too onerous
conditions, these influences argue that,
IN view of the universal wish to see
the bloody conflict ended, Russia's po-
sition will be strengthened abroad by
the alienation of sympathy from Japan
and the situation at home improved
when the nations is made to under
stand that the emperors pacific pro-
posals have been met with impossible
terms.
Taste Bitter Defeat
One of the enperor's ministers, In
conversation, said:
1--WE have suffered bitter defeat on
land and sea. We can, however, still
continue the war. But both countries
have suffered great losses in blood and
treasure, and it would only sprofit the
rivals of both were we to fight on until
one or the other is exhausted. Russia
has had a hard task fighting the war
against such adversaries, 5000 miles
from home and contend she can make
dignified peace without glory, but not
without honor. AS the victor on land
and sea, Japan can afford to remem-
Der, as Bismarck did at the conclu-
sion of the Austro-P -Prussian war, that
two countries which must live through
the long future as neighbors may need
each others friendship.
Japan may consider the time
prop1tlous, on account of the situation
in European Russia, to try and crush
us. Suppose, for the sake of argument,
she succeeded in finally forcing a
humiliating peace, it could not be more
than an armed truce. Russia is too big
and powerful to retire permanently
from the field. The clouds at home will
eventually roll away. With the army
and navy reorganized, in five, tens or
fifteen years there will come inevitably
our revenge. No permanent peace is
possible now or later unless Japan is
reasonable"
The to suggestion of the possibility
of an alliance between Russia and
Japan, the minister said: "A reason
able peace must first be established"
What" was asked, would be rea-
sonable?"
Russia Idea of Peace
Broadly speaking, Russia's re-
nunciation of her entire Manchurian
policy should satisfy Japan's claims.
She could have had her protectorate
over Korea, such privileges on the
Kwantung peninsula and at Port Ar
thur as the powers would not oppose,
and the Chinese Eastern railway be
placed under international control,
Russia maintaining her rights to rail-
way line through northern Manchuria
to Vladivostok."
What would be Russia's attitude on
the subject of indemnity?'
Russia never yet has paid In
demnity, and history practically affords
no precedent for indemnity when terri
tory is not occupied to insure payment,
and Japan holds not foot of Russian
territory Japan could, however, take
the proceeds of the sale Of property
and rights Of the Chinese Eastern rail-
way, which was built with Russian
money"
Proceeding, the minister said the
difficulties Of continuing the war were
fully appreciated, both from a military
and financial standpoint, but neither
was insurmountable. He denied en-
phatically that the negotiations for
French loan were adjourned because
Russia would not make peace. He ex-
pected that these negotiations would
be resumed soon. The success of the
internal loan announced Saturday the
minister said, is assured. AS for the
question of q new army, much depend
ed upon the exact situation when Gen.
Linevitch got the army out of danger.
Reports Exaggerated
The minister said further that com
plete details of Gen. Kuropatkin's
losses have not yet reached the gov
ernment, but it is already known that
the Japanese reports are greatly ex-
aggerated. The reports that sixty
siege guns and many hundred cars
were left behind is false, as practical
iy NO siege guns or rolling stock fell
into the hands of the Japanese. No
new general mobilization has been or
dered, and it may not be necessary.
or the 900, 600 reservists mobilized last
fall 10000 and the fourth army corps,
numbering 10000, are now beginning
TO arrive in the far east. If, therefore,
Linevitch's army totals 100000 men
when he reaches Harbin Gf that, for
instance, Is to be the easel he will
have an army of about 100000 without
summoning additional reserves Some
regular units, Ike a division of the
guards. might be sent withou. further
mobilization
Still Going Ncrth
GUNSTiU PASS {about 1e5 miles
north OF Mnkdenl, March 19, morning.