Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1905-08-26

Oyster Bay. ~ Y.-President Roose-
velt's final effort TO induce a cessation
of hostilities in the far east is al
most dramatic in its extraordinary in
terest.
Through George Won l., Meyer, the
American ambassador at st. Peters
burg. he has made direct appeal to
Emperor Nicholas TO permit the adon-
ton OF such measures in the pending
peace conference as will terminate the
war.
A long cablegram was sent to Am
bassador Meyer by the President late
on Monday. 1t contained instructions
for representations on behalf of Presi-
dent Roosevelt, to be made directly
to the Russian emperor. There is rea-
son for the belief that these represen-
tatlons have been communicated
to the Russian ENJOYS at Portsmouth
through the Presidents messenger.
AS aresult of the instructions he re-
ceiVed, Ambassador Meyer, as chroni-
cled In an Associated Press dispatch
from st. Petersburg, had a special au-
dience with Emperor Nicholas at Pc
terhof palace.
What conclusions were reached at
that conference is not known here, as
no intimation has been given of the
receipt by the President Of Ambassa-
dor Meyers cabled report.
The report received from Assistant
Secretary Peirce at Portsmouth that
the peace plenipotentiaries had ad,
journed their sittings until next Sat-
urday was a source of satisfaction.
1t is distinct assurance that efforts
are being made with increasing pros
pect of ultimate success to compromise
on the crucial points of difference
among the conferees. 1t is regarded
as certain that every hour gained in
the time of the conference makes for
peaceful solution of the differences
Thus far the President has gained
his points one after another. 1t was
due to his efforts that the conference
did not break finally last week and
his further important suggestions pre-
vented final dissolution of the con-
ference on Monday.
Now he has carried his appeal for
peace straight 10 tire RUSSIAN emperor,
an appeal, too, which can be said to
have the positive support of the great
neutral powers.
1t is stated that Japan has proposed
to Russia that the question of indem-
nifty for war expenditures be waived.
practically, and that Russia should
agree to purchase a portion of the ISL
and of Saghalin for $500, 100000.
1t is believed that one part of the
proposition submitted to Baron Rosen
by the President that Russia should
purchase possession Of the island OF
Saghalin, either In part or as whole,
and that If the conferees were unable
to agree upon price to be paid for 1t,
the amount be left to the determina-
tion of an impartial tribunal.
Final decision of the proposition
made by Japan through Baron Kom-
ura will rest with Emperor Nicholas.
Even should it be rejected it is almost
certain now that 1t will be succeeded
by other propositions looking to an ul-
innate agreement of the plenipoten-
tiaries
1t can be said that the conference
will not fail of a successful issue be-
cause of any lack of proper and disin-
terested effort on the part of Presi-
dent Roosevelt, and while he does not
discuss the negotiations in any man
ner for publication, those who have
talked to him reflect his increasing be-
lief that out of all the pickering yet
may come peace.