Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-08-17

Is used In the engrossment of
treaties. This Is regarded as Sig
nlflcant.
Portmouth, Aug. 16.-The Japanese
snvoys, after trip from Newcastle in
In uncovered motor car, though cold
rain prevailed, arrived at the navy
year at 9:45 o'clock this morning. The
Russian commissioners reached there
few minutes afterwards. 1t is under
stood that the subject to be considered
Today Is Number of the peace condi-
tions, which Is the one relating to the
cessation of the Chinese eastern rail-
road to China.
The following statement was made
by Mr.. Krostevetz at the close of the
morning session: "In the morning sit
ting the conference has taken up the
discussion of Article Z. The discussion
not having been finished, the confer
ence has taken recess until p. m. p
Progress is Slow.
1t was stated enormously yesterday
by some correspondents that the "open
door" article was disposed of yester-
day, when as a matter Of fact it had
not been touched upon. 1t was also re-
ported that the question of the disposi-
t1on of Port Arthur and point near
Hardin had been taken up.
The latter article, it appears, has
been discussed partially, and it's con-
sideration will be resumed again. It
is not expected that it will be passed
over, as was Sakhalin, because the en-
voys will be able to adjust it in way
satisfactory to both. This means that
Japan will secure sole control
Danger Of Rupture.
Though it will not come at once, a
rupture is imminent over the question
Of the cession by Russia of the Island
ed over yesterday by the ENJOYS.
sakhalin a Vital Necessity.
When M. de witte was asked last
evening about his attitude in connec-
ton with the transfer Of the island to
Japan, he said he could not discuss it
now. His attention was drawn to a
report that he would propose return
to the condominium exercised by Rus
sia and Japan over the island many
years ago.
II have not heard of it," he replied.
When it was suggested an arrange.
ment Of this kind might be reached he
repeated that he knew nothing of the
report and could not discuss it.
Nevertheless, M. de Whites position
with reference to Sakhalin is well
known. Russia has surrendered all
pretensions In Corea, in fact,has form.
ally recognized the preponderance of
Japanese interests and influence in
that peninsula She did not succeed
in inducing Japan to agree to refrain
from fortifying the coast of Corea par.
ticularly that part near the straits, as
she had SO ardently desired.
The southern entrance of the sea of
Japan is thus closel to all intents and
purposes. The only outlet to the sea
OF Japan which remains free from
Japanese command is that known as
the La Perouse straits, which is flank
ed on one side by the island of SAX.
halin.
Russians Unanimous In Attitude.
II the island continues Japanese
possession, then Russia will be cut off
from the Pacific as effectually as she
is cut off from the Mediterranean.
In endeavoring to hold Sakhalin.
therefore, she is fighting for a vital
necessity. Commercially the island
is valuable, but its principal import.
ance to Russia is military and strate.
gic. In interviews members of the
Russian mission stated last night that
the surrender of Sakhalin cannot be
permitted under any circumstances.
M. de Witte will be glad to compen.
safe Japan for returning the island
but persistence by Baron Komura and
Mr., Takahira in the demand for its
cession will lead, it is declared, to a
rupture of the negotiations.
"Japan's interests and Japan's
PRIDE one of the Japanese delegates
said, require that we should hold
Sakhalin. Whether Russia continues
the war or not, we will keep our grip
upon the island. 1t is ours now and
forever