The Washington times., 1905-06-16
President Anxious for
Suspension of Hostili-
ties in Far East.
BIG BATTLE PROBABLE
Japan and Russia Both Hope
to Better Situation by
Last Fight.

Whether there will be another great
battle in Manchuria before hostilities
are suspended is question of great
present interest in diplomatic and Mill
tary circles. Precedents Of other wars
and other peace negotiations are being
studied vii. much interest for the Igh.
they mag held this situation
The Pre@-.ssat, Il is said on high au-
thority. w>sS-+sSs.c::se to see his mediation
successful S-ne1extent OF preventing
the great battS that undoubtedly is i'm
pending. HswouId be glad. it is repre-
sented, to see a protocol signed that
would end hosti1ities at once and pre-
vent furthsr slaughter in Ms.acf1uria.
To this end, it is further intimated,
the energies of the State Department
are likely 10 be bent from this time
forth
Japan's Wishes Doubtful.
But the military and diplomatic situ-
alton are such that there is considerable
doubt whether japan will desire pro-
tocol signed at present Her armies un-
der Oyana have worked fast TO bring
about situation which is now supposed
to be ripe fer pluckinS the Linssvitch
plum.
To suspend hostilities under a proto-
col would involve possible disadvantage
to japan at critical time, and, II ne
gotiations should fail, might result in
her resumption Of activities under less
favorable conditions than now obtain
Moreover. Japan has not yet occupied
any nominalIy Russian territory, and
St. Petersburg has been disposed TO IN
sist that there can be nc ground for in
demnity wnen territory has not been
taken
Ready to Crush Linevitch.
Oyama is believed to be nearly ready
for a crushing blow that, If dispatches
from the war zone do not overstate the
situation, may convert the next action
into veritable Sedan Such an out
come would mean occupation OF Russian
territory, the complete breaking down
OF the Russian campaign. aud the sweep
Ing aside of Russiais last ground for op-
position to indemnity
Having none too much confidence IN
Russia's sincerity at be st, therefore, it
is urged. Japan win be unlikely to con-
seat 70 suspensi5a Of operations un-
til the commissioners of the rival DOW
ers cal. meet and decide terms
In the Spanish-American war French
Ambassador Carnbon was commissioned
to sign. here IL Washington, the profo-
~ "a tc-is.it VI WIS OORe
in August but the commissioners did
rot meet tic discuss peace Tssrms until
October
The Russo-Japanese situation is en-
tlrely different Spain's campaign had
utterly collapsed. The war was liter
ally ended because there was no remain
ing point OF contact between the oppos-
ing powers Nothing in the situation
presented an ob.tacle to armiStice, for
Spain was frankly at the mercy Of
America.
Russia Still Afeld.
| But Russia-s campaign has by no
means been played to its end She has
one of the greatest veteran arInies-the
| world ever saw in Nanckuria. oanhdent
once more OF its chance of success.
There is much for Japan yes ID gain,
and everything fer Russia to gaiH.
In this situation, therefore. nslny OBJ
servers believe there viii be TO arnis-
1ice till the peace commissioners ar
range il. Meantime the most treTnen-
dous battle of the war may, and, in
deed, probably would. be fought
| Against this statement of the situation
Is the Presidents understood anxiety
/ for suspension of hoStilities. His infiu-
may be strong enough with Japan to
! erations without pressing Oyania's 5
campaign TO its logical end u another
great battle.