New-York tribune., 1905-08-13

From Special Correspondent Of The Troune|
Portsmouth " H.. Aug 12.-The crisis in the
peace conference which was forecasted in the
dispatches 70 The Tribune last night. was passed
today when the japanese envoys, instead of
replying categorcally to the Russian answer,
reiterated thpir request that Japanese terms
be akesss -srrfatifo, . request which was ac-
ceded to by the Russian pIenipotentaries. with
the reSnIt that discussion which it is esti-
mated viii last for fully three weeks was be-
gun Tie attitude of the Japanese envoys is
such as to warrant the hope that peace may 70
suit from the Portsmouth conference. especial
ly as Mr. Sato. spokesman for the Japanese del
egation. said this afternoon that his countrys
ENJOYS were here not to dictate terms, but to
reach an agreement.
Mr.. Wittee after the four hours session Of
this afternoon said
THE japanese did not give US an answer. but
declared that they We're prepared 10 discuss the
terms they had proposed. point by point. There
are twelve propositions. and. in my estimation,
each will require two days discussion. As the
first point was not half finished to-day. it will
all the points. or in other words. twenty -four
days longer.
our aim is either peace or war. and we will
make every effort to arrive at the former re-
suit. so that the shedding of blood of another
one hundred thousand men may he avoided,
especially as this conflict does not affect only
Russia and Japan. for I am convinced that
sbould this war continue other nations will be-
involved
Mr. Witte added the significant remark:
..On the Russian side the question of an armiS
tice has been proposed.
Beyond this the senior Russian envoy would
say nothing except that il had been mutually
agreed that the first point, now under discus
sion should not be disclosed
MIR. Kourostovitz announced this evening that
the conference would convene tomorrow at
o'clock TO continue the discussion of the first
clause of the proposed terms.
Having received an invitation from the rector
of Christ Church. Portsmouth. Mr.. Witte and
Baron RoSen suggested to the Japanese ENJOYS
the advisabiIty Of postponing to-morrow's ses-
sion until > p m, suggestion which was read
ily adopted The Russian ENJOYS and several
members of their suite will attend the services
at 1880 o'clock tomorrow morning
WHAT RUSSIA MAY ACCEPT
Russia will not refuse to pay an indemnity
although that Objectionable name for such pay
ment will be carefully avoided, This asser-
tion is made deliberately and with due consid-
Grafton of numerous reports To the contrary.
Nor is II by any means assured that she will
ultimately decline to recognize the cost Of the
war-what Mr.. Witte terms ''frais de guerre''-
rs an equitable basis for such payment. even
should this he placed at S1OooOooooo But it
must he remembered that without recedlns from
this demand in principle. Japan may recognize
the validity of certain claimed credits. which
would materially reduce the net debit.
Assuming that the principle of such payment
no agreed to- Russia will unquestionably ask to
ha credited With the cost Of the Manchurian
Railway. with the value OF the Qualifications at
Port Arthur and Of the elaborate and expensive
pEWEYs RICH cLARET WINES
VIII add 10 tho enjoyment Of your Dinner.
H T pyWsy & Sons CO.. isS Fulton 81. Ne% FORK.