The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1905-08-24
OUTLOOK SACK AND END
MAY COME AT NEXT SESSION

(By Associated Press.) .4Ess.
PORTSMOUTH. NJ H.. Aug. :3.-The
Japanese plenipotcntiaries at the con-
clusion OF the afternoon session Of the
e peace conference threw the cards upon
the table. 5
1t was the dramatic moment-the mo-
ment to which all the previous proceed
B ings OF the conference had led. The
protocols involving agreement upon eight
OF the twelve contentious originally pre-
scented by Japan had been signed. One
I side or the other must make Il move
or the plenipotentiary had reached the
parting OF the ways. The adversaries
faced each other across the table. Ot
course. 1T was we'll understood what
would happen, but that in q way, only
made It more dramatic. Figurately Presi-
dent Roosevelt suddenly entered the
conference room.
Witte Refuses.
NJ vvitte sat silent and the move IN
the great diplomatic game passed to
Japan. Baron Komura, in a few words
explained that Japan. in her great de-
sire for peace was ready to make certain
.'modificatons" o fthe original arttles IN
4 the hone that Russia could find 1t possible
to accept them. He then presented in
writing to NJ. Witte the compromise
proposition, which President Roosevelt
had suggested. It was concrete and spe-
ciflc, and It followed the lines outlined In
these dispatches 1t offered 10 Withdraw
article nine, providing for the payment by
& Russia Of Jnpans bill for the cost OF the
war, on condition that Russia would ac-
cent article five, which provides for the
4 cesslon Of the island OF sakhalln, so nlodi-
fled ns to include an arrangement Tor the
repurchase by Russia Of the northern
hnlf OF the island for 200 100000 yen. In
addition, 1t offered to withdraw entirely
articles eleven and twelve (surrenuer o.
the interncd warshlps and Limitation uPon
Russa's sea power In the Far East).&
It was President Roosevelts compro-i
mise, and NJ. Wittc knew It's s., cohlenls
ms we'll as did Baron Komura. The cues
ton OF whether no had been plu'l'''s
was put to the test. ,
m Without a moments s hesitation NJ. Wltte
.xnlaincd that the modification proposed
Ens merely a sham,{ change OF phrhse-
nlouy. n diplomatic attempt to ''dorer "a
pilule." md ask Russia to pay war tr'-
butte under another namo, he could hot
acccnt Il. He told Baron Konlura Russia
wanted peace. She had given the proofs
In accepting every article Involving the
Issues upon which the war was ioush,'
but she could fight and money tor5 vi
butte she Wnulu not pay, ''ol =, -. - - ~,
lie asked Baron kolnura 70 Wi't'''A Wi't''''A '" - -
demands for tribute.
And so tho plenpotentiarles separatea,
10 meet again on Saturday, ostenslp!y
10 permit NJ. Witte to place In wrltlng
as tho rules of his reply to the japanese esq
compromise proposition. In reality. tns
adjournment over the two days was y. 70
+ give each side an opportunity TO consult
IT'S government for the last time.
Outlook Black.
Tho outlook Is black; many believe y
Was never so black as to-nlght. f.se
rananese are not talking Indeed. to-
hight they appear to be more taclturn
tnd moro resolute than ever.
3,-he only possible line of further, Jap
F ~ 30 concession Is considered % lie ~