Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-09
AT PORTSMOUTH TODAY
ARMISTICE UNLIKELY UNTIL
NEGOTIATIONS ARE SUCCESSFUL.
Thought to Urge It Would Have Bad
Effect Upon Spirit of Rus
sian ENJOYS.


mouth n. H. The meeting lasted about
one hour, during which time the credentials
| of each mission were examined, respec-
| lively, by the other. The credentials were
| found to be entirely satisfactory.
The only other business transacted was
, the agreement upon program for future
sessions The next meeting will be held
| tomorrow at $50 am.
| After the conference the ENJOYS spent
some time in their respective offices, leaving
the general stores building shortly after
noon. They returned to New Castle by
| launch. Baron Komura and Mr.. Takahira
We're the first to leave the navy yard land
| ing. The Russians followed shortly after
ward. the trip to the hotel landing being
| made by the Russians and the Japanese in
| separate boats
PORTSMOUTH, n. H, August 9-The
day which was to bring the initial meeting
of Russian and japanese peace plenipoten-
tiaries at the navy yard here opened with
delightful weather conditions.
The members of both the Russian and
Japanese missions were early about the
hotel. and with the exception of NJ Witte
and Baron Rosen breakfasted in the main
dining room. AS several of the Russians
were coming out of the dining room this
morning they met two of the Japanese en-
tering. They exchanged profound bows,
but did not shake hands
1t was expected at that time that the
start would be made for the navy yard,
where, by agreement reached yesterday,
eft of c2p niSS
to be. held at 10 o'clock. would be made at
the -plenipotentiaries should make the trip
in two large automobiles, which had been
sent for their use, instead of by launch,
which is expected to be the usual method
They will be ACCOMPANIED by several Sc
cret service men.
Upon their arrival at the yard a marine
guard will meet them at the gate and es-
cort them to the navy general store. Sew
eral marines will stand on watch just out
side the building throughout the time the
envoyS are in session.
There were many people waiting on the
veranda of the hotel to witness the de-
parture of the ENJOYS.
No Armistice Likely Now.
With the approach of the time of tho
meeting the feeling became more pro-
nounced than before that armistice
would not be agreed upon until the success
opposition of Japan to this formality and
the hearty support which London is under
stood to have given in Tokyo. it Is believed
has operated to minimize the wish of the
Russians for a signed truce.
Another cause for their willingness not to
press for an armistce at the first meeting
is believed to be the recent opposition said
to have manifested itself among the Rus
sian forces at the front against peace nego-
tiations 1t is felt that to ask them to sign
bod off. hot
spirits and serve to increase their opposi-
ton TO the ending of the war.
Baron Komura and Mr.. Takahira and Sec
retary AdatOi left the Hotel Wentworth by
automobile for the navy yard at 800 clock.
They were greeted on the veranda by Act
ing Secretary Peirce and Gov. McLane.
NJ Witte and Baron Rosen departed short
ly after in another automobile, leaving by
secondary entrance Whlcn leadS- 10 their
apartments.
1t took about half an hour to cover the six
miles from the hotel to the navy yard, and
it was 1890 O'Clock when the ENJOYS ar
rived at the naval stores building, where
their first sitting WAS to take place. The
foreigners attracted no particular attention
as they passed through the city today.
At the navy yard the careful arrange
ments made by Rear Admiral Mead, the
commandant, for excluding all persons not
connected with the peace proceedings oper-
ated perfectly. every outsider being stopped
at the entrance OF the yard.
The Exchange of Cards.
After the plenipotentiaries left the hotel
for the navy yard this morning Mr.. Honda.
private secretary to Baron komura, went
to the apartments OF the Russian mission,
where he was received in the reception
room by Mr. Shpoff. Mr.. de Piancon. Mr..
Batcheff and Mr.. Berg. Mr.. Honda said
the object OF mis- visit was 10 discuss the
best program for the exchange of cards
by the members OF the two missions. The
short conversation which followed was very
cordial and it was decided that the cards
should either be left at the Office or that
secretary from each side should convey
them direct to the respective apartments
and there be formally received.
1t is noticeable that with each day the
members OF the two missions are frater-
nizing more easily, and 1t is no longer
subject for comment when a Russian and
Japanese are seen talking together.
Whether the meeting this morning will
be more than one of organization for the
purpose of exchanging credentials will
probably not be known until the plenipo-
tentiaries return 10 their hotel. Baron Ko-
mura and MIR. Witte reiterated to Third AS
sistant Secretary Peirce shortly before
leaving for the yard today request that
everyone be excluded from the yard
throughout the time the ENJOYS are meet
ing.
Admission Only by Pass.
gain entrance will be required to show
passes signed by their chiefs and counter
signed BY the commandant of the yard.
Had 1t no. been for the fact that auto
mobiles were IN waiting for them Baron
Komura and NJ Takahira would have
gone by launch to the navy yard. Baron
Komura asked Mr.. Peirce at the hotel
about going that way, and orders were at
once sent for launch to be brought to
the landing. Baron Komura, however
seeing his automobile waiting. insisted
on going in the way that had been ar
ranged
Before leaving his hotel this morning
one of the members CT the Russian mis-
sion. in Il conversation with correspond
ent for the Associated Press, said. <'1
wish you would reiterate on behalf of
ourselves how grateful are for the
courtesies extended to us aboard the May
flower by Capt Winsiow and his officers.
Our every want was supplied. in fact an
ttcipated, and the trip on the Mayfower