The semi-weekly messenger., 1905-03-31

Washington, March 29-Neither
Russia nor Japan has asked President
Roosevelt to assist them in ending the
war. So far as the Washington gov
ernment is aware Emperor Nicholas
has not yet weakened in his announced
decision ITO prosecute the war tc the
bitter end"
The genuine wish of this govern
based upon selfish interests. Ameri-
can financiers have not overloaded
themselves with the bonds of either Of
the belligerent nations. Washington
believes that it is to the advantage Of
both belligerenta that the far eastern
war come to speedy end and any
bring that about will be done gladly.
From the outset Of the war the Presl-
dent has taken the position, as has
been repeatedly announced by Secre-
tary Hay that he will do anything in
his power to assist Russia and Japan
to peace basis when his services shall
be acceptable to the belligerents. But 1t
is authoritatively stated that no Oftl-
cial of the Washington government is
ambitious to pose as the mediator be-
tween the Gar and MikadO. 1t is the
feeling here that Russia and Japan
should negotiate directly and avoid an
international conference. This opinion
also prevails in Berlin. Indeed Japan
has recently received an urgent warn
ing against indirect negotiations lest
they lead to an international confer
ence the results of which might prove
disastrous to the interests of both bel
ligerents.
There is authority for the statement
that France is diligently striving TO
end the war and for six weeks past ne
gOtiations Of the most confidential
character have been in progress be-
tween Paris and st. Petersburg. Even
diplomats of the highest rank nave
failed to obtain from M. DelCasse the
French foreign minister the results of
these negotiations, but it can be an
nouaced on the same authority tnat
Count Lamsdorff, the minister for for
eign affairs has within a week admit
ted that he had in a general way out
lined to NJ. DelCasse the general terms
along which Russia might consent to
consider peace.
Advices from Europe tell of the fear
prevalent there in certain quarters that
the activities of Lamsdorff and Del
Casse are directed toward an Internal
ionll conference to be held in some
neutral European capital, such as
Stockholm, where peace negotiations
might be conducted. 1t is said that
this move has, in a measure, been
blocked by the refusal of Japan to give
any indication as to the peace terms
she would accept until positively as
sured in the name of the Gar himself,
that Russia is prepared to negotiate
in good faith for peace. Not only does
Japan insist upon this assurance but she
prefers to negotiate directly with St
Petersburg
With the United States, Germany
and Japan opposed to an international
conference to end the war the belief il
strong in Washington that successful
peace negotiations will date from she
day ST. Petersburg communicates with
Toxic direct The Washington govern
ment is alertly watching for the op-
portInity to assist Russia and Japan
in getting into diplomatic communlca-
ton. Thus would an international
conference be avoided and the United
States would be in better position TO
insist upon maintenance of the integri-
ty and administrative entity of China.
No negotiations involving an attack
upon this principle can be acquiesced
in by the United States.