The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-08-17
Prospect for Peace Is Regarded
as Having Improved.
Crisis in Negotiations Is Ex-
pected Next Monday.
OVER HALF THROUGH.
Seven Out of IL Articles Have
Been Agreed Upon.
Limitation of Russia's Sea Pow
or Comes Next.

Portsmouth, N. H, Aug. 1.-THE
prospects of peace are distinctly
brighter. The plenipotentiaries are la
boring with seriousness and earnest
ness which leave not the slightest
doubt that both are anxious to con-
clude a treaty. Though the main
points remain to be contested and the
plenipotentiaries speak as though the
conference would go to pieces unless
the other side gave way, the spirit of
compromise is in the air. When he
returned to his hotel M. Witte, who
was tired out with his hard days
work. said:
81 am doing all can do for peace.
OF the eight articles we have already
considered l have yielded seven. No
other statesman in Russia would have
dared to do as much, and I have done
what [ have done on my own respon-
sibiIity.''
From an authoritative source it is
now possible to forecast with fair
degree of accuracy that the crisis will
come on next Monday. Articles and
dealing with the fate of the Chinese
Eastern railroad having been disposed
of, there remains in addition to the
cession of Sakhalin which was passed
over the question of indemnity, which
comes up as article 8, the limitation
of Russia's sea power in the far east,
and the grant to Japan of fishing
rights on the Littoral, north of Vladi-
vostok.
To all except the latter, to which
Russia will agree, negative answer
has been returned absolutely in the
case of indemnity and Sakhalin. Per-
haps both the others may be modified
and accepted by Mr.. White in order to
strengthen his position in insisting
upon a concession from Japan re-
garding its demand of an indemnity
and Sakhalin.
Before yielding on either of the lat
ter, it can be regarded as practically
certain that NJ. Witte would consult the
emperor.
The exchange of views on the five re-
naming articles is expected to be COM
pleted on Friday or Saturday morning
at the latest. The plenipotentiaries will
term will probably be used by the
plenipotentiaries to consult their re-
spectiye governments. When they meet
upon Monday their last cards will be
thrown upon the table. If there is to
be bargaining. it will come then, and
suddenly the conference will be over or
peace viii be assured. The plenipoten-
tiaries will come together with protocols
drawn up to sign.
Article and 8 were disposed Of the
former in principle" the latter tunani-
mously," according to the official bulle-
tins.
Article Z PROVIDES Tor the CeSS1On to
China of the branch of the Chinese
Eastern railroad running south from
Hardin to Port Arthur and Dalny, and
with a branch line commencing at
Newchwang with the Shan -Kwan-
Tfen Tsin road.
Both Japanese and Russian plenipo-
tentiaries were late for dinner, having
stopped at the cottage of Mrs. PIERCE
for cup of tea and to apologize for
not having reached there in time for a
formal tn 10 OF
noon.
The weather was all that could be
desired and the ENJOYS greatly enjoyed
their ride home.
There was an informal dance given in
the ball room last evening, with several
of the Japanese in attendance
Although the plenipotentiaries gen
orally finish their sessions between 6
to prepare the protocols and cable the
results home, seldom see their beds be-
fore 2 o'clock in the morning. As they
must be up before in the morning in
order to reach the navy yard by $50,
they are beginning to show the strain.
The mosquito pest has not yet re-
turned, but in case it should Baron Ko-
mura and M. White. if they follow the
gratuitous advice they have received,
will know how to cope with the in
vaders Next to the sea, mosquitoes are
M. Whites most dreaded enemy.
The peace plenipotentiaries, who
| have alternately sWeltered and been
chilled. shivered and been soaked,
seemed in fine spirits this morning
when they started from the hotel.
Most of the Japanese mission were so
busy in preparing cables last night that
| they were in consequence a little be-
hind the Russians in getting down.
stairs this morning. 1t was $50 before
Mr.. Takahira, followed by Baron Ko-
mura and Mr.. Sato. came down to the
veranda and received the usual greet
| ing from the guests who invariably
gather to see them off. The Russian
ENJOYS were half way to the navy yard
when the japanese set out.
| NAVY Deserter Arrested