Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-10

aries and delegates, ninety-five persons in
all AT the end of the conference he was
clothed with the necessary powers to sign
the agreement Another historical instance
which is quoted is that of the African con-
ference. held in Berlin in 1884 in which all
the delegates participated.
MIR. Wilenkin accompanied by Command
er BOutakoff, the Russian naval attache
and Capt. Roussine, the naval delegate to-
day went off In a steam launch to the Dol
phln and MayfloWer, and presented the
compliments of NJ. Witte to Commanders
Winslow and Gibbons. Commander Isham
and Mr.. Takeshita paid similar visits on be-
half of Baron komura.
Official Credentials Exchanged.
The official credentials were then ex-
changed. AS each side previously had an
opportunity to examine them this was
largely a matter of form. A somewhat
general discussion followed in which Baron
Komura and NJ. Witte spoke frankly of
the purpose of the meeting The best of
spirit was manifested and the discussion
widened, Baron Rosen and Mr. Takahira
participating, French and English being
used.
Dring the course of the exchange it was
ag1 eed that Baron Komura should irnme
dlately present the Japanese terms and NJ.
Witte promised to give reply at the earl
est possible moment In order to avoid
misunderstanding it was agreed that the
reply and all formal communica tions should
be made in writing.
Japan's Conditions.
This understanding having been reached
just before the session adjourned, Baron
Komura handed the document to NJ. Witte,
who thrust it in his pocket without open
ing 1t. While the Japanese went to
luncheon NJ. Witte with NJ Rosen.
paired to their rooms, where they examined
the document which much depends.
A desire for expedition was expressed upon
both sides. While it is hardly possible that
the Russian reply can be given at this
afternoons session, the plenpotentiares
will remain at the navy yard the Japanese
awaiting the pleasure of their adversaries,
Immediately after the adjournment of
the meeting NJ. Witte set his secretaries
to work to put into cipher. the conditions of
peace presented by Baron Komura, which
are now being cabled to ST. Petersburg,
and will be Immediately transmitted to the
emperor. M. Witte personally put into
cipher his own comment upon the charac-
ter of the conditions and his views as to
what action had best be taken.
While engaged in this important task he
retired to of the rooms set apart for
the Russian mission.
Only Mr.. Korostovetz of the Russian mis-
sion returned from the navy yard TO the
Wentworth for the purpose of communicat-
ing to the press about this mornings meet
ing. None of the Japanese secretaries
ENJOYS have returned yet.
A Friendly Session.
The morning session lasted exactly two
hours and was OF a most friendly charac-
ter. The plenipotentiaries and their secre-
taries sat opposite sides of a large ta-
BILE. Baron Komura and NJ. Wtte faced
each other in the center, Baron Rosen sit
ting on M Whites left and Mr.. Takahira
upon Baron Komura's right. Mr.. Korosto-
vetz sat next to Baron Rosen and Mr..
Otchia next to Mr.. Takahira. On the
other side of the principals sat Messrs. Ad-
achi and Sato of the Japanese and MeSsrs.
Nabokoff and Kudacheff of the Russian
suite.
The Russian note of the failure of Baron
KOmura to produce his credentials was pre-
sented and made part of the permanent
record without objection on the part of the
Japanese.
No Afternoon Session
The Japanese ENJOYS left the naval stores
building at the navy yard in their automo-
bile shortly after 2 o'clock, indicating that
the session Of the conference had been
abandoned. The automobile of the Russian
ENJOYS at this time was waiting at the
doors Of the building. The Russian minis
ter to Peking was in consultation with the
Russian plenipotentiaries at the navy yard
during the session today.