New-York tribune., 1905-06-01
NO STEPS TOWARD PEACE.
Bat Po4oers Nay Take Action Soon,
1t Is Thought an Washington.

Washington, May 91-whie the President has
discussed the subject of peace negotiations IN
formally with members of his Cabinet and with
some representatives of foreign governments at
this capital and probably will take up the mat
ter with others in the future, 1t can be said
authoritatively that definite steps looking
toward peace have yet been taken by this gov
ernment That such steps may be taken is re-
garded as likely. but whatever action may be
taken will depend on information not yet re-
ceived.
That a concerted effort on the part of several
important powers including the United States,
TO bring about a cessatio Of hostilites in the
Far East may be made soon is reasonably GER
tain The result of such an effort is another
matter 1t is regarded as too soon yet after the
great naval battle. for Russia to determine on
a definite course of action. At least until the
St Petersburg government has indicated what
its desires may be, the probabilities are regarded
as favorable only to an informal discussion Of
peace.
Sir Mortimer Durand, the British Ambassador.
was the guest of President Roosevelt at luncheon
to-day. The opportunity for uninterrupted
talk was embraced by the President and Sir
Mortimer to discuss fully the recent develop
nents in the Far East az well as for consider
alton of GONE matters involving the relation Of
the United States and Great Britain. That
they discussed seriously, though informally, the
prospects of bringing about peace between Rus
sia and Japan there can be no doubt. So far,
however. this country has received no inforTna-
.tton from Russia that negotiations looking to
peace would be acceptable. President Roose-
yelt is keeping in close touch with the situa-
ton and is willing, as he has been for many
months, to take the initiative in peace neSotia-
tons should favorab BILE opportunity be pre-
Sented.
Count Cassini the Russian Ambassador. ex-
poets to see the President tomorrow. but he de-
MED tonight that he would carry any message
from his government and spoke discouragingly
of the prospects Of peace.
Had the battle in the Corean Strait been
fairly even,'' ne said. peace at this time might
be looked for. But why should Russia seek
peace now If she cannot obtain reasonable
terms? We have a large army in the field.
which is constantly being increased. Russia is
not threatened with a Japanese invasion. Her
resources have not been at all exhausted by the
war Without navy she is naturally handi-
capped but that only means that 1t will take
US the longer to defeat the japanese land.
The idea that Russia will be forced to seek peace
at this time or surrender to Japan is ridiculous.
with the resources at her command Russia can
continue the war for years. 7 do not say that
this will be the final decision Of the government,
but my firm personal opinion is that at this mo-
ment Russia cannot think OF suggesting peace
her adversary
night that Russia would not have TO communi-
cate with Toxic direct to learn the general con-
ditions on which Japan would open peace nego-
tiatons, adding that unless Russia is prepared
to accede forthwith to these terms she had bet
ter fight Japan has never intinated to any
power the definite terms on which she would
conclude peace, but Russia knows what Japan
is fighting for, and II she is ready to discuss
peace she can find out from one Of several
neutral powers Japan's sine qua non."
At the reception OF Senior Nabuco the new
Brazilian Ambassador, to the diplomatic corps
this afternoon Count Cassini and Mr Takahira
were the centres Of two groups of diplomats
with whom they discussed the mornentous
events of the last few days. but the Ambassador
and the Minister did not come into contact, and
neither gave any definite hope Of peace,