Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-08-23
The Peace Negotiations.


between Russia and Japan is assured il
the Mikado's government makes at
today's session Of the plenipotentiaries
the concessions which it contemplates.
Japan's proposition is this:
If Russia will kuy from her the Island
of Saghaln, which is now in possession
of her army, Japan will waive all claims
for reimbursement of her war expendi-
lures; reIinquish her demand for the
surrender Of the interned Russian ships;
and her proposition for the limitation
of Eussia's naval strength in the far
East.
These have been the only questions in
dispute. 1t is due to the Intervention
of President Roosevelt that the mOdiica
ton of Japan's original demands has
been determined upon. Her first propo-
sal was to sell half of Saghalin to the
Russian, retaining the other half. This
offer was spurned by Russia for the
reason that such division of territory
would inevitably lead to Discussions in
the future.
After several days of waiting for as
surances from Russia that further
modification would receive proper con-
sideration, Japan decided to relinquish
the demands which have met with such
unalterable opposition from the Russians
if the Gar would agree to purchase the
entire island at a price to be agreed
upon later.
The ENJOYS of Russia and Japan re-
sumed their conferences this morning.
When they adjourned last Friday after
noon apparently almost hopelessly di-
vided, many things have happened and
much, hrs been accomplished towards rec
onciing their differences. tits felt that
they are not so far apart now but that
there is good warrant for the expecta-
ton tina. a peace treaty will be the even
tual outcome of their deliberations. Mr..
DenisOn, of the japanese mission, is au
thority for the statement that it will take
an hour, and possibly two, for the reading
OF the protocols and their signature by
the respective ENJOYS. Probably, there.
fore, little more will be accomplished at
the mornings sessions, ard the presen-
tatioD of japanese concessions from her
original peace conditions may not be
made until this afternoon or even to-
morrow.
Portsmouth, n. H., Aug 90. Russia
decision not to accept the principle Of
article No. 9, of the japanese peace
terms, which provides for the payment
of japanese war expenses, is irreyocable.
This attitude of the eDvOys, it is under
stood, is based upon message from the
Gar to NJ. White, received early this
directing the Russian plenipo-
tentiares to resist all attempts to secure
Russiau endorsement Of the principle of
indemnity under any guise whatever.
Before the Russian ENJOYS will treat for
The purchase of the island of Saghalin,
Or the reimbursement to Japan for the |
cost of keeping the prisoners of war,
Japan must withdraw, without condi-
ion, her demand for repayment of the
cost of her military and naval operations. |
There is no middle ground. 1t must be |
me thing or the other. If further negO-
iations are to be pursued, it will depend |
Ipon the attitude of the japanese Ell
;oys. The elimination of this article
rom the peace negotiations would re-
ieye Russia OF the charge that she had
purchased peace by the payment of in
lemnity.
Japan, it is believed, has received un-
,fficial assurances this morning, that if
he will relinquish this demand, Russia
will at once take up the questions of
ession of Saghain and the surrender
0 Japan Of the Russian interned war
hips. This will leave the official record
lear of the question Of Russian con-
iyance at the concealment of the prin-
iple of indemnity involved in the pro
,osed sale Of the island of Saghalin.
With the decks thus cleared for action,
/ is understood that Russia will agree
D pay Japan any reasonable sum for the
of the island which she
ow holds by conquest; for the expense
f maintaining the Russian prisoners,
hitch is recognized as a perfectly proper
barge, and for certain special priv
eges in connection with the operation
f the Chinese Eastern and the Man.
huriaD railways.
Portsmouth, n. H., Aug. pm.
yitte announced this afternoon that the
read and corrected at this
lorning's session and the conference
zen adjourned until 2 o'clock this
fternoOn.
II is the intention when this after
oon's session adjOurns, not to meet
gain until Saturday in order to give
me for further communication with
9th Toxic and St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg, Aug. 23.-rhe Car
ranted a special audience to Ambassa- a
or Meyer this afternoon. While the q
urpose of Mr.. Meyers call upon the
ussian Emperor is not definitely known,
is presumed that it has some impOr q
INT bearing upon the peace negotiations
Portsmouth in connection with the
fort which President Roosevelt is max