New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-12
RUSSIA STILL FOR WAR.
PEACE RUMORS DENIED.
But Moderate japanese Terms, 1t Is
SAID, Would Be accepted.

ST Petersburg. March ia semi-official
statement issued this evening is follows:
The defeat at Moukden is furnishing material
for conjectures of peace pourparlers to the
European press, which is filed with articles and
expressions of opinion on the subject of peace
1t has been stated in ali seriousness that the
Russian government has informed the French
government that it is the intention of the En-
peror TO engage in peace pourparlers.
We are authorized to declare in the most
categorical fashion that all statements to the
effect that it is the intention of the Russian gov
eminent to open pourparlers with q view TO the
conclusion of peace are absolutely without foun-
datiOn.
These statements do not emanate from well
informed Russian sources. They either
simply conjectures of various correspondents or
are derived from Japanese sources.
1t is known that japan at present is negot-
ating a loan with British and American bankers
and that she is also negotiating for 1OOO00iOOO
yen with an oil company: giving as guarantee
naphtha deposits in North Japan and in Sag
halien Island.
Interested persons are encouraging these re-
ports in order to assure success of loan after
removing the fears caused by the uncertainty as
to the duration of the war
The Associated Press is enabled to make the
following statement:
The moment might prove opportune, but the
question of pea lies with Japan and not with
Russia. Russia would welcome peace. and
peace could be arranged, not through third
power but by direct negotiations between the
two countries, If Japan would propose moderate
terms.
AS the victor Japan is IN a position to take
the first step. Russia cannot and will not sue
for peace. Neither could she accept terms which
did not recognize Russia power in the Far
East. It is idle to speculate on the concrete
terms. The only thing is that Russia's position
in the Far East must be recognized. Friends OF
peace through the world should use their in
fuence with Japan. The victor should show
moderation Otherwise no end of the war is in
sight.
The temper OF the imperial family can per-
haps be judged by Grand Duke Vladimir's re-
Spouse when asked what would be Russia's re-
ply to General Kuropatkin's defeat
Send another army" was his answer.
Paris March Notwithstanding the semi
official denial of peace negotiations. it is
gathered that the events OF the next few days
may have an important influence peace. An
overwhelming Japanese victory, however, is con-
sidered in the highest quarters likely to re-
tard instead of to advance peace. This is based
on the theory that the Japanese army, flushed
with victory, will not halt until the full meas
ure of it's success is attained by reaching Har-
bin, thus giving period of intense military ac-
tivity in which there would be little opportunity
for the consideration OF terms.
The Temps" which usually reflects the SEN
timent IN official quarters, prints leading edi-
torial this evening appealing to Russia to &C
cept the inevitable and make the best peace
possible. The paper declares that Russia's sac
ri1ce will be less than that of France at the end
of the Franco German War, France struggled
against the dismemberment of her own country,
whereas Russia struggles to hold Manchuria,
which she had formally promised to return to
China. Moreover, the battle OF Moukden def
ritely establishes Japan's advantage. and there
fore self-interest demands that Russia recog-
nize her defeat and abandon the struggle. The
Temps" adds:
The overwhelming majority of French public
opinion, resolutely attached to the Franco-Rus-
sian alliance, appeals to its ally for pacific |
solution. The united interests OF France and
Russia call for such solution, and France
wishes her ally that heroic spirit necessary for
a settlement of the crisis now presented.
The French government has not been advised
that the squadron commanded by vice-Admiral
is returning to Djibutil, but it is
for the purpose OF conveying the Rus
sian third Pacific squadron until junction is
effected with Rojestvensky.
The Socialists threaten to raise a debate in
the Chamber of Deputies criticising Frances
action in permitting the Russian ships to stop
in Madagascar waters and at Djibut This
probably will bring out a declaration from the
Foreign Minister, NJ. Delcasse that he Is pur-
suing exactly the same course as in the Spanish
American War. 1t is maintained that the Rus
when off French PORTS