Omaha daily bee., 1905-08-14

ference held in Washington. was that the
public sentiment OF America was hostile
to the Russians and that the proceedings
could not be kept out OF the press. There
fore he insisted that II the conference was
10 be held in the United states Il was es-
sential that the most rigid secrecy be OBJ
served The matter was the subject OF an
exchange OF views between Count Cassini
and Minister TakAhira conducted through
a medium which is not disclosed, I'm which
secrecy was agreed upon as condition
precedent TO the conference.
Moreover" said this Japanese authority,
all international precedent and usage
favored the rule of secrecy. II would be
manlfestly improper for great interna-
tlonal issue TO be tried in the newspapers
day by day and hour by hour. Pub
llcty would necessarily hamper and harass
the negotiations In the peace conference
at Paris following your Spanish American
war that rule obtained and IL not
until some time after the conference ad-
journed that the proceedings became pub
lie"
But I'm view Of the world wide interest
in the negotiations and in the known ZEN
terprise" OF American journalism, Count
Cassni and Mr.. Takahira decided that II
would be proper to make to the press at
such times as were deemed advisable brief
formal statements agreed to by both sides.
All other statements published were TO
be considered unauthenticated. 1t was to
secure the possibility OF secrecy that the
United States placed at the disposal Of
the plenlpotentaries the building upon a
government reservation where the public
entrance could be closed.
Russian Capital I'm Dark.
ST. PETERSBURG, Aug 13-The Rus
sian capital is In the dark regarding the
meaning Of the prolonged conference at
Portsmouth on Saturday. The purport Of
M Whites message received here has been
impaired only to a few officials. Neverthe-
less in high quarters today there is
certain feeling Of hopefulness noticeable
which Is not altogether accounted for on
the ground that thus far there has been
no rupture and that the terms are still
under discussion with a chance OF an
understanding being reached. The only
comment vouchsafed officially was that NJ
Whites answer seemed not altogether un-
acceptable TO the Japanese, else the con-
ference would have ended then and there.
Count Lamsdorff, who is keeping in close
touch with the emperor, went again TO
Peterhof today, bearing the latest mes
sages, but apparently there were no i'm
portant developments here affecting the ne
gotiations. The emperor has seen the
other ministers also during the last two
days, but has found no occasion to sum
men a council of ministers. and NJ. Whites
course seems to be meeting with his full
approval.
All official dispatches received from
Portsmouth, after being deciphered are
forwarded TO the emperor, whose comment
and suggestions theron are sometimes eX-
pressed in marginal annotations. There is
10 no ba
subject OF a national assembly will be
issued until definite news is received from
Portsmouth so that If peace negotiations
fail the promise of an assembly and the
publica ton Nof the rejected Japanese terms,
made Simultaneously, will combine to stir
up the patriotism Of the country.
Opinion in Japan.
TOXIC. Aug 1S.-The Nippon this morn
ing ir reference TO the peace negotiations
prints the following: =
Reports from abroad purporting to come
from Russian authority to the effect that
Russia has Instructed M Witte to refuse
the cession Of territory and the payment
OF indemnity are nothing but mere blum.
Russian diplomacy has shown itself to be
full OF bluffing and intimidation, particu-
larly so during the period preceding the
present hostilitteB.
fact stands out clear as daylight that
Sakhalin is under occupation and the fate
Oh hduCndikd Is Wllnln easy command
OF Japan. Other portions OF Russia's
maritime possessions are within easy access
of Japanese assailants
A 6hrewd diplomat and statesman like
NJ Witte cannot be blind to the facts
A man of his financial experience ought 20
be alive TO the tact that the expenditures
required for the continuation of hostilities
ought to be utilized in a channel productive
OF a greater benefit to Russia
However blind Russian statesmen may
be II ts impossible to believe that they
fail TO appreciate the logic of events.
WhQfaWHF AfHarennpg N hot
the plenipOtentiares they can only be in
the point and degree OF cession and indem-
nifty, not In the principle of cession and
indemnity.
The Hocie takes a pessimistic view of the
negotiations in view of the reported re-
fusal OF Russia to cede territory. 1t de-
clares that Japan ought to pay more at
tention TO Manchura than to Portsmouth
The Japanese newspapers continue to
take a pessimistic view OF the results of
the conference at Portsmouth, The Jill
shys:
1t Is not possible to place much hope in
the outcome OF the negotiations. II is
patent to everybody that the best course
open TO Russia IL the conclusion of peace,
as II Is now impossible for II to recover its
lost prestige. Should M. Witte conclude
peace which means the acceptance of
Japans terms. he will find himself con-
fronted by a strong opposition which will
cost him the confidence of the emperor and
brave enough to subordinate personal inter
est completely 20 the good of his country he
is In an unique position TO render merito-
rious service TO Russia. But il is too much
TO expect such a sentiment in any Russian
statesman under the present form OF gov
ernment.
There is every indication that the Rus
sian delegates will decline to accept
Japan's terms and that a rupture will
occur, Should rupture occur the degree
Of Japan's terms will not be responsible for
the break:
The Ashai says:
We are inclined TO pessimsm because
Russia is allowing itself to be Influenced
by a Misunderstanding in regard TO Japan's
actual condition and strength. Russia
thinks that Japan Is solicitous for peace
thinking that peace alone can save Japan
from a collapse In the near future. Rus
As long as the Russian delegates allow
themselves TO be misguided they will not
accept Japan's terms The Russian terms
will not satisfy Japan, hence there is little
hope that peace will result from the con,
ference.
RetrentinE in COFea.
1t is reported that the Russians are re-
firing across the Tumen river and thai
they will avoid hattie in northern Corea
Confirmation OF the rumor is not obtain
able.
Linevitch Wants ReInfOrcements.
LONDON, Aug. 1.-THE Daily Tele
graphs Japanese correspondent at Moji
Japan, cables that General Linevitch &
constantly changing his dispositions in or