Fair play., 1905-08-26
RESULT IS STILL
IN THE BALANCE
President Roosevelt's Action Causes
a Slight Rift In the Gloom.
CHANCES FOR PEACE ARE SLIM
Ehe Result, However, VIII Depend
On the FiuaI word from the EN-
perOrs OC Russia aud Jn-
pan to Their EnNoys.

PORTSMOUTH, N. H., RuB. I'll hc
chances Of peace have undoubtedly
been improved by President Roosevelts
action in stepping into the breach in a
last heroic endeavor to induce the
warring countries to compromise their
"irrecuncilable differences, but the re-
suit is still in suspense.
In Hands of the Empcrors.
The ultimate decision of the issue
has defacto, if not dejure, passed
from the plenipotentaries to their prir-
cipals, from Portsmouth to st. Peters
burg, and perhaps in a lesser extent to
Toxic, Although there are collateral
evidences that pressure. both by Presi-
dent Roosevelt and neutral powers, in
Guiding Japan's ally, Great Britain,
whose minister Sir Claud Macdonald,
according to advices received here, had
long conference with Mr.. Katsura, the
Japanese premier, is still being eXerted
at Toxic to induce Japan to moderate
her demands, there is also reason to
believe that President Roosevelt was
able, at his interview with Baron Ro-
sen. to practically communicate to the
latter's senior. Mr.. Witte, Japan's ire
ducible minimum--what she would
yield. but the point beyond which she
would not go.
The Only Thing Certain.
Whether an actual basis of compro-
mise was proposed by the president
can not be stated definitely. The only
thing that can be affirmed positively is
that if Russia refuses to act upon the
suggestion or proposition of President
Roosevelt, the peace conference will
end in failure.
And in the Russian camp little en-
couragement is given. Baron RoseD
reached here after an all night ride
from Oyster Bay, and Immediately
went into conference with Mr.. Witte.
They remained closeted together for al
most three hours during which the
whole situation was reviewed. Baron
Rosen communicated to his chief the
presidents message, and it was trans
mitted to the emperor. together with
Nh Wittes recommendation.
No Ciew Has TrnDspircd.
No clew to the nature of this recon-
mendatiOn has transpired. But it can
be stated that Mr.. Witte, no matter
how he personally may view the prop
osition. is distinctly pessimistic as to
the character of the response which
will come from St. Petersburg.
TO a confidential friend he offered
little hope of a change in the situation.
The Japanese, it is firmly believed,
cling to the substance if not the form
Of their demand for remuneration for
"the cost of the war
Must Have Compensation.
Perhaps they are willing to decrease
the sum asked, but substantial COM
pensation, under whatever guise it is
obtained, they decline to relinquish.
And they are a.so firm upon the cession
uf Sakhalin. by the transfer of the
southern branch of the Chinese Eastern
railway first to Japan for relinquish@
ment to China. payment for the main
tenance of the Russian prisoners and
the surrender of the Russian warships,
1t is possible TO figure out a total trans
fer to Japan in money and property Of
about $25O,O00,OOO. But this is the
limit
Jnpanese Reticcnt as Usual.
The Japanese, as usual, are very reti-
from them the least indication of their
view of the change in the situation
produced by the presidents action.
1t is taken for granted that the presi-
dents appeal was made to Japan as
well as TO Russia, but The Japanese
side of the negotiations looking to a
compromise Is almost completely in the
dark. II Is assumed that Baron Kane
ko was able to explain the Japanese
views to the president. If the president
is successful with Russia, it may be
that he must then turn to Japan.
wouId BE the Natural Course.
That would be the natural course il
he has suggested to Russia what he re-
cards as a fair compromise, and h05
undertaken, If Russia accept, to use his
influence to induce Japan to accept.
But il is now probable that he was able
to assure Mr. Witte in advance of ia
pan S agreement to accept. Neverthe.
less. Mr.. Takahira spoke as if he might
be called 10 Oyster Bay. He would
only say positively that he had as yet
received no summons.
The Japanese view of the situation Ia
authoritatiyely but rather humorously
stated thus:
The result will be known soOn, II is
useless to speculate. As well for the
physician to give his opinion of he
sex Of tbe unborn infant When the
child is born we will be able to tell
whether il Is hoy OF girl,
Only Great Concessions On the Part
of Japan Can Bring Pence,
St. Petersburg, Aug, 2l,-Russia's
official attitude regarding the final re-
ply to be made to Japan, on Tuesday,
is unchanged, The impression pre-
walls. as heretofore, that only a very
great concession on the part of Japan
on the question of indemnity and the
resslon OF Sakholin will make peace
possible, The questions pertaining 10
the limitation of Russia's naval power
md the surrender of her interned war
hips are considered here to be quite
>Asce\ uble OF secondary ar 'ange'
ment,