The Washington times., 1905-07-18
Saving Her ace.

Russia's bureau or publicity IS
working overtime in preparation Tor
the meeting of the peace ENJOYS.
With the utmost abandon of frank
ness her most distinguished states
men are taking the newspapers into
their confidence and exposing the in
most reeesses of their official con-
sciences.
Russia seems perturbed with regard
to Japans demands. She issf1rmly re-
solved never TO pay an indemnity,
not to part with an acre of Russian
soil; in fact. she has determined to
preserve inviolate her prestige, her
amour propre, her savoir faire, and
all that sort of thing. In plain words.
she is trying very hard to save her
face-and it is such large face.
Some time ago the world was seri-
ously informed that Russia is too
poor to pay large indemnity, ETC.,
etc, etc.: now we are assured by NJ.
Witte himself that all parties will
combine TO continue the war afou-
trance if Japan will not be good. The
island of Sakhalin was suggested for
merly as q substitute for an indem-
nifty: now that Japan has the island
Russia threatens to retake 1t unless
the Japanese behave properly in the
peace congress. Russia went into the
war as the doughty champion of West
ern civilization, philanthropie assimi-
lation, and moral expansion; now she
calls for help in these inspired"
words of the Novoe Vremya:
Even in England and America the
voices of moral tustigators can be heard
in favor of indirect interference OF the
powers to moderate Japan's demands.
cur plenipotentiartes must remember
that they nnust defend the interests not
only of Russia, but also of the other
Caucasian powers, and they will find
moral support in Berlin, Paris, WASH
ingtoR, ana. perhaps. even IN London.
Our army in the field is much stronger
than 1t was fifteen months ago.
All this is interesting-and ineffec-
tive. Japan is the victor, and she
can not only dictate terms, but she
can dominate the East, and call up
on the greatest naval power for as
sistance, IF need be. England and
America want peace. but they will
not advise Japan against her own
best interests Paris not only wants
peace but she is getting anxious about
money. and Russia cannot expect
France to pay the fiddler for her much
longer; she has already notified Rus
sia that money will be forthcoming
for an indemnity. but not for war.
And as for Germany, well, William
has recently tested the European sit
uation, and is too busy with Morocco
20 bother with Russia and her
trouales.
II. Witte and his place In the peace
congress nave caused sleepless nights
to the political world. First the Gear
wouldn't send him; then he was ap-
pointed; then he quarreled with the
Gar because his powers were not alb
solute; then he was given carte
blanche; then the world rejoiced be-
cause with Witte at the head of the
Russian ENJOYS peace was assured
and, now, we have the word of NJ
Vito himself to this effect:
= have been designated by the En-
peror as his ambassador extraordinary
Tor pourpariers with the Japanese plen.
ipotentlaries TO ascertain whether il i:
possible TO conclude a treaty of peace.
in serving my Emperor I have re
ceiyed precise instructions from his
majesty, and shall follow them.
Is there any wonder that Japan ha.
guarded her demands? Does no
Japan show knowledge Of the Rus
sian government IN all her dealing.
with 1t? Does any one believe tha
the pourparlers will stop short O
actual peace?
Oyama is Japan's chief envoy tt
the conference. He is not much of
newspaper man. but he can play ches!
and call a bluff.