Omaha daily bee., 1905-08-16
the newspaper corps in securing lntorma-
DiscussIon- ON snIshalin.

Discussion on snI<hRIin.
The discussion on Sakhalln went far
enough TO demonstrate the determined op-
position OF Russia ana there had not been
the slightest sign OF yielding when the
agreement was made 10 reserve a decision
on the article until later. Competent
Japanese authorities, however, insist that
Japan will never abandon this point. They
declare, however, that Baron Komura and
Mr.. Takahira will go 10 the extreme limit
TO secure the basis OF the Treaty Of
Washington" They do not pretend to
say that they are assured the treaty will
be signed. They do not even say tonight
that they are hopeful. Their position may
be thus un6fncially stated: Japan's pleni-
potentiaries will continue the negotiations
as far as possible without yielding on
those points which Japan has decided are
essential demands. II, after this earnest
effort, It is impossible 10 reach an agree
ment with NJ. Witte and Baron Rosen
Japan will announce that further negotia-
tions are useless and her plenipotentiaries
will regretfully take leave of the president
and the japanese government will immedi-
ately turn Its attention TO the campaign
in Manchurda.. 1t has been made plain by
Japan that both sides can conduct the
negotiations with = freer hand and make
concessions on certain points with less
danger of embarrassment by public opinion
at home If the negotiations are kept Sc
cret.
THE president has not only ceased all
efforts in the direction OF an armistice, but
1t Is the feeling among officials of the
Washington government that perhaps If
the bases of the, negotiations are agreed
upon the actual drafting of the treaty may
no ha fo ,,A
long ago let It be kpown that she would
not consent to an armistice until the sue
cess of the negotiations had been assured
by an agreement upon the framework of
the treaty and IL now appears unlikely
that she will consentto a truce even then
unless Russia asks for It, which Japan
does not expect"
Secretary and Mrs. Peirce have issued
invitations to the Russian plenipotentiaries
and their suite for dinner tomorrow even
ing at the cottage Which the secretary is
occupying. near the grounds Of the hotel
Next week dinner TO 'fhel japanese suite
will be arranged As yet, however. the
date for this function has not Peen fixed.
Deadlock IL FeaFsd.
The peace conference began at two min
utes before 10 o'clock. The ,plenipot tenti tiaries
went to the navy yard in their motor cars
but the trip was somewhat slow, on 'ac
count Of the drizzlins rain. which made the
ROADS muddy. Ten minutes after theil
arrival at the naval stores building, the
negotiatore had taken their places in the
conferences room and work began.
At the morning session today. considera,
ton OF article 4, which relates to the integ
rity OF China, was begun. AS the session
Of sakhalin is the fifth article, the natura
deduction would be that today would wit
ness collision and possibly deadlock
But It appeared likely that the question o.
the cession Of the island, upon which nelthe
side Is now prepared TO YIELD when reached
by mutual agreement would be postponed
until the end, the policy OF each side a.
understood being to maneuver to place tn,
responsibility OF a rupture on the other.
II regarded as a practical certainty tina
neither will insist at this juncture upol
precipitating a situation which will decide
this Issue. The plan is almost certain L
pass over the disputed articles and see hov
far an agreement is possible. then to return
and attack the obstacles. This is the logica
and general method OF diplomacy. 1t ha
the great advantage OF bringing the pleni
potentiaries to rapprochment upoi
every possible point and clearly defining
the points OF divergence. narrowing III
issues which divide the negotiations TO tn
AoWSst possible number.
Chance for Compromise.
y. fons instance the disputed points wer
reduced 10 two, as 81 Is considered Ger
tain they eventually will be. the plenipo
tentiaries would be enabled to bargai
or compromise to offer proposition an
counter proposition. IT, I'm the end. agree
ment were found to be impossible. tn
world would know and be able to form II
judgment OF the merits OF the respectiv