New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-09-06
THE PEACE TREATY SIGNED
Russian and japanese ENJOYS Clasp Hands Across
the Conference Table.
A BRIEF SECRET SESSION THEN HELD
and Baron Komura Make Speeches Expressive Of Good Will
No Sign Rejoicing in Russa-Advice from Toxic Lacking

with the Russian originals of the treaty in
French and English. and the final protocol
Grouped around the table were the other mem
bers Of the two missions and the invited wit
nesses, Mr. Peirce, as the personal representative
of the President; Admiral Mead Commander
Winslow the Governor of New Hampshire and
the Mayor of Portsmouth.
AS soon as the delegates had taken their seats
NJ. Sato left his chair and went TO NJ Witte
side with the Japanese copies of the treaty,
which he placed before him. At the time
NJ. Plancon placed the Russian copies of the
same moment the two plenipotentiaries selected
pens from the centre OF the table and signed
their names first to the French and then to
the English text. The copies were then signed
by Baron Rosen and NJ. Takahira. NJ. Sato re
turned the japanese copies for the signature of
Baron Komura and NJ. Takahira. NJ. Witte and
Baron Rosen affixed their signatures to the Rus
sian copies and the treaty of Portsmouth was
signed. the ceremony being completed at $50
o'clock
silence of the conference room. Throwing his
pen aside NJ Witte without a word, reached
across the table and grasped Baron Komura's
hand His associates followed suit, and the
Russian and japanese delegates remained for
moment in silence. their right hands tightly
clasped across the conference table. The war
was over Russia and Japan were once more
friends.
There was nothing theatrical about this simple
ceremony It rang true and deeply impressed
the attaches and secretaries Of the two missions
who with the invited witnesses, had formed a
large circle around the delegates sitting at the
table
Baron Rosen was the first TO break the silence
Rising from his seat, the Ambassador, looking
Baron Komura and NJ Takahira straight in the
eye. said a few words which one had only to
hear to know that they came straight from his
heart. He began by saying that he wished on
behalf of Nj. Wftte, Russa's first Plenipotentiary,
in his own name, to say a few words. He
added:
We have just signed an act which will have
forever a place in the annals of history. 1t is
not for US. active participants in the conclusion
of this treaty, to pass judgment on its import
and significance.
AS negotiators on behalf of the Empire of Rus
sia as well 5s the Empire Of Japan. We may
with tranquil conscience say that We have done
all that vas in our power in order t. bring
about the peace for which the whole civilized
world was longing
AS plenipotentiaries of Russia we fulfil most
agreea bie duty in acknowledging that in negotia-
ting with our hitherto adversaries. and from this
hour our friends We have been dealing with true
and thorough gentlemen. TO whom We are happy
to express our high esteem and personal regard
we earnestly hope that friendly relations
between the two empires will henceforth be
firmly established. ard we trust that his eX-
cellency. Baron Komura. as Minister of Foreign
Affairs and one of the leading sttesren of
his country. will apply to the strengthening OF
these relations the wide experience and wise
statesmanship ne so conspicuously displayed
during these negotiations, which have now been
so auspicously concluded.
Baron Komura replied that he shared entire
~, thA views Of Baron Rosen The treaty or
peace which they had just signed was IN the
interest of humanity and civilization. and he
was happy 10 believe that it would bring aooue
a firm lasting peace between two neishoorins
empires. He added that It would always be
pleasant for him to recall that throughout 'he
long and serious negotiations which they have
o,,, left behind them. he and his colleagues had
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