New-York tribune., 1905-03-20
RUSSIANS URGE PEACE.
Pressure to Induce Czar to Submit
Proposal to Japan.

St Petersbnrg,' March 20.-While Emperor
Nicholas stfn declines to abandon the prosecu-
ton of the war, and the government maintains
its ability to continue the conflict, The Asso-
ciated Press is IN position to state that power
ful influences. including several of the En-
peror's own Ministers. are now strongly urging
that the time has come TO indicate to Japan Rus
sia's desire for peace upon reasonable basis
Should Japan then attempt to impose too oner-
Gus conditions. these influences argue that in
view of the universal wish to the bloody
conflict ended Russias position would be
strengthened abroad by the withdrawal of sym
pathy from Japan and that the situation at
home would be improved when the nation was
made to understand that the Emperor's propo-
sails had met impossible terms. One of the
Emperor's Ministers said to-day:
We have suffered bitter defeat on land and
sea. We can, however, still continue the war.
Both countries have suffered great losses in
blood and treasure, and it would only profit the
rivals of both we're we to fight on until one or
the other was exhausted. Russia has a hard
task fighting the war against such adversaries,
six thousand miles from home, and l contend
she make dignified peace, without glory
but not without honor.
AS the victor on land and sea, Japan af-
ford to remember, Bismarck did at the con-
clusion of the Austro- -Prussian War, that two
countries which must live through the long
future neighbors may need each other
friendship. Japan may consider the time pro-
pluOuS, on account or the StludlloH III GuiOPOdiA
Russia. to try to crush us. Suppose, Tor the
sake of argument, she succeeded in finally fore
ing a humiliating peace. II could not De more
than armed truce. Russia is too big and
powerful TO retire permanently from the field.
The clouds at home will eventually roll away.
With the army and navy reorganized. in five,
ten or fifteen years there will inevitably
our revenge. No permanent peace is possible
now or later unless Japan is reasonable.
To the suggestion of the possibility Of an
alliance between Russia and Japan, the Min
lister said:
A reasonable peace must first be established
Broadly speaking, Russia's renunciation of her
entire Manchurian policy should satisfy Japan's S
claims. She could have her protectorate over
Corea, such privileges on the Kwan-Tung
Peninsula and at Port Arthur as the powers
would not oppose and the Chinese Eastern Rail-
way could be placed under international con-
troll Russia maintaining her rights to a railway
line through Northern Manchuria to Vladiv-
ostok.
Russia never yet has paid indemnity. and
history practically affords no precedent for in
deTnnity when territory is not occupied to insure
payment, and Japan holds not foot of Russian
territory. japan could. however, take the pro-
ceeds of the sale Of the property and rights of
the Chinese Eastern Railway which was built
with Russian money
Proceeding, the Minister said the difficulties of
continuing the war were fully appreciated, both
neither was insurmountable. He denied
phatically that the negotiations for a French
loan were adjourned because Russia would not
make peace. He expected that these negotia-
tions would be resumed soon. The success of
the internal loan, the Minister said. was as
sured AS for the question of a new army
much depended upon the situation when Gen
eral Linevitch got the army out of danger The
Minister added:
Complete details of General Kuropatkin's s
losses have not yet reached the government, but
it is already known that the Japanese reports
greatly exaggerated The report that sixty
siege guns and many hundred cars were left
behind is false practically siege guns or
rolling stock fell into the hands of the Japanese.
No new general mobilization has been ordered,
and it may not be necessary. OF the 100000
reserves mobilized last fall, 10000, and the
Fourth Army Corps, 10000 men. are now be-
ginning 10 arrive in the Far East If, therefore,
Linevttch's army numbers 100000 when he
reaches Harbin-if that is to be the new base
he viii have army Of about 100000 men
without sun1moning additional reserves. Some
regular units, such division of the Guards,
might be sent without further mobilization.