Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1905-08-10
INITIAL MEETING OF
The PEACE ENJOYS
First Days Session Held At
Portsmouth, N. Fl.
ALL BARRED FROM NAVY YARD

Hour-LlttIe Business Was Done
other Than Exchanging Credentials
and Arranging Program.
Portsmouth, N H, August 9--The
| day which was to bring the initial
meeting of the Russian and Japanese
peace plenipotentiaries at the navy
yard mere, opened with delightful
weather conditions.
1t was expected at that time that
the start would be made for the navy
yard, where, by agreement reached
yesterday, the first sitting of the com
would be at half past nine There
were many people waiting on the YER
| anda of the hotel to witness the de-
parture of the envoys. With the ap-
proach of the hour of meeting the
feeling became more pronounced than
before that an armistice would not be
agreed upon unless the success of the
negotiations was assured.
this formality and the hearty sup
port which London is understood to
have given Toxic, it is believed, has
operated to minimize the wish of the
Russians for a signed truce.
Another cause for their willingness
not to press for an armistice at the
first meeting is believed to be the re-
cent opposition said to have manifest
ed itself among the Russian forces at
the front against peace negotiations.
1t is felt that to ask them to sign a
truce might have a bad effect upon
their spirits and serve to increase
their opposition to the ending of the
war.
Baron KOmura and Mr.. Takahira
and Secretary Adato left the hotel
Wentworth by automobile for the ma
Wy yard at 9:55 o'clock. They were
greeted ON the veranda by Acting Sec
retary Pierce and Governor McLane
M. Witte and Baron Rosen started
shortly after in another automobile,
leads to their apartments.
1t took about half an hour to cover
the six miles from the hotel to the
navy yard, and it was 1890 o'clock
when the ENJOYS arrived at the naval
stores building, where their sitting
was to take place The foreigners at
tracted no particular attention as they
passed through the city today. At the
navy yard he careful arrangements
made by Rear Admiral Meade, the
cOmmandant, for excluding all persons
not connected with the proceedings,
operated perfectly every outsider be-
ing stopped at the entrance of the
yard.
After the plenipOtentiaries left the
hotel for the navy yards this morn
ing Mr.. Honda private secretary to
Baron Komura, went to the apartments
of the Russian mission, where he was
received in the reception room by MI
Shipoff, Mr.. DePlancon, Mr.. Batchoff
and Mr.. Berg. Mr.. Honda said the
object of his visit was to discuss the
best program for the exchange of
cards by the members of the two mis-
sions. The short conversation which
followed was very cordial and it was
decided that the cards should either
be left at the office, one that a secre-
tary from each side should convey
them direct to the respective apart
ments and there be formally received.
1t is noticeable that with each day
the members of the two missions are
fraternizing more easily, and it is no
longer subject of comment when a
Russia nand a Japanese are seen talk
ing together. ),
Baron Komura and M Witte reiter.
ated to third Assistant Secretary
Pierce shortly before leaving for the
navy yard today, request that every ,
one be excluded from the yard all
throughout the time the ENJOYS are
meeting. Even the members OF each
mission to gain entrance will be re
quired to show passes signed by their
chief and countersigned by the com
mandant Of the yard
The first session of the peace con
ference has been concluded. 1t lasted
about an hour. No business was done
besides exchanging credentials and ar
ranging a program for future sessions