New-York tribune., 1905-02-23
BASIS OF PEACE LAID.
BELIEF IN W4SHINGTON.
Pending Negotiations Likely to Re-
salt IN End of War.
CBy The Associated Press.)


CBy The Associated Press)
Washington. Feb 22-Although not figuring
Normally Of late in the various tentative efforts
abv the powers 70 bring about peace between
Russia and Japan. this government has kept in
Lclose touch with developments in this direction.
TO make any official statement Of what it has
done on its own account might be i'll advised.
owing to the extreme sensitiveness of both
aellige-ents when evidence is shown Of pur-
lpose 10 bring outside pressure to bear upon
hhem.
II may be safely said. however, that while
peace is net regarded as Immediately at hand, at
least the foundations have been laid for neso-
siations that will bring the principals together
an the end, and il probably will be found that
she United States has had some share in this
sVcrk.
Meanwhile the publication of almost semi-offi-
cial statements TO the effect that peace is being
ronsidered has aroused in the officials here re-
ulewed desires to obtain, as far as can be done
before treaty is signed, absolute guarantees
sor the security of American commercial inter
ests in the Far East. while conserving the terri
sorial integrity of China. On this latter point
s, IS said the projected cession 10 Japan OF Port
arthur and the Liao-Tung Peninsula does net
snyolve the absolute REIMBURSEMENT of Chinese
sovereignty In that quarter. What is believed
10 be actually proposed is not an unqualified
cession OF territory. but merely the transfer TO
Japan Of the right of occupation Of Port Arthur
and the right 10 protect the railroad leading
rorthwa-d along the peninsula, now enjoyed by
Russia under the terms Of the lease made with
China at the conclusion of the Chino-Japanese
War
The practical effect Of the acquisition by
Japan OF Port Arthur and the proposed neutral
tzation of vladirostok would in the opinion of
naval officers here. operate to prevent Russia
from ever again maintaining a navy in the Far
East for lack of a suitable base.
St. Petersburg. Feb 22.-Although the party
whick is advocating peace as the only egress
from the embarrassment of the present situa-
iion continues TO gain strength nothing has
been decided and move has yet been made.
il IS officially maintained that Russia's attitude
S unchanged. At the Foreign Office not the
slightest encouragement is given to the peace
ialk. On The contrary it is affirmed strongly as
eva that Japan must propose terms. At the
same tine Il is stated that il is ipconceivable
ihat Japan can offer conditions acceptable to
Russia and that therefore the war must go on
70 conclusion
The tdea % a complete Russian victory is rot
harbored. but It IS insisted that Russia is not
besten and will not be beaten until General
Kuropatkin IS decisiveiy worsted by General
oyama ard the fate Of Admiral Rojestvensky's
squadron Is determined
The main consideration entering into the cal
calations OF the uncompronising advocates Of
prosecution OF the war is that Japan's financial
Fesourees must become exhausted long before
Russia's
Paris, Feb 22.-Russia has not given any in
o1cation 10 France that she is ready 10 take
np the question Of peace. and therefore the
HGthorities here DO rot feel qualified to dis
CUES the 81. Petersburg reports giving the pre-
ciss terms The reports are explained sub
stantiay IS follows: p .,
The peace sentiment has lately been steadily
augmented throughout Russia, particularly
outside Of St Petersburg. In recent days some
o. the most influential men in st. Petersburg
i-ase expressed desires Of peace and have
sought - impress responsible officials that the
''Iae n corne 70 take definite action. Those
HaFlng the chief responsibility. such IS the
i'Fcgn Minister. Count Lamsdorff have not
'e1 shown willingness 10 accept peace argu-
'''s-iS As long as the Russian Foreign Office
= ''ot prepared TO accept the peace view. it is
0'hslaere1 doubtful of accomplishment In
.'4'f ~ this. the reports are considered 10 lie a
-ppelai sign Of the tendency in the highest
Quarters.
me japanese Legation points out that peace
.esonations require certain definite steps be-
esh the belligerents and as Russia has not
~ made the slightest overture 20 Japan con-
|fng terms Russia is rot in a position 10
,eOorate pacific conditions. The officials OF the
,sshon Incline 20 the view that the St Peters
s reports were designed to sound official
Continued On third page.