Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-08-14
The Peace Conference.

no CONCESSION VIII De u1due except dlleI
thorough discussion. Russia will use
every argument to secure notifications,
even in the matters in which, by gene
raj consent, japanese interests are recog-
nized as predominant. The striking
attitude as developed in the considera-
ton of the question of Japan's prepon-
derance in Korea. Russia is not known
to have any large vested interests in Ko-
rea; whereas, it is generally conceded
that Japan by reason of continguity and
commercial utilization is naturally the
dominant factor in the international af-
fairs OF the hermit kingdom. But Rus
STA has consistently maintained that
while she would respect the indepen-
dence and territorial integrity of that
kingdom. recognize Japan's prepOnder-
ating influence therein, her right to i'm
prove the civil administration, protect
her commerce and suppress insurrection
in Korea by military force, if necessary,
she has always insisted upon a mutual
agreement not to make use of any part
of Korean territory for strategical pur-
poses and not to undertake on that coast
any military works capable of menaclng
the freedom of navigation in the straits
of Korea. 1t is still Russia's attitude,
because she insists that the use of Korea
by Japan for military purposes will
eventually destroy the independence Of
that kingdom, and make it, TO all in
tents and purposes, part Of the Japan
csc empire.
Japan has, on the other hand, given
solemn promises to maintain the indie
pendence of Korea and before the war
was willing to make pledges not to CON
struct Notifications commanding the
Korean straits. 1t is in the wording of
the protocol covering the first japanese
demand, and with the object of securing
the Independence of Kores, that the EN-
VOWS are now divided.
Russia now recognizes in these nego-
tiations the desire of Japan to absolute
" control the sea of Japan. If she can
prevent the guarding of Korean straits
by Japa csc forts it would give her an
outlet to the Pacific from ValdiyostOk in
case she found it necessary for The
establishment of peace to relinquisb con-
troll of Saghaiin island.
Russia's present contentious are al
most precisely similar to those which
precipitated the war; and she is now
fighting over again at Portsmouth the
same battle which she fought in st.
Petersburg and Toxic two years ago, al
though at that time the question Of
Manchuria was more closely interviewer
with that of Korea than it possibly is
now.
Portsmouth, n. H., Aug. l4-After
day devoted largely to rest and recrea-
ton the Russians and japanese went to
their quarters at the navy yard this
morning at $3.50 o'clock to resume their
pacific la5OIs.
On arrival at the council chamber the
usual salutations were exchanged be-
tween the rival delegations. The ENJOYS
at once proceeded to business. The dis
cussion of Japan's proposed prctecorate
over Korea, which was begnn on Satur-
day, was resumed. The consideration
of this subject was in a more advanced
stage than when the conference adjourn
ed Saturday night, because, in the inte-
rim, there have been exchanges OF ideas
concerning the phraseology of the proto-
col which is to be drawn.
Both Russia and Japan had drafted
their proposition and the discussion was
at once opened on the comparison of these
two papers with the idea of so framing
the Technology as to meet the wishes of
the two parties.
Up to 80 pm. nothing had been re-
ceiyed from the navy yard with regard
to the proceedings Of the negotiations.
This is taken as an indication that no
agreement has yet been reached on the
Korean question. and thatit is to be con
tinued at the afternoon session, which
begins at $3.50 pm.
Portsmouth, n. H., Aug. l4.-M.
Koroslovich has just telephoned from
the navy yard that article has been
agreed to, and that the conference then
adjourned until 3 o'clock, when the
second article will be taken up for con-
sideraton.
This news means that the Russian and
japanese ENJOYS have been able to so
phrase the protocol regarding the recogni-
ton of japanese predominant interests
in Korea and the establishment of Jap
anese protectorate over that country, as
to satisfy both goyernm ants.
The question to be under considera-
ton this afternoon is understood to be
that relating to the acquisition by Japan,
on behalf of China, of the Chinese East
ern Railway.
Il is understood there will not be
much difficulty in reaching a satisfactory
conclusion on the Korean subject, as both
Russia and Japan are unit on the
general proposition Of Japan's CONNER
cial aud political prepOnderance in that
country. It is expected that before the
noon recess the broader and more i'm
pOrtant question of the evacuation of
Manchuria by the Russians and the ces-
sion of the Chinese Eastern Railroad will
be taken up.
Newcastle, \. H., August 4.--M.
WHITE is not nearly as pessimistic as to
the ultimate result of the conference as
are many Of the newspapers and some OF
the members Of his suite. He has had
occasion to declare not only inside the
council chamber, but outside of it, that
he is anxious for peace if it can be Sc
cured with honor and dignity. He was