Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-08-31

inquired: '''what is it?o
1T is announced by the Associated
Press in an official bulletin from Ports
mouth" replied Secretary Loeb, that
the plcripotentiarics have agreed on all
points of difference and will proceed at
once TO negotiate a treaty of peace"
That is flnc-spcndid." exclaimed tho
President "But,"-as a doubt passed
through his mind--"do you think it is au-
thcntic?"
at is n perfectly definite statement" Mr..
Loeb responded.
Good. Good the President exclaimed
lie did not conceal his profound gratif'
cation ut the successful issue of the
Washington conference the initiative of
which had come from him, and his feeling
of satisfaction at the outcome permcated
the entire encourage Of Sycamore Hill.
OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION
Official confirmation of the tidings
reached the President at 2:20 o'clock in a
cipher from Portsmouth, from Baron Ko-
muro. stating:
THE plenipotentiaries of Japan have
withdrawn their claim for reimburse
ment Of war expenses, and an agree
the Island of Sakhaln All main points
have been definitely settled Tho plcni-
potentarics will now proceed with dis
cussion OF details"
The President did not seek. to con-
ceal his gratifiSnton that the conference
has reached an agreement.
He feels that the successful issue OF
the conference is a great triumph for
humanity and civilization.
1t is regarded here as likely that the
| conferecs will next frame protocol
declaring an armistce and providing for
the return of prisoners.
THROUGHOUT the late afternoon and
evening messages Of congratulations by
tho scores poured upon the President from
persons, both in America and in Europe.
TELEGRAMS EXCHANGED.
Late tonight President Roosevelt
received the following telegram:
PORTSMOUTH. n. H., Aug. 90.
"Thc President; we have the hon =
or to inform YOU that we have reached
an agreement with the plenipotcntiar-
les OF japan. To you history will
award the glory of having taken the
generous initiative in bringing about
this conference, whose labors will now
probably result in establishing n peace
honorable to both sides. (Signed)
"w1TTE
"ROSEN."
The President replied:
oyster Bay, Aug. 30.
"Witte and Rosen,
portsmouth. n. H..
II cannot too strongly express my
congratulations to you and to the en-
tire civilized world upon the agree
mcnt reached between you and the
Observation-Disclosures of Japan and upon
the fact that thereby peace has been
secured just and honorable to both
sides.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT"
Similar response was sent by the Pres
iden in reply to the despatch received
from Baron Komura.
WORK VERY IMPORTANT.
| The President regards his work incident
to the conference as quite as importan
| from the standpoint OF humanity anC
civilization as that in which any Presi
dent of the United States ever was en-
gagged. 1t may be said authoritative,
| he appealed for peace, not only to EN-
pcror Nicholas. but also to the Japanese
government. These appeals while made
directly TO the En,perors of the warrnl
| powers, were transmitted also to thu
peace ENJOYS in order to preserve the
form of diplomatic etiquette and avoit
any possibility Of giving offense.
The Presidents desire to secure peace
was so strong that nc brought to bear
| every particle OF powerful influence he
wields to prevent rupture of tie con-
! ference. That his efforts were crowned
with success was due in Il measure to Tx
sincere desire Of both helligcrants fol
peace and to the magnanimity Of the con
ferces.