Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1905-06-05
Would DO Their Best to.
End the Cruel War.
President in Close Communi-
cation With the Powers.
Thought That Weeks May EIapss Before
Russia Makes Decision.

Washington, June 1-Raron Speck
Won Sternburg, the German ambassa-
dor. spent two hours in conference with
President Roosevelt at the White
House. tonight. AS he left the White
House at IL o'clock the ambassador
said he could not discuss the subject
of his talk with the President as it re-
lated to matters Of entirely confiden-
tial character.
There is every reason to believe. how
ever, that much of the time was oc-
cupied with discussion of the general
question of the war between Russia and
Japan and the possibility of peace.
The ambassador in response to a d.
rect question regarding the prospect Of
peace, said that so far as he knew, there
had been no progress in that direction
in the past "a hours.
No official word has reached WASH
ington regarding the probable attitude
If the Gar toward the ending of the
war. Meantime exchanges are in pro-
gress between Washington, Berlin,
Rome, London and Paris regarding the
whole situation and an entirely infor-
NAL discussion is taking place as to
what will be the best measures to
adopt when Russia has had the oppor-
tunity fully to realize her situation.
Mr.. Obeirnr. the British charge daft
fairs, was at the White House. today.
and discussed the question with the
President. 1t is fully expected here that
weeks may elapse before Russia decides
upon her course. Until Count Cassini
has had some reply to his cablegram to
his government and is in position to
speak authOritatively and officially up-
on the subject of peace, it is improb-
able that ne will have another confer
cnce with the President.
Washington, June 4-Ambassador
Meyer cabled the state department.
Saturday. that on account of general
excitement ana confusion at St. Pc
tersburg no answer at all definite to
President ROosevelt's offer of his good
offices. as Il mutual friend, to end the
war can be expected from the Russian
government for two weeks or more
The confusion in government circles
is so pronounced that Mr.. Meyer has
not vet formally presented Mr. Roose-
velts peaceful proposal with the offer
that If Russia is willing he will seek
to bring the warning nations together
on basis from which they can active
ly take up negotiations to end the con-
fict nor will he do so until the present
tension has subsidized.
When the Car and his advisers are
in position 10 think seriously Of what
Russia's future course is to be Mr..
Meyer will make the advances direct
cd by the President. The suggestion Of
American meditation then will have to
no nd
that Mr.. Meyer believes it will be at
least Il fortnight before there is any
official intimation from Russia as to
whether there is to be an early peace
with a cessation of hostiities pending
the result of the negotiations or a fur
Their prolongation of the war.
Mr.. Meyers dispatch suggests his be-
lief that peace will prevail but he
points out that it is not safe to hazard
prediction as to what the Cars final
decision will be.
Mr.. Meyer states that powerful in
fluences toward peace are being exert
ed at st. Petersburg by France and
Germany. and both are pointing to the
United States as the logical peace
maker Japan would accept no adj
vances from France as an intermedia-
tor, and Germany would not be trust
ed by Russia. The Gear has not for
given the Kaiser for his suggestion to
President Roosevelt which resulted In
the international agreement to limit
the zone Of hOstilities.
The President was told. Saturda' Vi
Frances support of his movem|"
ward peace by Mr.. Jusser9,o' INC
French ambassador, who p''"eu ct
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