The Topeka state journal., 1905-08-08
OHa@n DnE ~ LgVO
Portsmouth Becomes Center of
the Worlds Gaze.
Meeting of the Peace ENJOYS Is
at Hand.
STREETS FILLED UP
At an Early Hour This Morning
by Sightseers.
Houses ElabOrately Draped With
STREETS FILLED UP
Houses Elaborately Draped With
Flags and Bunting.

Portsmouth, n. H, Aug. S.-With
one of the foreign peace ENJOYS within
its gates and the other three prac-
tica1ly at the harbor mouth, Ports
mouth today aWoke to the realization
that one of the most important days
in its history was actually at hand.
The Russian envoy, Mr.. Witte, arrived
late last night, and early today
wireless message was received from
one of the fleet which left Oyster Bay
on Saturday with the other envoys,
that the vessels were not far from
the Isle of Shoals and that the little
| fleet would anchor in the harbor just
before $50. At an early hour the
! streets began to fill up as the steam
trains, trolley cars and private con-
veyances brought visitors from all
parts of southeastern New Hampshire.
The famous old seaport was elaborate
ly draped with flags and bunting, and
presented an attractive appearance.
! By 10 o'clock 1900 members of the Ma
tional Guard had arrived in the city.
In the harbor the shipping had been
| dressed for the occasion, while at the
navy yard the last touch was given to
make everything ready for the confer
ence. A considerable number of secret
service men arrived this morning.
/ Fleet Drops Anchor.
The fleet was off the harbor entrance
shortly after o'clock and it was but a
few moments after half-past when the
| vessels dropped anchor off the navy
yard.
At the Hotel Wentworth Mr. Witte
got up early, beginning once to prepare
with Mr.. Wilenkin some dispatches to
his government in answer to those
which reached him during the night.
Speaking to the representative of the
Associated Press he said he is more
than ever animated by the desire of do
ing all in his power to conclude peace,
but that as he has often stated, all will
depend on what the Japanese expect to
obtain. However, he will leave nothing
uninterrupted to reach the desired object
and in case of failure the world will
Judge on whom the responsibility shah
frest. Changing argument to conversa-
ton Mr.. Witte who had been working
up to then, IN his shirt sleeves said
that Notwithstanding the beautiful
scenery and the sea breeze he had felt
pretty warm here. II expected that il
would be cooler he added.
, Mr.. Witte ate luncheon in his owr
room, then dressed in froek coat and
white vest. to go on board the May
flower, accompanied to the boat landing
= by Mr.. Wilenkin and Mr.. Batchen and
escorted by Mr.. Moses, secretary tt
: Governor McLane.
At 10 o'clock steam cutter flying the
American flag and Russian flag came
| around Henderson's point and, heading
: for the navy yard, was soon made ia 81
to the decorated fleet moored to the
sea wall and the Russian chief pleni-
l potentiary stepped out. He was formal
ly greeted by the rear admiral and his
staff. Another launch bearing AmbaS
sador Rosen and party drew up and {
similar greeting was extended to him
AS the envoys stepped ashore the Salut
{ ing battery of the navy yard fired {
salute of 19 guns.
Japanese Arrive.
Almost Immediately steam cutter
with the Japanese ENJOYS aboard hove
| in sight and the battery again repeated
/ its welcome.
: From the landing to the naval store:
building over a gravel path marines
were drawn up on either side ant
through their lines the ENJOYS marched
to the scene of their further labors.
The procession was led by Admira
Mead and M. Witte. Once inside the
plenipotentiaries and their suites were
{ assigned to their respective rooms.
The program as officially mapped ou
t by Third Assistant Secretary Pierce
Admiral Meade, commandant of the
Portsmouth navy yard, and Governor
McLane for the official reception of the
ENJOYS, was thus carried without mcd1
fcation or hindrance.
Tt was shortly after the noon houl
when the rear admiral and the envoy;
entered the room in the building which
has been fitted up as a cafe for the ust
of the peace party, where the forma
breakfast of Admiral Mead to the en-
l voys had been spread.
: The apartment was decorated witt
:. flags and streamers, the plain walls be
l ing completely hidden by profusiol
of naval code pennants. The table
!, were prepared for 65 persons. those pres
ent including besides the distinguishe
Russians and japanese, the naval Off
GERS attending Admiral Mead, thei
wives and number of prominen
Portsmouth residents.
To Town in Automobiles.
When the lunch was over the star
for Portsmouth was begun, at Ia
o'clock A band of marines escorted tn
DISTINGUISHED party to the navy var
S and the trip was made in automobile
r Along the Portsmouth end of the bridg,
: across the Piscataqua river, was draw
. | up the escort regiment of the Nations
: Guard. The regiment got under wa
l. without delay and headed by the Firs
: Regiment band of the state, took up th
n line of march to the county court hous
where Governor MacLane and his sta.
were waiting to extend the greetings {
Il the state and where Mr.. Pierce we
e coined the envoys. The governors OF
# ening address was brief but cordial.
He said. In behalf of the govern
e InenL anu pSopie 7oh ne" 11o1s spSl.iAC
e have the pleasure and honor of extend
/. ing to your excellencieS the hospitalit
s of our state. We realize that you hay
l. come upon momentous errand and
e am sure that voice the sentiments {
Fl all the world in expressing the hope ths
/ here in this ancient community, wheI
d | cluster many of the finest traditions
it American history, you may be able S
to proceed with your historic negotis
tions that they may be crowned by
treaty of Portsmouth whose endurin
l. terms will reflect credit upon yourselve