New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-23
RUSSIA MAY OFFER TERMS.
PEACE PARTY STRONGER.
Al Ercept T7co of Emperor's hin
listers Urging End of War.

St Petersburg March 23.-The party within
the government which is urging the Emperor
to indicate to Japan Russia's willingness 70 end
the war if a reasOnab BILE basis can De reached
has been greatly encouraged in the last few
days. and pacific proposal may be just ahead
The subject has occupied much Of the attention
of the conferences at TsarskOe-SelO Certain
grand dukes supported by General SakharoFf.
the Minister of War. Admiral Aveuau, the head
os the Admiralty. and what is known as the
war party, are stn bitterly opposed to the idea
of peace under present circumstances. but with
the exception Of the Ministers OF VIZ ava Nfe-
rire The Emperor's Minister'S backed by NJ
Witte solidly favor this course anu their ar
guments are telling
French influences in the same direction are
now being supported by German opinion Thu
rumor that Emperor William had rendered his
good offices now seems to be confirmed The A.
sociated Press is in a position to assert however
that if Emperor Nicholas decides TO approach
Japan it viii he through France and that nego-
tiations will be conducted either between NJ
Delcasse, the French Foreign Minister and Dr.
Montono. the Japanese Minister al Paris Or be-
tween Nj. Harpand. the French Minister to
Japan. and Count Katsura, the japanese Pre-
mier at Toxic
The Russian government now feels certain
that Japan will not make the first move or dis
close her position until Overtures are made au-
thoritativey in the Russian Emperors name.
on the ground that he alone is capable of bind
ing Russia. 1t is possible that Japan's attitude
in this regard has been exposed through I'm
official attempts to ascertain terms. Japan, it
will be remembered. took the same position wh-n
Herr Detring. the German Commissioner OF
Customs at Tiep-Tsin. without plenary powers
sought to obtain Japan's terms for ending the
Chino-Japanese War. declining to treat until
Ii Hung Chang. accompanied by John ". Fos-
ter. went to Toxic with full powers.
In view of the possibility that basis Of
agreement might result even sAouId the En-
peror now approach Japan with pacific pro-
Tosals. it is regarded as likely that hostllities
would continue. again following the precedent
of the Chino-Japanese War. until negotiations
ended. The Chino-Japanese negotiations were
begun in December and peace was concluded
in the following April. Meanwhile, the jap
anese made a winter campaign in Manchuria-
In the conferences concerning the question
whether Russia should now indicate her willing
ness for peace all agreed. first. that prepars-
tiOns for war should not he relaxed. and. Sec
ondIy. to reject humilating terms There would
probably be two points which Russia would
he found implacable, namely, cession Of terri
tory and indemnity. II Is pointed out. how
ever. that If Japan seriously desired enduring
peace Russia might be ready 20 offer liberal
cOmpensatiOns. For instance, in lieu Of direct
indemnity she might turn over 20 Japan The
proceeds of the sale of all the rights and pro2-
erty Of the Port Arthur and Dalny and the
Chinese Eastern ral.ways and literally pay for
the maintenance of Russian prisoners in Japan.
and, while refusing TO cede Sashalen, might
grant rights to the fisheries there. or even re-
Inquish all the valuable seal fisheries on the
Commander Islands. II is possible. also. that
satisfactory arrangements might be made 70
garding Russian naval strength IN Eastern
waters for a period of years.