Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-22
Sentiment for Ending War
is Steadily Growing
THROUGHOUT RUSSIA
MEN IN ST. PET
ERsBURG NOW FAVOR IT.
Situation Shows Terms Are Up to
Foreign Office for Materializa-
tion-Tokyo Silent.

indicate that peace sentiment IS
growing steadily throughout Russia,
which is supported doubtless by a
strong feeling in other European
countries for the termination OF the
war in the far east, the belligerent
nations involved have taken no steps
through the foreign office for a. cen
summation SO devoutly wished by
MANY influential men in the Russian
empire. In the meantime, Tokyo is
silent, apparently awaiting the III
itiatory move by Russia.
PARIS, February 22.-Russia has not
given any indication to France that she is
ready to take up the question of peace, and
therefore the authorities here do not feel
qualified to discuss the st. Petersburg re-
ports giving the precise terms. The re-
ports are expla ned substantially as fol-
lows:
The peace sentiment has lately been
steadily augmenting throughout Russia,
particularly outside of st. Petersburg, and
within recent days some of the most infiu-
entail personages in ST. Petersburg have
come out favorable to peace, and have
sought to impress responsible officials that
the time has arrived to take definite action.
However, those having the chief responsi-
bility, such as Foreign Minister Lamsdorff,
have not yet shown willingness to accept
peace arguments.
Doubtful Accomplishment
Therefore, so long as the Russian foreign
office is not prepared to accept the peace
view, it is considerd doubtful of accom-
plishment. In spite of this the peace re-
ports are considered a hopeful sign of
tendency in the highest quarters toward
peace.
The japanese legation points out that
peace negotiations require certain definite
steps between the parties, and as Russia
has not yet made the slightest overture to
Japan concerning terms, Russia is not in
position to elaborate pacific conditions. The
officials of the legation incline to the view
that the ST. Petersburg reports We're de-
signed to sound official sentiment in Japan
What Tokyo will say is not known, but
the japanese officials express a strong per-
sonal conviction that prior to determining
detailed terms it will be indispensable to
settle the main principle that the terms will
insure peace in the far east for many years
to come.
The Japanese Position.
The japanese position is said to be quite
definite against arranging a peace which
would permit Russia to reha abilitate herself
Concerning the indemnity, it is said that
the Japanese war budget up to March 81
shows that the total war expenditure will
be about $3.50, 100000.
The legation considers that some indem-
nifty is equitable, Japan has expended
double the amount of the cost of the China
war in holding up principles which st.
Petersburg reports indicate Russia is now
disposed to recognize
The Russian embassy, replying to in
quries relative to the peace rumors, says
that while peace is the subject of numerous
conversations in Russia, as elsewhere, IT is
incorrect to assume that the government
has taken up the question.
Kuropatkin's Position.
1t is pointed out that some weeks must
pass before General Kuropatkin can make
decisive effort, and therefore it is inoppor-
tune for Russia to consider peace at the
present time, much less determine the con-
ditions on which peace is possible.
Attitude of This Government.
Although the United States has not fig
ured formally of late in the various tenta-
tive efforts which have been put forth by
the powers to bring about peace between
Russia and Japan. it may be stated that
our government has kept in very close
touch with developments in that direction.
To make any official statement of what it
has done on it's own account might be Ill
advised owing to the extreme sensitiveness
of both belligerents when any open evil
;e 1,r;p-
side pressure to bear upon them. But it
may be safely said that while peace is not
regarded as Immediately at hand, at least
the foundations have been laid for negotia-
tions that will bring the principals together
in the end. and 1t will probably be found
that the United States has had some share
in that work.
Meanwhile the publication of almost semi
official statements to the effect that peace
Is being considered has aroused in the off,
cials here renewed desires to secure, as far
as can be done before treaty is actually
signed, absolute guarantees for the security
of American commercial interests in the
far east, while conserving the territorial
integrity of China. On this latter point 1t
is said the projected cession to Japan of
Port Arthur and the Liaotung peninsula
does not involve the absolute relinquish-
ment of Chinese sovereignty in that quar-
posed is not an unqualified cession of ter
ritory, but merely the transfer to Japan of
the right of occupation of Port Arthur and
the right to protect the railroad leading
northward along the peninsula, now enjoyed
by Russia under the terms of the lease
made with China at the close of the Chino
Japanese war. The practical effect of the
acquisition by Japan of Port Arthur and
the proposed naturalization of Vladivostok
would, in the opinion of naval officers here,
operate to prevent Russia from ever again
maintaining navy in the far East for
lack of a suitable base.
London Stock Market Cheerful.
LONDON, February 22.-Prices on the
stock exchange opened very strong today
and there was an all-round feeling of
cheerfulness on the peace reports from st.
Petersburg. Consols rose a quarter on
point. Japanese half a point and Russians
quarter of a point. All departments
shared in the Improvement. The advance
OF Russians was somewhat checked by sug-
gestions that the possible indemnity may
necessitate a further loan.