Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-22
TALK TERMS OF PEACE
RUSSIA AGAIN DECLARED TO
HAVE DISCUSSED THEM.
Question Of Indemnity Most Difficult
Port Arthur for Japan - Suzer-
ainty Over Korea.

The intima tons of approaching peace in
the far east. announced some time ago in
dispatch from London. Berlin and st. Pc
tersburg and, despite denials. confirmed at
many points, received further support from
a st. Petersburg dispatch, to which the
London papers give great prominence. The
information, which is ascribed to "a source
enjoying high patronage is as follows:
Not only has the question of peace been
formally discussed by the car, but the con-
ditions on which Russia is prepared to
make peace have been practically agreed
upon. These are:
Reported Proposed Terms.
First-That Korea be placed under Japan
csc suzerainty.
Secondhand Port Arthur and the Lao
tung peninsula be coded to Japan.
Third-that Vladivostok be declared a
neutral port. on the open-door system.
Fourth-That the Chinese eastern railway
be placed under neutral interna tional adj
ministration.
Fifth-That Manchuria as far north as
Hardin be restored as an integral part of
the Chinese empire.
Difficulty lies in settling the question of
indemnity, upon which it is known Japan
Will insist, but it is thought that obstacle
is not inSuperable. Although it is quite DOS
sible that Russia will risk another battle
before coming to definite decision the
most trustworthy opinion here Is that in
view of the Russian internal situation and
the enormous difficulty in continuing the
war, peace on the terms outlined will be
concluded if the question of indemnity can
be arranged within Comparatively short
time.
Hayashi's Opinion.
The Standard prints an interview with
Viscount Hayashi, the Japanese minister.
VINO said that he was not hopeful of imme-
date peace He doubted that 1t was pos
slole for Russia to make proposals while
she had beaten army south of Mukden
and the Baltic fleet had not attempted to
WIN the mastery of the seas
The only reason that could be assigned
TOT the possible collapse of the war party
IN Russia was the internal condition OF the
country, but this was possibly painted
blacker than was actually the case The
Japanese, anyhow. would not rely too much
upon factors In the situation which could
not De ascertained, and would continue the
campaign on the assumption that the Rus
SANS meant to fight until they actually an
nounced their Intentions of suing for peace
1t is stated from other sources that the
emperor of Austria for weeks past has
privately and urgently counseled the car
to negotiate for peace in order to save
RUSSIA from inevitable crushing humilia-
ton.
Comment in London.
Comment in London follows the line that
the alleged terms will furnish the basis for
real settlement, although they are not
likely entirely to satisfy the Japanese, who,
1t Is believed, will require, in addition to an
indemnity, the temporary occupation of
Vladivostok as security for its payment
the restoration of the Island of Saghalien
and the surrender of the Russian warships
now 1nterned at neutral ports. Moreover,
IL Is pointed out that Russias reported
proposal to retain Manchuria north of
Hardin conflicts with her assurances given
to the United States and Great Britain.
However, cablegram from Tokyo saws.
All rumors of peace negotiations, direct or
indirect, are fatty denied here 1t is be-
leVed that one more engagement upon a
large scale must occur before the question
OF peace can be preached with any hope of
success such an engagement cannot, how
ever, be very long postponed.
1t Is stated that Japanese warships have
captured, up to the present time, thirty
nine neutral vessels carrying contra band
Of war, the total value of them being
Ss,9ooOo0 Besides. coal Of the value of
500, 600 has been taken