The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1905-03-24

St. Petersburg, March 2o.-While En-
peror Nicholas whose word is inaI,
still declines to abandon the prose:u-
ton Of the war, and the government
maintains it's ability to continue the
conflict it can be authoritatively stated
hat powerful influences, including sew
eral of the Emperor's own ministers
are now strongly urging that time has
come TO indicate to Japan Russia's de-
sire for a o a reasonable basis.
Should japan then attempt to impose
too onerous conditions, these influences
argue that in view Of the universal
wish to see the bloody conflict ended.
Russia's position will be strengthened
abroad by the alienation of sympathy
from japan, and the situation at home
improved when the nation is made 20
Understand that the Emperor's pacific
proposals have been met with impossi-
BILE terms. The minister of war says:
Russia has a hard task, fighting the
war against such adversaries. 5000
miles from home, and I contend that
she can make a dignified peace, with
out glory but not without honor. AS
the victor on land and sea Japan car
afford to remember, as Bismarck did
at the conclusion of the Austro-Prus-
sian war, that two countries which must
live through h .ong future as neign-
bors may need each others friendship.
Japan nay consider the time propi-
tious, on account Of the situation in
European Russia, to try and crush us.
Suppose for the sake of argument, n
succeeded in finally forcing a humiliat-
.~- - --
an armed truce. Russia is too big and
powerful to retire permanently from
the field. The clouds at home eventual
ly will roll away. With the army and
navy ~reorganiZeG. in five, ten or fifteen
years There will come inevitably OUR re-
venge. No permanent peace is posi-
sible Low or later unless Japan is
established.
To the suggestion of the possibility
of an alliance between Russia and
japan. the minister said:
"a reasonable peace must first De
established"
Broadly speaking, Russia's renun-
citation of her entire M~anchurian po'f-
cy should satisfy Japan's claim. She
could have her protectorate over Korea,
such privileges on the KoWontOng Pc
ninsula and at Port Arthur as the
powers would not oppose, and the Chi
nese Eastern Railway be placed under
International control, Russia maintain
ing her rights to a railway line through
northern Manchuria to Vladivostock."
Proceeding, the minister said the d,f-
ficulties of continuing the war were
fully appreciated, both from a military
and q financial standpoint, but neitha~
was insurmountable. He denied emphat-
ically hat the negotiation for & French
loan was adjourned because Russia
would not make peace. He expected
that these negotiations o be re-
sumed O The success Of the inter-
national loan. the minister said, is as
sured. As for the question of a new
army much depended upon the exact
situation of the army when General
Linevitch got the army out of danger.
The minister sad further: Compete
details of General Kuropatkns losses
have not yet reached the government;
but It is already known that the jap
anese reports are greatly exaggerated
The reports that 60 siege guns and
many hundred cars were left behind
is false, as practically no siege guns or
rolling stock fell into the hands Of tie
japanese. No new general mobilization
has been ordered, and it may not be
necessary. Of the 800. 200 reservis<s.
modified last fall, 140, 600, and the
Fourth Army Corps, numbering 10000,
are now beginning to arrive in the FAR
east. If, therefore, Linevitch's army
totals 200. 600 when he reaches Hardin
(f that, for instance. is TO be the new
base). he will ave an army of about
400. 900 without summoning additional!
reserves. Some regular units, ike q
division of the guards, might be sent
-.4l,1-, fury+11r ~,ahsIiza finn -