River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-08-24

velt's action in Stepping into the
breach in a last heroic endeavor to in
duce the warning countries to compro-
mise their 'irreconcilable differences
but the result is still in suspense. The
ultimate decision of the issue has 6e
facto if notdejure passed from the plen-
ipotentiaries to TIER principals, from
Portsmouth to ST. Petersburg, and per-
haps in lesser extent to Toxic.
Although there are collateral evil
dences that pressure both by President
Roosevelt and neutral powers, includ-
ing Japan's ally, Great Britain, whose
minister, Sir Claude Macdonald, ac-
cording to advices received ere, had
long conference Sunday afternoon
with Mr.. Katsura, the Japanese pre-
mier, is still being exerted at Toxic TO
induce Japan to moderate her demands,
there is also reason to believe that
President Roosevelt was able at this
interview with Baron de Rosen to
practically communicate to the latter's
senior, M. White, Japan's irreducible
minimum-what she would yield, but
the point beyond which she would not
go.
Whether an actual basis of compro-
mise was proposed by the president
cannot be stated definitely. The only
thing that can be affirmed positively is
that if Russia refuses TO act upon the
suggestion or proposition OF President
Roosevelt the peace conference will
end in failure.
M. Witte Pessimistic.
And in the Russian camp little en-
couragement is given. Baron Gle Rosen
reached here after an all night ride
from Oyster Bay shortly before noon,
and Immediately went into conference
with M. White. They remained closet
ed together for almost three hours.
during which the whole situation was
reviewed. Baron de Rosen communi-
Gated to his chief the presidents mes
sage, and it was transmitted to the en-
peror, together with NJ Whites rec
concentration. No clue to the nature
of this recommendation has transpired.
but it can be stated that NJ White, no
matter how he personally may view
the proposition, is distinctly pessimis-
which will come from ST. Petersburg.
To confidential friend he offered lit
tie hope of change in the situation.
Japs Want Money
The Japanese, it is firmly believed,
cling to the substance if not the form
Of this demand for remuneration for
1.-The cost of the war" Perhaps they
earn will iY,o 10 II
but substantial compensation under
whatever guise it is obtained, they de-
cline to relinquish And they are also
firm upon the cession of Sakhalin. BY
the transfer of the southern branch of
the Chinese Eastern railway first to
Japan for REIMBURSEMENT to China,
payment for the maintenance of the
Russian prisoners and the surrender of
the Russian warships, it is possible to
figure out total transfer to Japan in
money and property of about $250000-
900. But this is the limit. The Japa-
nese, as usual, are very reticent and 1t
is impossible to obtain from them the
least indication of their view of the
change in the situation produced by the
presidents action.
President and Japan.
1t is taken for granted that the
presidents appeal was made TO Japan
as we'll as to Russia, but the Japanese
side of the negotiations looking to a
compromise is almost completely in
the dark. 1t is assumed that Baron
Kaneko was able to explain the Japa-
nese views to the president Ii the
president is successful with Russia it
may be that he must then turn to ia
pan That would be the natural course
if he has suggested to Russia what he
regards as fair compromise and has
undertaken, if Russia accepts, to use
his influence to induce Japan TO accept
But it is now probable that he was
able to assure M Witte in advance of
Japan's agreement to accept. Never
theless Mr. Takahira Sunday spoke as
if he might be called to Oyster Bay.
He would only say positively that he
had as yet received no summons.
May Be Some Delay.
The issue will not necessarily be de-
cided on Tuesday. Indeed, ii is quite
likely that there may be some delay in
the answer from st. Petersburg, in
which case an excuse will be found to
adjust the meetings over from day to
day. The Japanese will not be impa-
tient, but the final decision will with
out doubt come this week.
Russia's Attitude Unchanged
st. Petersburg, Aug 21.-Russias
official attitude regarding the final re-
ply to be made to Japan on Tuesday is
unchanged The impression prevails
as heretofore, that only very great
concession on the part Of Japan on the
question of indemnity and the cession
Of Sakhalin will make peace possible
The questions pertaining to the limi-
tation Of Russia's naval power and the
surrender of her interned warships are
considered here to be quite susceptible
of satisfactory arrangement and not
liable to cause serious trouble.
Japanese Cabinet Meets.
Toxic, Aug 21.--The cabinet met at
II O'Clock Sunday at Premier Katsuras
residence. and continues in session. IL
is understood that Premier Katsura is
presenting an extended resume of the
proceedings at Portsmouth, and is ex-
planning the deadlocked questions. The
government is silent, but it is generally
believed that rupture Of the confer
ence is inevitable.