New-York tribune., 1905-08-28
SITUATION DESPERATE.
Continuation of the Negotiations
Rests zcitb Japan.

Portsmouth. n. h. Aug. 27.-Ths life OF ths
peace conference to-day seems to hang By a
thread. but the thread will not be broken to-
morrow. At 10 o'clock tonight. after con-
ference. lasting three quarters OF an hour. be-
tween NJ. Takahira and NJ. witte. In the latters
room In the hotel annex. the announcement OF
the postponement was made NJ witte explained
that VI. Takahira had told him that no new
instructions had reached him from Toxic, and
fearing none might be received before the meet
ing tomorrow, he had suggested the propriety
OF postpontng the meeting until Tuesday. To
this NJ. Witte said he had readily assented- NJ.
Takahira made the following statement to thu
reporter:
Inasmuch as this conference was initiated By
the friendly oftlceS or your President after con-
sultation we felt that should be cautious
about terminating its labors.
Pressed as to whether he regarded the situa-
ton hopeless. Mr.. Takahira said. NO. not
hopeless. but almost hopeless
This in itself from one who has spoken always
in the most guarded fashion Is sufficient to show
the desperateness OF the situation. The real
crisis in the negotiations is at hand. 1t is very
acute. but If it can be tided over for a few days
without rupture basis Of peace acceptable to
both sides may come very suddenly. But To
save the situation now Japan must speak II
on Tuesday she has nothing TO offer. all is over.
NJ. Witte. even If he would. is powerless TO MAKE
a new step. His hands are tied. He nov oc-
cupies the role Of an imperial messenger who
transmits his masters orders to Baron Komura
and Baron Komura turns them over TO Toxic
for the response
The conference room has ceased TO be place
for negotiations. 1t is simply the place where
the emperors OF the warring countries exchange
their communications by the hands of their en-
voys. And on the point Of indemnity under any
disguise, Emperor Nicholas has given the Jap
anese Emperor his last word. NJ. Witte accepts
1t as final. and in writing yesterday informed
the Japanese plenipotentiaries that Russia
would have nothing further to say on this sub
iect Russia would cede half OF Saghalien and
pay the cost Of the maintenance Of the Russian
prisoners. but that was all Emperor Nicholas
had given the same response to the President
through Ambassador Meyer.
The Russians generally seem not displeassd
with the situation. They believe that Japan has
been automatically manoeuvered into corner.
from which if she now persists In her attempt
10 exact tribute. with the alternative OF a con-
tinuation Of the war she cannot extricate herself
before the public opinion Of the world japan
here and in Europe. they say, appealed for SYM
pathy on the ground that Russia had compelled
her to take up arms TO protect her life The
fortune Of war had gone in her favor. and Rus
sia, recognizing that she has been beaten. and
preferring peace TO the continuation Of tha
war, had given up on every point involved In the
quarrel She was willing TO allow japan rull
swing in Corea. she was willing TO get out OF
Manchuria, bag and baggage
But Japan insisted upon tribute and because
Russia refused prolongs the carnage In that
act. they contend. japan would change the pur-
Of "a va
cease TO be one Of principle and degenerats
into q war for the exaction OF money.
There is no doubt that the japanese ara
worried over this aspect OF the situation. and
they do not propose TO be placed in this position
IL it can be helped. With the sentiment existing
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