Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-12
HOW TO RESTORE PEACE
Andrew D. Whites Plan to End
 Russo- Japanese War.
CHOOSING OF SECONDS SUGGESTED


 Russia Could Select France as Her
 Second and Japan the United
 States, He Says; Then All Differ
 ences Could Be Satisfactorily Ad-
 tusted and Any Farther Blood-
 shed Averted.
 Andrew D. White, diplomat and member of The Hague international peace tribunal, who was recently in terviewed at Ithaca. N. Y., by James Creelman for the New York World, spoke in part as follows about the out look for peace between Russia and Ja- pan:
 'The fall of Port Arthur creates a situation in which steps can properly be taken to end the war between Ja- pan and Russia. I believe that this is a good time for an effort to secure peace. Japan is in a position to show moderation and fairness. It is inn probable that Russia will see another moment in this war in which she can so well afford to accept overtures for termination of the struggle in the field. The heroic defense of Port Ar thur by the Russians and the great victory of the Japanese ought to sat icfVy tho mi ifo> v,r;ao o% hofb nations
 'I believe that the principle of sec onding nations can be used with great advantage in an effort to end the war just now. It Is principle contained in the articles adopted by The Hague conference. It was suggested original ly from the American side of the con ference. MT. Holls of the American delegation to The Hague had read somewhere in an old magazine a theo- ry that nations at war might with ad- vantage use other nations to second them, just as the principals in a duel employ seconds.
 Russia could choose France as her second, and Japan could choose the United States as her second. It seems to me that these two nations are well suited to the purpose. France and the United States, after consulting with their principals-and the relationship would necessarily be very frank and intimate-could then approach each other and soberly attempt to discover grounds for peace. am satisfied that if this method is pursued the differ ences between Japan and Russia can he satisfactorily adjusted and further bloodshed averted.
 "In my opinion terms of peace could be arranged without sacrificing Rus sia's legitimate ambition to have an ice free port in Asia as an outlet for her commerce. Her great railway sys- tenn and all the rights necessary to it could also be safeguarded. have no doubt that Japan would agree to this.
 "As for the contention that if Russia makes peace now she will lose prestige among Asiatics, it is better to lose prestige for awhile than to go on with a war which means inevitable bank ruptcy. I do not believe it possible for Russia to maintain herself in this struggle for three or four years. Aft CT what has just occurred the financial world will look very coldly on pro- posals for fresh Russian loans. I do not underestimate the great resources of Russia, but of what use are re- sources if they are still in the belly of the earth?
 "The suggestion that there is likely to be revolution in Russia seems to me to be absurd. There is no middle class there to Rise against misrule, nothing but the peasants on the one side and the army on the other. Rus sia has stripped her peasants to the bone. They are helpless and inert.
 "It will be bitter pill for Russia to retire from Manchuria. but better that than further disaster and national bankruptcy. Talk about the yellow peril. We might more profitably dis cuss the Russian peril. That has been the shadow in Asia. I do not believe that the presence of Japan on the Asi- attic mainland will be a menace to peace. On the contrary. believe that it will strengthen the prospect of peace.
 After this war it will he long time before any nation will venture to en- croach in Asia. Nor will any nation lightly risk a quarrel with Japan. All that will make for peace. Even the United States will be little more po- lite to the Japanese in the Philippines and Hawaii. That. too, will make for peace.
 "I cannot see that Russia is fin q less favorable position for accepting peace overtures after the fall of Port Arthur than she was after the fall of Sevasto- pol. and it is certain that Japan in this hour of victory can afford 10 be mod crate fin her terms. 4 continuation of the war would bc madness when the means for peace are plainly in sight I have no doubt that France and the United States would gladly serve as mediatory seconds for Russia and Ja- pan.
 Tt will be fortunate for Russia if it is true that the czar has really called De Wittc back to power. He is a strong and sane minister. hut the Rus sian system is so slipshod and so full of jealous conspiracies. not to say any thing about corruption. that tho palace clique in St. Petersburg is likely to get rid of him at any moment. Poor Dc witte. After strengthening out the