New-York tribune., 1905-06-24
NO HOPE OF ARMISTICE.
Lamsdorf"s Illness Occasions Fear
of Delay an Peace Plans.
TFRom THE TRIBUNE pURBAu.l

Washington, June 23-All hope of an armistice
between Russia and Japan in advance OF the
meeting of the penipotentiaries has been aoan-
doned here. With the DESIRE however, of re-
ducing to a minimum the sacrifice of human life
which seems imminent in Manchuria, the Presi-
dent has instructed Ambassador Meyer to make
representations to Russia regarding the desira-
oity of fixing upon the earliest possible date for
the Washington conference, and Secretary Hay
has urged the same view upon Count Cassln
Similar representations have also been made to
Japan through Minister Takahra and Minister
Griscom.
Japan is reluctant to take any further step IN
advance of Russia, as indicated in these dis
patches last night. The Mikado is represented
feeling that Japan, being the victor, has
made a great concession by accepting. as re-
suit of the Presidents urgent representations
Russia's unsatisfactory reply to the Presidents
note. and to maintain that the next step must
be taken by Russia, if only as an evidence OF
good faith. Minister Takahira has, however, IN
formally told the President that he believed the
Japanese plenipotentiaries could reach Washing
ton by the middle OF August. The first formal
proposal for date of meeting must now come
from St. Petersburg.
The report that Minister Lamsdorff Is III has
occasioned the fear that nothing definite will
be heard from St. Petersburg in the Immediate
future possibly before the Presidents departure
for Harvard on Monday. but arrangements have
been made whereby the President will keep in
close touch with Washington. while Secretary
Hay. who leaves here for Lake Sunapee to-mor-
row. will also maintain close relations with the
State Department.
The only chance for the arrangement of an
armistice, and 1t is extremely slight, is for
Russia TO request II, with an avowal of hope
that peace may result from the coming confer
ence. From Russian sources. however, 1t is de-
clared that Russia will never consider even the
possibility of asking Japan to discontinue fight
ing before General Linevitch has had an oppor-
tunity to demonstrate his capacity strate-
gist- It is privately admitted that the chance of
Linevitch's winning material victory is des-
perate one but it is still insisted that Russia
would rather take that chance than pursue a
course which she would regard as humiating.
It is suggested in diplomatic circles that a
defeat for Linevitch might make easier the
course OF Russia in agreeing terms Of peace.
because It would serve to dssuade members
OF the war party from their unaltered opposi-
tion to peace negotiations. while 1t is not be-
lieved that oven another victory would result
In greatly increasing Japans demands On the
other hand, If Linevitch to gain g. vic
tory it would enable Russia it is argued to
insist easier peace terms. and moreover,
would render the conclusion of a treaty Of
peace less humiliating.
1t is learned this evening that Count Cassini.
the Russian Ambassador. has booked his pass
age to Europe for July H. which would seem to
dispose of the rumor that he would remain here
as Ambassador during the peace conference
and that Baron Rosen might be appointed Rus
sian plenipotentiary.