The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-06-16

tiatlons regarding it probably VIII DC
conducted in Washington and IL j re
garded as likely that each respective up
lomatie representative of the belligefeHls
will sign the document
1t is too early yet to deiinlteN an
nounee what arrangements may pe maui
here for the holding of the conference.
1t is the custom for the government at
whose capital such negotiations are con
Quoted TO provide a suitable place III
which to furnish the negotiators with al
eauate facilities for the transaction OF
their business.
President Roosevelt is gratiiied that the
arrangements of a preliminary nature
have been completed without undue ffie-
tion, He would have preferred that the
conference be held at The Hague al
though the selection of Washington Is
naturally complimentary to him PERSONAL
Nv and to the American government
IT is not expected that the selection OIL
washington will interfere materially
with the summer plans of the PRESIDENT
Should Not Embarrass Russia.
Pressure is being brought to bear on
.1anan to induce her to fix the sum she
will demand as an indemnity Tor the
nending was at as low figure IN eash
as is possibe I'm the circumstances. Ihis
pressure is being exerted especlally ny
European governments but PRESIDENT
roosevelt. 1t is intimated in an important
quarter, also has advised the japanese
government that moderation in her de-
mand for a cash indemnity not only
would facilitate the negotiations of peace
terms but would be regarded by the
powers with particular favor. The pay
ment by Rupssa of any such cash IN
demnity as a billion dollars not only
would embarrass seriously the St. re
tersburg government. but probably WOULD
disturb the finances of the entire western
world Indeed, 1t has been suggested that
such a. navment to all intents and pur-
poses, might render Russia practical
bankrupt.
The opinions and views of the United
States and other powers on this subject
have been permitted to reach the prin-
cipal advisers of the japanese Emperor
Will Not Forearm Enemy.
Such a discussion of a cash indemnity
az has occurred has been merely sug-
gestve of conditions likely to be en-
countered by japan when she shall formu-
late her peace terms. Thus far, the Japa-
nese government has refrained from In
dicating the precise form of her terms, as
1t is not her purpose, naturally to fore
arm the shrewd and powerful antagonist
which she is to meet on the field Of diplo-
macy.
During the past ten days President
Roosevelt has had conferences with Baron
Kaneko the japanese financial agent in
the United States. Baron kaneko Is one
of the most eminent of orient financiers.
Both in this country and Europe, since
are war began he has been of inestimable
service to his Emperor in the negotiation
of loans and in watching all of the finan-
ciaI phases of the conflict. In him Japan
reposes implicit confidence in all mat
tiers pertaining to the fiscal policy of the
empire He is competent to speak by au-
thority on all subjects relating to Japan's
finances. For this reason he was con-
suited by the President. His conference
with the President at the White House
there is reason to believe, con-
cerned the subject of Japan's cash de-
mands on Russia. Such advice as he
might give to his government as to the
cash indemnity undoubtedly would re-
ceive the deepest consideration and very
likely might be followed.
1t is well understood that the Japanese
government will not make known prior
to the assembling of The pfenipotentiaries
the terms on which she will he willing to
conclude peace. The japanese Emperor
is known to desire that when peace is con-
cluded 1t shall be coupled with reasonable
assurances of its permanency. Among
well informed diplomatists it is deemed
probable that Japan's terms once they
are stated, will be regarded by the world
as reasonable and likely to be accept
gl1rSo osto, russia.