The San Francisco call., 1905-06-14
STATUS OF PEACE MOVEMENT.
Russian Government Issues State
ment TO the POpuIace.

ST. PETERSBURG, June H-Instead
OF publishing the text of its official reply
TO the message from President Roosevelt
regarding the initiation OF peace nego-
tiations with Japan, the Russian Govern
ment decided. with the purpose Of taking
the public into its confidence regarding
the prospects Of peace, TO issue a state
menr summarizing the status Of nego-
tiations, which will appear in the form
OF = communication in the Foreign Office
Gazette to-day. This statement which
pays q graceful tribute to President
Roosevelt's action, expresses in general
way Russia's willingness to negotiate,
without entering into particulars, which
cannot be considered to be definitely de-
termineo until the receipt of the Jap
anese reply. The Russian Government
under the circumstances, has deemed II
best to leave to the Washington Gov
ernment the publication of the Russian
note. Following is the text of the COM
munication:
The President of the United States instructed
his ambassador 70 the imperial court to re-
guest private audience in order TO convey dr.
rectly 20 the Emperor assurances Of the un-
failing friendship the United States entertains
for Russia and to express President Roosevelt S
personal desire 10 contribute as much as possi-
ble in the interest Of the whole world, toward
the cessation Of hostilities in the Far East.
The ambassador was instructed 10 add that the
President making simultaneous oYertures
10 the japanese Government.
The Emperor was pleased 10 receive the
American Embassador on June I and gave be-
neVolent attention 70 President Rooseveit's ini-
tiative, which had, moreover, met an entirely
sympathetic reception on the part Of the friend
" powers
Russia, being convinced that Japan was
equally disposed to accept President Roose-
Velt's proposal which transmitted through
the Intermediary OF the representatives Of the
republic at st. Petersburg and Toxic 10 the
Imperial well as 10 the japanese Govern
ment, received faVorebly the official communi-
cation from the ambassador ana notification
70 this effect was published In Washington
In reply 70 this communication the Foreign
Minister acting under the Emperor's orders
informed the American Embasssdor. in note
dated June u, that the Emperor, deeply sensi-
bic to the sentiments expressed by the Presi-
dent. pleased to see therein a fresh mark
of traditional friendship uniting Russia and
America and previous proof that President
Roosevelt in complete accord with the
views the Emperor held a general settle
whole OF mankind.
As for an eventual meeting of Russian and
japanese plenipotentiaries. charged with as
certaining how far II would be possible for
the two powers 10 elaborate conditions OF
peace. the imperal Government would have
no object in principle 20 such an attempt If
the japanese Government expressed a desire
therefor.
Japan's terms continue to be mater for
speculation. A well-informed diplomat
who says he knew Japan's terms before
the battle of Mukden, considered them
10 have been very moderate and believes
that even now they wM be found to be
not Unduly harsh
Private adyiees received from a Russian
source ar Shanghai say it is certain that
Japan will demand the surrender of ali
ships interped in Eastern waters.
Papers supposed TO have semi-official
INSPIRATION continue to speak dubiously
OF the results, but IL is noticeable that
the cheap and popular papers like the
Gazette plainly advise the people TO rec
oncile themselves to defeat and peace
The paper named says:
Defeat is not disgrace and will not preven,
Developments. Look France We have sur
vived previous misfortune. We were beaten
many times by Poland and Lithuania, but now
they ours.
ghe Lastok. another popular paper. pays