The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-06-10

WoTld was anxious to see the belllgerentS
come to terms. This was the most delicate
feature Of the preliminaries
In measure the way had been paved
through the Presidents reiteration to
Count Cassini, the Cars Ambassador,
Of his wish that the war be brought to an
end, and he had also let it be known to
Japan through the Japanese Minister in
Washington that the American Govern
ment and the neutral Powers OF Europe
were anxious to have the Far Eastern
struggle cease.
The outcome of these exchanges of views
strengthened the Presidents hand, and
with the knowledge and tacit consent of
neutral Europe he let it be known to Russia
and Japan that they should not be indif
ferent to the desires of their friends in, the
family of nations that the belligerents
resume relations.
Russia received this guarded suggestion
in friendly spirit and showed a willingness
to consider whatever the United States had
to propose or recommend, and Japan was
apparently in full sympathy with the Presi-
dents earnest desire for peace.
Just what induced the President to make
the proposal that the two warning nations
attempt to adjust their differences by direct
negotiation and without outside aid has
not been ascertained, but 1t is probable
that the President was convinced that dis
i.vl,t ,,,.5,
upon an intermediary and that all that had
teen done might end fruitlessly before the
real question at issue was reached.
BOTH PROBABLY WILLING TO END WAR.
But it may be accepted that before maxi
ing his proposal that Russia and Japan
deal directly with each other the President
had received positive assurances that both
of them were willing to make peace and that
any suggestion from him would be welcome,
or, at least, not displeasing.
Little II any doubt now remains that
Russia has fully determined that it is Use
less to prolong the war and that az much
President Roosevelt sent his notable mes
sage of yesterday. Practically the only
course left open to her in entering into peace
negotiations was to deal directly with
Japan, which. while admitting a willingness
to discuss peace terms, was not inclined
to furnish Russia with a statement OF her
preliminary demands until positively as
surpd that Russia would accept them as a
10 -,
good faith.
Russia ard Japan may now meet on an
equal footing, each being privileged to
submit suggestions as to the character,
scope and provisions Of the treaty of amity
which it is confidently believed In Wash
ington tonight will be the outcome Of the
Presidents advice to the belligerents
While it has not appeared that Russia
dent, it is regarded as a foregone conclusion
that their answers will be favorable and
that they will begin negotiations without
delay. The Presidents note makes it
possible for them to use him as an inter
mediary, although he makes plain that he
believes direct dealing will be better.
At no time has the President made a
tenGer OF good Offices to Russia and Japan,
and there was never any intention on his
part to do so.
Count Cassini, the Russian Ambassador,
when informed tonight Of the contents
Of the Presidents noe. refused to speak
IF ba NJ naaca
Il cannot say; do not know; it is for the
Emperor to decide, he said.
Count Cassini for mo nths past has refused
absolutely to admit the possibility Of an
ending of the war. Tonight. however, he
ventured no statement that the war would
be continued and said that it was now a
matter for his Government to decide.
Mr.. Takahira, the Japanese Minister,
could not he seen. He has been exceed
ngly busy the past few days. and he re-
tired early tonight He has seen Presi-
dent Roosevelt several times, and it is be-
leved that his call at the White House
yesterday morning, almost simultaneously
with the receipt here Of Ambassador Meyers
telegram, led to the step which was taken
TODAY.