Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-03-29
Negative Terms Made
Known to the Jap
aneSe.
NO ANSWER RECEIVED
Reports That Outside Govern
ments Are Taking a Hand
DiScredited.

Washington, March 29.-It is stated
here the Japanese have received an
urgent warning from neutral power
to beware of all offers of mediation
from any government and to insist up
on direct negotiations with ST. Peters.
burg.
FIRST PEACE STEP.
ST. Petersburg, March 29.-The AS
sociated Press is in position to an
nounce that a step in the direction of
peace has actually been taken. Rus
sia has directly made known to Japan
the negative conditions upon which
peace may be concluded, namely, no
cession of territory and no indemnity,
leaving Japan to determine if negotia-
tions can be begun upon that basis.
No reply from Japan has yet reached
the Russian government.
Probably Through United States.
The above represents practically all
the facts obtainabie. Through what
channel or channels Russia has indi-
rectly communicated with Japan the
Associated Press is not in a position
TO state definitely although there is
reason to believe it is through the
United States. 1t is practically GER
tain France and possibly Great Brit
ain as two allies of the belligerents
and the United States as the country
acting for Japan. have been apprised
of Russia's position.
Roosevelt Did Not Act.
Last nights rumor that Roosevelt
had rendered his good Offices TO both
parties are incorrect. The president 5
friendly disposition and perfect will
ingness to undertake TO open uegotia-
tions, however. is well understood here
and without asking directly that they
be communicated TO Japan. Russia
could make known to Roosevelt
through Ambassador Cassini the con
ditions to which she could not agree
while thus giving Japan an opportun-
jty of knowing officially what the basis
of peace negotiations must be.
Ready for Peace.
st. Petersburg, March 29.-Russia
attitude was described today by
prominent diplomat as follows:
The government is now for peace,
but continues to prepare for war.
Commission Investigates.
The whole situation with reference
to the prosecution of the war is being
carefully considered from every view
point by the commission sitting under
the presidency of Grand Duke Mich
olas Nicholaievitch.
Every phase of the situation. mill
tary. naval. financial. transportation.
Siberian and diplomatic is being Gov
cred. The commissions report is eX-
pected to be completed in 10 days for
submission TO the emperor.
No Change in Armies
St Petersburg, March 29.-Chief of
staff Karkevitch teleEraphs from the
front today no change has taken place
in the positions Of the armies.
Russian sharpshuoters the 26th were
i'm conflict with a force OF Japanese in
fantry and cavalry at Khouanchiline.
Linevitch has inspected the second
army and found the troops in excellent
spirits.
SIN in Retrcnt.
81. Petersburg. March GA tele-|
gram from Gunshu Pass dated the
2Sth. says the Russians have ovac-|
uated the railroad below the station al
Chaoumiaodzi 40 miles below Gunshu
pass and the Japanese are advancing.
Fleet North Of Madagascar.
Durbin. Natal. March 29.-1ne Brit
ish steamer. Dart which arrived here
today reports having passed March
- 80 warships and Il golfers steam
ing eastward $50 miles northeast of
the island of Madagascar.
IL is thought the vessels comprise
the Russian second squadron.