Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1905-08-09
Together but an Hour at
Portsmouth Navy
Yard.
STATEMENTS ISSUED
Armistice Not Mentioned by
Cars Envoys---French and
English Spoken.

Portsmouth. Aug. 9.-The first ses-
sion of the peace conference was con-
cluded in about an hour. No business
was done besides exchanging creden-
tials and arranging a program for fu-
ture sessions.
Credentials SatIHfnctOry.
The credentials were found entirely
morrow at $50. After the conference
the ENJOYS spent some time in their
respective offices, leaving the general
stores building shortly after noon.
Return by Launch.
They returned to Newcastle by
launch. The Japanese were first to
leave the naval yard landing. The Rus
SLAMS followed shortly afterwards, the
trip TO the hotel landing being made
by the Russian and Japanese in sep
arate boats.
Two Languages.
The envoys agreed that the English
and French languages shall be used
jointly and that the official minutes of
the meeting be recorded in both Ian
guages.
A correspondent of the Associated
Press was received by one of the plen-
ipotentiaries 10 minutes after the mis-
sions returned to New Castle. and in
reply to questions about the confer
ence, he said:
You can say that this morning s'
meeting was entirely satisfactory as
far as il went. Our next meeting will
be held tomorrow morning. Provided
all goes well we will get down TO bus
mess then.
Terms were not discussed at today's
meeting"
Japs Make Statement.
On behalf of Baron Komura and Mr..
Takahira. Mr.. Sato handed the follow
ing official statement to the Associated
Press regarding the morning meeting:
"Today's meeting was informal, for
the purpose of settling the method of
procedure, and in that meeting it was
decided that the formal meetings will
commence tomorrow morning at half
past 3.
Two Day.
The meetings will be held twice a
day. one from $50 TO 1870. and the
other from to $50 or 6 o'clock in the
afternoon. subject TO modification as
may be agreed upon later. No serious
business was transacted at this morn
ing's session.
Weather Pleasant.
Portsmouth, Aug. 9-The day which
was to bring the initial meeting of the
Russian and japanese peace plenipo-
tentiaries at the navy yards here, open
ed with delightful weather conditions.
Baron Komura and Mr.. TakahiTa,
and Secretary Aditoi left the hotel
Wentworth by automobile for the navy
yard at 10. Witte and Baron Rosen de-
parted shortly after in another automo-
bile, leaving by secondary entrance
which leads TO their apartments
ArmIstIce in Doubt.
With the approach of the hour of the
meeting the feeling became more pro-
nounced that an armistice will not be
agreed upon until the success of the
negotiations is assured.
The known opposition of Japan to
this formality, in hearty support of
which London is understood to have
given Toxic. it is believed. has opera
ted 10 minimize the wish of Russia for
a signed truce
Troops Oppose It.
Another cause for their willingness
not To press for an armistice at the
first meeting is believed TO be the re-
cent opposition said TO have manifested
itself among the Russian forces at the
front against peace negotiations. 1t is
felt that TO ask them to sign a truce
might have a bad effect upon their
spirits and serve to increase opposition
To ending the war.