New-York tribune., 1905-08-11
TERMS SENT TO CAR.
accompanied by M. Witte's Com
mentS- Conference Friendly.
CBy The Associated Press.)

Portsmouth N H. Aug. 10.-A clear sky and
a cool breeze ushered in the second day Of the
Peace Conference The weather has not been
excessively hot since the arrival OF the plenipo-
ientaries, although in the middle of the day IN
the navy yard there has been reminder of the
summer season. NJ Witte has remarked seVeral
times on the warmth, which seems TO affect hlm
somewhat unpleasantly.
The guests OF the Hotel Wentworth, as usual
thronged the verandas even before there was
possibility that the foreigners would appear IL
was a few minutes after o'clock when lhe
japanese penipotentiaries appeared ana at
9:10 in automobiles. started for the navy yaro.
NJ Witte and Baron Rosen, accompanied py
NJ Nebokof also left the hotel in a motor car
They were preceded by a mail coach in which
were Prince Kudacheff, II. Korostovetz and NJ
de Plancon. The japanese plenipotentlarles mad
about ten minutes start of the Russians from
the hotel Baron Komura. Mr.. Takahira and Mt
sato sat in one seat. Mr.. Dennison was beside
the chauffeur. The secretaries went ahead, one
Of Them carrying suit case which was supposed
10 contain the credentials OF his chief He re-
fused TO let the bag leave his hands and twice
declined the offer of the porter 10 put the
precious luggage in the automobile.
Neither Baron Kcmura Mr.. Takahira
seemed to notice the crowds surrounding the
hotel entrance. Both were putting intently on
their cigarettes and looked straight ahead.
pose which was advantageous TO a man with a
moving picture machine who wound il in their
faces as they passed AS NJ. Witte and Baron
12oseu passed the hotel veranda they doffed their
hats several times to the crowd and laughed
good naturedly at the photographers. The Jap
anese ENJOYS reached the navy yard at $40
O'Clock. and the Russian party arrived few
minutes later. Both went Immediately to the
conference room in the general stores building
Immediately after the plenipotentiaries and
their secretaries had gathered in the conference
room and exchanged complimentary words,
partly in French and partly in Japanese. M
witte produced diplomatic note addressed TO
the japanese plenipotentiares in connection
with their failure TO present their credentials
at yesterdays meeting. The contents of this
note cannot be learned, but there is a basis for
the belief that NJ. Witte expressed surprise that
the japanese plelipotentiaries, after having
from the outset Of the preliminary negotiations
laid so much stress on the necessity of examin-
ing credentials before the first step was taken,
should at the first meeting have failed TO bring
with them full Official letters 1t was the un-
derstanding of the Russian ENJOYS that Baron
Komura would decline even TO open negotiations
of the most informal character unless he had
satisfied himself of the full powers CT NJ Witte.
Historical precedents are quoted in the note 10
show the irregularity of yesterdays proceedings.
The purpose of the Russian note was TO make
the permanent record complete, and make 1t
show clearly the attitude of the plenipotentiaries
from the beginning of the conference. The note
was made part OF the permanent record without
objection on the part Of the japanese.
The official credentials were then exchanged.
As each side previously had an opportunity to
examine them, this was largely a matter Of form
a somewhat general discussion followed, in
which Baron komura and NJ. Witte spoke
frankly OF the purpose OF the meeting. The
best of spirit was manifested. ana the discussion
widened, Baron Rosen and Mr.. Takahira taking
part, and French and English being used. In
the course OF the exchanges it was agreed that
Baron Komura should Immediately present the
japanese terms and NJ Witte promised to give d
reply at the earliest possible moment. In order
avoid MISUNDERSTANDING il was arranged
that the reply and all formal communications
should be made in writing. This understanding
having been reached. just before the session ad-
5ourned Baron Komura handed the document to
NJ. Witte, who thrust it in his pocket without
opening it. While the japanese went to lunch
private rooms. where they examined the docu-
nsent which much depends desire for
expedition was expressed both sides.
The morning session lasted exactly two hours
and was Of a most friendly character. The
plenipotentiaries and their secretaries sat On
opposite sides of large table. Baron Komura
and NJ Witte faced each other in the centre,
Baron RoSen sitting NJ. Whites left and Mr..
Takahira Baron Komura's right. Mr.. Ko-
'Iostovetz sat next TO Baron Rosen and Mr.. OF
chiai next TO Mr.. Takahira. On the other side
of the principals sat Messrs. Adachi and Sato,
of the japanese and Messrs. Nabokoff and
Kudachef, Of the Russian suite.
Immediately after adjournment NJ. Witte set
his secretaries 10 work TO put into cipher the
"a, which were cabIed St Petersburg for
submission TO the Gar. NJ. Witte personally
put into cipher his comment the char
acter Of the conditions and his views as to what
action should be taken. While engaged in this
task he retired to one of the rooms set apart
for the Russian mission.