New-York tribune., 1905-08-24
JAPAN'S HAND FORCED.
Baron Komura's Offer of the Presi-
dents Com promise.
ey The Associates Pre.sJ

By The Associated Prezs)
Portsmouth N H. Aug. 23.-The Japanese
plenipotentiaries at the conclusion OF the after
noon session to-day OF the peace conferences
threw the cards upon the table 1t was the
dramatic moment-the moment to which all the
previous proceedings of the conference had led.
The protocols involving agreement on eight Of
the twelve conditions originally presented by
Japan had been signed. One side or the
other must make move or the plenipotentiaries
had reached the parting of the ways. OF course
it was we'll understood what would happen. but
that in way only made it more dramatic
Figuratively. President Roosevelt suddenly
entered the conference room NJ. witts sat
silent. and the move in the great diplomatic
game passed to Japan.
Baron Komura. in a few words. explained
that Japan. in her great desire for peace. was
ready to make certain notifications" OF the
original articles. in tht hope that Russia could
find it possible to accept them. He then pre-
sented in writing to NJ. witte the compromise
proposition which President Roosevelt had sug-
gested- 1t was concrete and specific. 1t offered
to withdraw Article IX. providing for the pay
ment by Russia of Japan's bill for the cost q
war, on condition that Russia would accept
Article V, which provides for the cession of the
island Of Saghaiien. so modified as 10 include an
arrangement FOR the repurehsse by Russia OF
the northern half Of the island for 1 OOOO0OO0
yen. In addition it offered 70 withdraw en-
tireIy Articles XI and XIII Surrender of the In
termed warships and limitation of Russia's sea
power in the Far EasO.
1t was President Roosevelt's compromise and
NJ, Witte knew its contents as well as Baron
Komura. The question whether he had been
"blufhng" was put TO the test.
Without a moments hesitation NJ vvttte ex-
ha
merely sham, a change Of phraseoIogy, a dip
lomatic attempt to "dorer la piIuIe" and ask
Russia to pay war tribute under another name
He could not accept it. He told Baron Komura
Russia wanted peace. She had given the proofs
in accepting every article involving the issues OF,
which the war fought. but she could fight.
and money for tribute she would not pay. not a
kopeck- He asked Baron Komura 10 withdraw
all demands for tribute.
So the plenipotentiaries separated, 70 meet
again Saturday. ostensibly to permit NJ
Witte TO place in writing as the rules Of the
conference require. his reply to the japanese
compromise proposition. In reality the adjourn
ment over the two days was to give each side
an opportunity TO consult its government for the
last time
The outlook is black: many believe IL was
never so black as tonight. The japanese ara
not talking. Indeed. tonight they appear to bs
more taciturn and more resolute than ever The
only possible line Of further japanese conces-
sion is considered TO lie in the direction OF a
diminution OF the amount of the purchase money
demanded for the north half of Saghalien. Ths
decision rests therefore. as it has from the first.
with Russia Unless the Emperor agrees To
yield between now and Saturday. the end is
likely TO come on that day. The indications
from Peterhof. instead Of raising the chances OF
a change of heart the part of the Emperor.
seem to indicate even a hrner determination TO
yield neither territory nor indemnity. sugar
coated though the latter may be-
The long instruction received last night. while
not reply to the communication OF President
Roosevelt given TO NJ. Witte at the navy yard
yesterday afternoon. was OF a character to de-
stroy almost completely hope that il will bs
possible for NJ. Witte to satisfy the Japanese
demand. NJ wltte himself has been quoted
saying that he would not. if ordered to do SO by
the Emperor sign a treaty involving the pay
ment Of a kOpeck- 1t must, however, be borne
i'm. mind that NJ witte in these negotiations ts ,
not free agent He represents his Emperor.
II he were absolutely free this conference would
not fail. He would make peace He sympathizes
with Me solution offered by the President but
his hands are tied and unless he receives an I'M
periaI command he cannot move.
Black as the prospect appears tonight how
ever the failure of the negotiations is not cer-
tain The Russian camp is pessuistic TO a.
man. but they ali know the quick and startling
changes OF front that sometimes take place az
Peterhof There are factors In the situatiou
which might affect one OF these sudden and IN
explicabIe changes in the Emperor's attitude
which has frequently astonlshed Russia. Pri-
vate advices from ST. Petersburg say that senti-
ment there. in Moscow and other large centres
favors acceptance OF the compromise. This may
sffn
President Roosevelt. He is Fesourceful He has
made another move. He has sent Ambassador
Meyer direct TO the Emperor. ard they were
together. according te advices reeeivd here. for
three hours to-day.
The President tonight may know more about
how the Emperor feels than NJ. Witte. and be
able 20 act upon the information conveyed 70
him by Ambassador Meyer.
The report Is industriousy circulated here
that Emperor William is responsible for the at
titude of Emperor Nicholas. and everything Is