The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-08-22
Russia Has Conceded as Much
as She Can
ST. PETERSBURG IS HOPEFUL
Russia Feels That Japan VIII Probably
Be Able to Borrow Money to
Continue the War If
Peace Fails.

| st. Petersburg. August %, lao a. M
| The Russian governments final commune
cations to NJ Witte, outlining the course
that he shall pursue at the reopening OF
the peace conference at Portsmouth, are
still in process of being put into cipher,
prior to being forwarded to America.
With the receipt of st. Petersburgs last
message, the brief breathing spell will
have ended. st. Petersburg leaves the
| final word with her representatives at
| Portsmouth.
The Associated Press is In position to
state that when the nature of this COM
munication becomes generally known, 1t
will be seen that in sincere desire to
effect a satisfactory settlement the gov
crnment has gone as far as it's extremely
vital state In this will permit. 1t can
further be said that for this reason the
government is firmly convinced that In
case of failure of the negotiations, the
responsibility Will not rest with Russia,
which has conceded much already.
Mo Concessions Will Be Made.
While it is impossible to learn the ac-
tuaI contents of the governments com
munications to M. Witte. 1t can be de-
clared that the requirement of making
concessions on the questions of indemnity
and Sakhalin, as these questions were
originally presented by the Japanese, is
impossible.
1t is certain that in the matter Of con-
cession, the four points now in dispute
have been considered and studied here in
the light of concessions Russia already
has granted on the other eight articles,
The foregoing is a brief but accurate
outline of the platform upon which M.
Witte will meet the japanese plenipoten-
tiaries today.
Baron de Rosen's reports regarding the
interview with President Roosevelt have
not been received here. and their lferusal
by the government has only increased the
feeling of gratitude and appreciate for
President Roosevelts continued efforts.
Baron de Rosens communications to the
Emperor are such as do not require a
special answer.
Think Peace Still Possible.
A hopeful feeling was noticeable here
yesterday that peace was still possible and
it is believed by some that Russia's am
swer will give material evidence of such
a sincere desire to reach a settlement that
Japan will practically be forced to accept
IL or appear De1OTe Ine WOrlu DIS ulltily
unreasonable and Unsuitable.
1t is believed that the questions of
the surrender of the interned ships and
the limitation of Russia's naval power
in the far east will be satisfactorily set
tied. There remains then the questions
OF the payment of indemnity and the ces-
sion of Sakhalin by Russia.
The first may be overcome by Russia
following Japan's lead in avoiding the
use of the word Indemnity" but con.
senting to make certain payments to
Japan on other scores, the chief of them
being Japan's bill for keeping 100000 pris-
oners, which is expected to be very heavy.
The sums mentioned as the possible pay
ment on account of these prisoners. range
from $50,000000 to $3.50, 900. Little or
nothing is obtainable here regarding the
possible disposition of the question relat-
Ing to Sakhalin. Interest has been man
ifested lately in the attitude of the Jap
anese people, and 1t is regarded in Iome
quarters that the Japanese government
and r,enirotentiaries may have to shape
their course to meet and satisfy the de-
mands voiced by the Japanese public.
There is reason to believe that the idea
the Japanese might not be able to find
money to continue the war, has not been
considered here serious weakness of
the Japanese position.