The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-03-31
viii Certainly Insist on GEL
ting an Indemnity
PRECEDENT DEMANDS MONEY
Ta&ahashI Says the Longer the War
Lasts the More Certain viii Be
That 1t viii Not Be
Resumed.

London. March SO-(S:35 p. m.)-Peace
talk is prevalent everywhere. but that ne
gotiations have commenced is still posi-
lively denied in all official circles here.
The foreign office disciaims even having
any knowledge of peace proposals. 1t is
is quite evident, however, that While the
first definite step may be taken at any
moment, any advances further than inol-
Gated in The Associated Press dispatches
may be postponed indefinitely.
Paron Hayashi, the Japanese minister
declared to the Associated Press this eve
ming that he had no information In re-
gard to the announcement contained in
l., st. Petersburg dispatches Of the As
ISOLATED Press that Russia had Indirect
made known to Japan the negative condi-
tions on which peace might be concluded.
namely, no cession OF territory and no in
demnity, leaving Japan to determine
whether peace negotiations could be be-
gun upon that basis, but he said unre-
servedly that the terms then mentioned
could not even be considered, and added:
"A cession of territory and an indemnity
are the only points negotiable as Japanese
ante-bellum demands have already been
secured by Japan"
M. Takahashi dhe Japanese special n
nancial commissioner, in an interview to-
day, sai9 to the Associated Press:
Japan Expects Indemnity.
aThe war cost between $3.50, 100000 and
$S5O,OOo,00O during the present year. 1t
would be unprecedented in the history of
TIE great wars that no indemnity and
no territory be given up by the vanquish-
ed. While 1t is beyond my province to dis
cuss terms of peace 1 can express my
personal opinion that as the war was
forced upon japan, 1t is not likely that
she will waive the right to an indemnity
and cession of territory when concluding
peace. What indemnity will be demanded
j cannot say, britt is my private opinion
that 1t will at least cover the expense of
the war
If Russia assumes that continuance
of the war will deplete our finances before
hers, it will be a mistake or judgment
on her part. We can maintain a sufficient
army in Manchuria to keep out the Rus
slams indefinitely, but this will necessi-
tate japan remaining in Manchuria and
administering the province on a war foot
ing, which we do not desire. Manchuria
is fertile and productive. and an army
can be maintained there more economical
ly than in the case of the opposing force
in Siberia. II Russia is prepared for the
test of a war of finances we are willing
The longer the war lasts the more certain
1t will be that 1t will not be resumed"
China Is Awakening.
NJ Takahashl spoke interestingly re-
eardng the international conditions m
China since the Chino-Japanese war. He
said China was awakening The govern
ment was now making rapid strides along
the lines on which Japan had developed.
China was sending pupils abroad to study
and bringing in foreign instructors. Many
CT these were Japanese and a rapproach-
ment between the two countries was
steadily being effected. The Manchus were
delighted with the Japanese administra-
ton wherever it was in force because
they found no lawlessness and perfect
justice.
The Chinese government, NJ. 1akahashi
added proposes reorganzing the army or
China and re-creating its navy. The Japa-
nese believe that within ten years China
will be able 20 defy Russia. In this con-
nection a foreign office official said to the
Associated Press today that he believed
Japanese would occupy Harbin and retain
the necleus of a garrison in Manchuria
by an arrangement with China for Pc
riod of years after the war. He added
that there was not the slightest doubt
that the Japanese would retain the open
door and refrain from all active part IN
Manchurian government.