New-York tribune., 1905-08-09

extended to the envoys a cordial welcome and
after a ten minutes sojourn I'm the courthouse
the foreigners entered automobiles and wect
rapidly conveyed to the Hotel Wentworth. over
which they found the flags of Russia and japan
gayly flying in the breeze. Here they were re-
ceived heartily. but they FASTENED to their re-
spective apartments the entire ceremony Incl
dent 10 their reception having occupied only
four hours and b. o'clock in the afternoon
the Incidents of Portsmouth's reception of the
Japanese and Russian ENJOYS had passed into
history.
Impatient desire on the part of the Russian
envoys to learn the terms which Japan is pre-
pared TO demand and a disposition on the part
of the Japanese plenipotentiaries TO proceed Wild
the utmost caution are noteworthy this evening.
M. Nitte is all impaticnce 10 get TO work. Gho
has expressed the hope that all preliminary de-
tails may be settled within hour after To-
morrow's session convenes, and that Japaa
terms may be known before adjournment is
taken tomorrow evening
This hope seems however 10 be destined 10
disappointment The refusal of Russia to make
public her reply TO President Roosevelts note.
even after Japan gave her answer TO the world,
cid not serve TO inspire confidence among the
japanese diplomats. and they are prepared to
scrutnze with the utmost care the credentials
OF the Russian ENJOYS. They feel, moreover
that they have already been led once TO make
known their peace terms when Russia was not
prepared 10 end the war and they are deter
mined now 10 submit their formal demands only
after they are satisfied that the powers OF the
Russian plenipotentisries are not unduly limited
For this reason the mere discussion of creden-
tals may occupy some time.
LANGUAGE OF NEGOTIATIONS.
Another difficulty. if not grave problem. will
be involved in the question Of the language in
which the conference is 10 be conducted. The
japanese are strongly in favor of English. Ten
OF their number speak it. and they maintain,
moreover. that it would constitute compliment
TO the President and TO this country to conduct
the negotiations in that language Incidentally
the fact that English has been adopted the
diplomatic language in Japan makes it particu-
larly desirable from the standpoint of Japan
that the negotiations be conducted in that Ian
guage. NJ. Witte and a number of his colleagues
on the other hand. do not speak English and
the Russian delegation is a unit for the employ
ment of the French language, arguing that 1t
is practically the diplomatic language of the
world.
The outcome Of the situation cannot, of course,
be foretold, but il seems likely 10 precipitate a
somewhat extended discussion and whatever
may be The final decision it is certain that 1t will
prove necessary 10 employ interpreters which
must necessarily render the negotiations tedi-
Gus. II is further learned that. the preIminaries
having beer disposed Of NJ. Witte desires to
institute the mere serious negotiations with a
speech reviewing the diplomatic events leading
up 10 the present war. and which he assumes
viii prove valuable contribution TO the his
tory Of the world. Should he pursue this course
and discussion Of ante-bellurn events be pre-
Cfr aS gsa.or
no man could foreteil, while the result of such
discussion might prove most unfortunate.
EARLY ADJOURNMENT IMPROBABLE
For the reasons here set forth the expedition
desired by Russia. and which. if practicable,
would doubtless be equally welcome to Japan
is unlikely Of attainment. Little credence need
be given TO the prediction voiced in some quar-
tsrs that the conference is likely to come 10
snoden and early termination as a result of
Russias entire unwillingress to accede to
Japan's terms Strong representations have
been made 10 both nations regarding the mex
pediencv Of such action and all the ENJOYS are
imbued with the advisabiity OF long and serious
consideration-Aof such differences as will in
evitahly arise before any open rupture is even
considered. Il has been emphasized TO them
that Il would be q reflection on their diplomacy
were they, after coming far to discuss peace
TO permit initial differences, however great. to
prevent most earnest effort to eliminate them
and 10 reach a basis Of agreement. Such a
eRsrse, they appreciate. would prove almost
sffront TO the President, who. by his tact ard
large heartedHess has won the affectionate
spect Of the representatives Of both nations and
moreover. il is fully appreciated that precipitate
action on either side leading 70 a rupture Of the
negotiations would inevitably entail the censure
Of the civilized world which already deeply
oeplores the terrible loss Of life which has char
acterized the conflict between the great bellig
erent empires
For this reason il may - asserted that. even
should "apan's terms prove preposterous in the
estimation n Russia, a discontinuance Of the
conference in the near future would be unlikely.
x is asserted Oh excellent authority, however,
that Japan viii seek 10 secure from the Russian
ENJOYS an agreement in principle to indem-
nifty and 10 the cessiOn of territory, maintain
ing that until such agreement is accorded ii
must prove futile for japan TO present or even
formulate more Specific demands. Nevertheless,
the impressions seem well founded that the
japanese ENJOYS have already a. clear concep-
tiOn Of the terms they prepared to demand,
OF the maximum concessions they will be EN-
powered 10 make and of the more drastic terms
they are prepared TO submit the alternative
which Russia must seriously contemplate as the
inevitable consequence Of rejecting the more
moderate concessions with which Japan would
now be content.