The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-02-25
ROOSEVELT WAS MEDIATOR
Japan's Peace Terms Conveyed to Rus
STA Thru the President.

New York Sun Special Service. ~ r.
Washington, Feb. 25-Several days
ago, Mr.. Takahira, the Japanese minis
ter here, called on the president and
told him that Japan was ready to talk
Of peace, provided that it was desired
which negotiations might be opened. He
said the chief point on which Japan
would insist was the complete and per-
manent evacuation Of Manchuria by
Russia, and some form of an interna-
tional guarantee that 1t would remain
an integral part of China. Japan, he
FOR a5S the a 1aTosd fro%
to Port Arthur and Niu-chuang; recog-
milton Of Japan's influence in Korea as
supreme, and the retention Of Port Ar
thur by Japan, the port to be opened to
all nations on an equal footing. The
subject of indemnity, which seems to
have been troubling Russia the most
was not mentioned, the inference being
that Japan considered that a minor
question and one over which she would
not haggle. -.. -. r,r..-. - ~
Vladivostok was referred to in way
which indicated that Japan was willing
that Russia should retain that port, and
use it is the eastern terminus Of the
Siberian railroad. ~.
>. Left Roosevelt to Act.
Mr.. Takahira did not ask the presi.
dent to communicate Japan g views Of
a prospective basis for peace to Russia,
nor did he ask him not to. Mr.. Roose-
welt did not inquire whether it would
was complete understanding between
them on that point. Mr.. Takahira, who
| undoubtedly was acting under explicit
instructions from Toxic, did not wish to
put Japan in the attitude Of suing fol-
peace or. even of suggesting it. He
was particular to state that Japan was
perfectly willing to continue the wal
with absolute confidence in the result
of further hostilities, but if Russia was
ready for peace Japan would meet the
car half way. The only condition
which Mr.. Takahira imposed, on Mr.
Roosevelt was that his statements
should be repeated to as few persons
as possible for fear that the purpose OF
his visit would be misconstrued and &C
cepted as a sign Of. weakening on the
part of Japan. -,,H~ -
The president was surprised at the
moderate demands Of Japan. He al
once conferred with Secretary Hay ano
Mccormick to tell Lamsdorff, the Rus
sian minister Of foreign affairs, at the
first favorable, opportunity that this
country had Informally been told of thu
general terms on which r. Japan ., was
ready to open peace negotiations and tt
state them Then he was told to drol
the subject unless it was brought W
Ifagain by Russia as his message did MOI
demand a formal reply. sa9r ,s.es:l..;z
' .,2 49, No Reply Received. ">1 ,&@
.
All of the discussion of peace within
the past week at st. Petersburg wal
based on the information communicated
by Mr.. Mccormick. No reply has beer
given to Mr.. Mccormick by Coun
Lamsdorff, but it is understood from
the press dispatches and from communi
cations from other capitals, that Russit
| istnot now willing to open negotiation
! for peace.
The ambassadors Of two power
that are friendly to Russia, being tolt
Of Japan g attitude, notified their gov
ernments, which at once exerted all O:
their influence at St. Petersburg in ia
vor Of opening negotiations on the lib
eral basis outlined by Japan but ap
parently without success
The president and Mr. Hay are con
fident, however, that Japan g informa
advance will prove, before long, t,
have been long step toward peace.