New-York tribune., 1905-08-10

no concessions. although II is possible that a
certain compensation in kind might be arranged
For instance It is suggested that for the ren-
ouishment of the island of Sashalien, po-
tenaaly in Japan's hands and the possession
OF which would give her command of the whole
Siberian littoral. Russia could With propriety
pay large sum.
Gloomy forebodings however, may be prefna-
ture at this juncture, everything indicates the
plen.potentiaries on both sides are sincerely de-
sirous Of concluding a treaty OF peace.
The first meeting OF the plenipotentiaries to-
day was OF an entirely informal character; so
informal, in fact, that Baron Komura did not
bring his letter of credence TO the Portsmouth
Navy Yard. whereas NJ witte was armed with
the original document in Russian, setting forth
the powers conferred on him. and also with a
translation of the document The latter he read.
Baron Komura embarrassed and oilereo 10
send back to the hotel for his commission, but
NJ witte expressed his faith that the credentials
we're full and ample and it was arranged thSs
official exchange OF credentials should be made
tomorrow.
CREDENTIALS NO OBSTACLE.
Later in the afternoon however. copies Of the
credentials were informally exchanged, in order
that they might be examined before the meeting
Tomorrow. 1t is known that the credentials
differ slightly. In exactly what respect could
not be asoertained tonight. but 1T is asserted
that the difference is not essential and consti
tutes obstacle 10 the official opening of the
negotiations. Indeed. the President officially
Informed tonight that the credentials full
ample and satisfactory both sides.
TO avoid delay and gice the plenipotentiaries
and the delegates time for consultation between
sessions 1t has been arranged that luncheon will
be served ST the navy yard. and the ENJOYS
leaving their quarters in the morning will not
return until the afternoon session adjourns
Three secretaries for each side will be in at
tendance TO draw UP the protocols of the meet
.ngs. which will be written in both English and
French
The off1cial versions OF to-day's meeting given
oct by each side described It as satisfactory"
and other accounts indicate that while every
thing passed off anicably. considerable reserve
displayed on both sides Baron Kon1ura,
whom NJ witte had met In ST Petersburg when
the former served q Japanese Minister there
was pleasantly greeted by the chief Russian
envoy in French. but the baron obliged to
shake his head and turn to his secretary. Mr.
Honda, who explained that Baron Komura had
forgotten the little French he knew while in
St Petersburg.
While the Russian pienipotentiaries expect
IthesJspanese to present their terms Immediately
after the Official exchange of credentials to-
morrow. they admit they are in the dark. Baron
tKomura and his colleagues decline TO give any
intination Of their course of procedure. Pursu-
ing the tactics which they have constantly fol-
lowed In all their diplomatic ard military
operations. they are carefully guarding all their
plans regarding the present meeting.
There was some disposition to-day to attribute
Baron Konura's forgetfulness in not bringing
his credentials to the meeting 10 a desire to
spar for time and for that reason some doubt
was expressed whether the japanese would show
their hand tomorrow. but the Russian ENJOYS
do not question Baron Komura's good faith. and
frankly say il due to a misunderstanding.
This evening the amenities We're observed by
a general exchange of cards. NJ Wttte. Baron
Rosen and their suite sending theirs through
the hotel Office while the cards of the japanese
were left at the doors of the members of the
Russian mission by a little japanese messenger
boy.
Commander Winslow and Captain Gibbons
also made their official calls on the two missions
late this afternoon The japanese and the Rus
sian newspaper correspondents have broken the
ice and have begun to fraternze- 1t is perhaps
significant that the correspondents on both sides
are sending TO their respective homes dispatches
Of anything but optimistic character.
In the opinion of the Russians the Emperor's
manifesto promugating the National Assembly
project will materially strengthen the position
of the Russian ENJOYS by relieving the internal
situation.
Because the Russians like to smoke while at
the table, the entire Russian mission tonight
dined in their apartments, practice which they
have decided to continue hereafter.
nTCCTTCCTATG DF 1TF TERMS