New-York tribune., 1907-12-04
TAFT ON WORLD PEACE
NO VAR IN THE FAR EAST
Jj.ar Secretary COrrccts Reports IN
Regard 70 His 1'riD.

St l'eterSburS. Dec IA plea FOR world peace
was .he topic of a speed, delivered here tonight
hv Secretary Taft 1T the American dinner.
vnich attended by several high Russian
officials IN addition 10 some sixty Americans.
,Ir. TAFT and his party reached St. Petersburg
This morning and received a warm welcome
Responding to the speech of welcome de1iv-
er.d bv L. N, CorSe. who presided Secretary
Ts4+ sad he hoped that the traditional friend
ship between Russia and America would in
crease and become stronger. The similarity in
the Development of the two countries he said
ought TO produce a sympathetic feeling. He then
drew p parallel between Russia and America,
with reference TO their immense extent and the
difficulties arising therefrom
Personally the Secretary said he had a strong
feeling Of affection and regard for Russia on
account of the two years residence of his father
there as American Minister.
His present trip. he said. had given rise to a
number of suggestions. the purport OF which
was far from the truth. 1t had been suggested
that he was rounding the world on a diplomatic
mission to various countries TO carry out some
ultimate policy of the United States but Amer
icas only policy. he said. was the peace of all
nations. His only official function. he con-
tinued. was that connected with the opening OF
the Philippines Assembly. and he was returning
home by way OF Russia to avoid the voyage
across the Pacific, which he already had made
many times
He had sought audience with the Emperor
he said. in order to express his personal graft
tude for the hospitality which he had enjoyed
on his transsiberian trip and to assure him
that deep desire exists on the part OF Amer
icans for the welfare and prosperity of Rus
sia.
The Secretary declared that intimations that his
trip was connected in any way with prospec-
tive war In the Far East were without founda-
ton. In his Judgment there possibility
OF between the United States and any
country. nor was there any for 1t. THE
world needs peace for Its real growth and the
happiness of the individual" he said.
Civilization" said the Secretary. is indebt-
ed TO Emperor Nicholas for the initiation of in
ternational efforts for a permanent peace and
the mitigation of war by the organization of
the Hague conference" At the conclusion OF
his speech he toasted the Emperor.
Count Konitz, who is acting imperial aid
20 Secretary Taft, responded with a toast TO
President Roosevelt. which was drunk amid
great enthusiasm and the singing of the national
hymns of both countries.
During the afternoon the Secretary visited the
Douma, where he object of great atten-
lion on the part OF Premier Stolypin and the
other ministers He remained there only
short time and was unable TO visit the floor
Of the house. but hopes to meet the leading
deputies later. His audience with the Foreign
Minister N. Iswolsky, lasted an hour. tnterna-
tional relations being touched upon only IN
general way
When questioned in regard to the Presidential
situation in the United States Secretary Taft
requested to be excused from expressing any
opinion He said he had announced year ago
his readiness to accept the nomination in case 1t
was given to him. and that his attitude had not
changed since.
Owing TO the extraordinary rumors in circu-
lation here regarding the nature Of his mission
the visit of the American Secretary OF War mas
aroused the liveliest interest and curiosity The
-'Rossia.' the government official organ, now
ever. makes an effort to correct these wrong
impressions. In a leading article extending TO
secretary Taft an open door Russian well
come" the paper says;
The high position and the personal merits OF
Secretary Taft explain the heartiness OF MS re-
ception and the honor of an audience or tne
Emperor, but il is mistake TO suppose that
Mr. Taft's visit is in any way connected with q
change in the international policy of Russia.
There is not word Of truth in the rumoTs that
we are to give base for an American meet AT
Vladivostok any other Paclhc port put the
visit Of Secretary Taft will renew and strength
on the old bonds of sympathy between Russia
and America
4 special review Of the Seminovsky Guards
has been arranged for tomorrow at Tsarskoe-
selo in honor Of MI Taft, after which there VIII
he A luncheon Brigadier General Clarence r.
Edwards and Captain S. L. II. Slocum the
American military attache at St Petersburg'
Will accompany him.
The luncheon to be given tomorrow In hohor
of Mrs Taft by Mrs. Montgomery Schuyler. Jr'
wife of the American charge d'affaires. Will be
attended by a number Of American women ana
leaders of high Russian society. including Prin-
cess Pellasselskv and Princess Cantacuzene
Julia Dent GranD-
Secretary Taft probably viii be forced to go
70 Boulogne to catch the steamer President
Grant on which he is to return to the United
States The President Grant leaves Hamburg
on December d and Boulogne on December .
Mrs Taft accompanied by Mrs. George POST
Wheeler wife of the second secretary of the
American Embassy at Toxic. viii go from mere
10 Vienna and Paris. She will not return to the
United States until several weeks after her hus-
band arrives there.
pItccIA IN SUGAR CONVENTION.