The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1921-08-05
RUSSIAN VIEW
OF ROOSEVELT
And His Successful Efforts
to End the Russo-Jap-
anese War
QUESTIONS WISDOM
IN FORCING PEACE
Baron Karff Tells Of Kai-
ser's Evil Influence
on the Gar


Williamstown, Mass, Aug. 5.--A
Russian view of Theodore Roosevelt's
successful efforts to end the Russo
Japanese war was given to the insti-
tute of politics to-day by Baron Sergi'
us A. Korff, former deputy governor
general of Finland Without doubling
Roosevelts sincerity, he said 1--WE can,
however, at present question his wis
dom in forcing this peace on Russia.
Not that we could expect victory or
military achievements, but Japan
might have learned a lesson which
would have changed much of the sue
ceeding events throughout the world.
Japan at that moment was at the end
of her tether"
Baron Korffs subject was Russo
Japanese relations, which he described
as of comparatively recent origin, but,
until lately, exceedingly militant.
Touching the events leading to war be-
tween the two powers, he said, in
part:
bad feeling between the two ma
tions was intensified by the determine
ton of some Russian adventures, aid
ed and abetted by the car, TO obtain
concessions in Korea. The psychology
of the car in this case is explained
by his conceit and his conviction that
he could do no wrong. This was one
of the most pernicious of the inhu
ences of the kaiser which told in his
case very strongly. Wilhelm was con-
sciously and cleverly egging on the
car to such conflict, upholding his
convention of superiority over the ia
panese and fattering him into COM
placency. His game was a sure one,
too; Germany could only win and
Russia could only lose"
Baron Korff then told of Japan's
efforts TO settle the matter amicably
and of the final loss of patience and
the declaration of war. This war,
he said, was never popular with the
Russian nation. Russia was against
it, not even understanding why she
was fighting Japan. Under such con.
ditions defeat was unavoidable.
The situation became so threaten
ing that in July the car had finally |
to give in. He sought peace abroad |
and made constitutional concessions at |
home, all under the direct pressure of
fear. The initiative Of the peace ne
gotiations, as Is well known, came from |
President Roosevelt. After some hest
tation the car appointed White as the
chief representative of Russia, prob
ably her cleverest man, but unfortu-
nately lacking in firm moral princi-
pies.
'Witte gives vivid account, in his
memoirs of the Portsmouth peace con.
matte victory, nearly succeeding in an
Initiating the Japanese military
achievements. At the same time he
also succeeded in another, no less i'm.
portant, task of swinging American
public opinion from open hostility to
hearty support.
"There is no doubt whatever that
this change achieved among Americans
Affected the peace negotiations and
helped White to gain the upper hand.
Not doubling Roosevelt's sincerity,
we can, however, at present question
lis wisdom in forcing this peace upon
Russia. Not that we could expect a
5ictory, OF even military achievement,
,ut Japan might have learned a lesson
which would have changed much of the
events throughout the
world As a matter of fact, Russia
condition and the state of her army
ould not have been much worse IL the
var had dragged on a few months
onger. Again, the continuation of the |.
var would have brought important
hanges in Japan. Japan at that mo
nent was at the end of her tether. q
in other words, saved ia
an from an economic collapse that =
night have called for constitutional re-
orms in Japan also, and only the lat
or could be a reliable guarantee
gainst the developments Of imperial
IN in the Pacific"
Once the treaty Of peace was signed,
plstions between Russia and Japan
ere again friendly. In the words Of
aron Korff: "The momentary feud =
etween the two nations passed away
: suddenly as il came. II we now
,ok back to the conflict we can easily =
Re its Characteristic srtifciality. II
as 80 unnatural and unnecessary and
ould easily have been avoided If both
des had been willing to concede
title TO their opponent Especially y
oes the fault lie with Russia. Her .
olicy toward Japan was the height :
+ foolishness and political short sight u
iness; il will always remain terri
le Indictment against the Gar Mich
las and his immediate councillors and
will ever be striking example OF A