THE WAR.

Bush Advocate, Volume XVII, Issue 131, 13 June 1905, Page 5

THE WAR.

RUSSIA AND JAPAN. (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph — Copyright.) Lokdox, June 12. Advices at Tokio show that the general opinion is one of distrustfulness of Russia's sincerity. The situation is considered favourable to Russia inasmuch as the war is confined to the territory of a neutral power and Russian dominions are intact. It is significant that the Japanese reply repeats the language of the proposal, and expresses readiness to appoint plenipotentiaries for the purpose of discussing the terms cf peace directly and j exclusively with Russia, and adding the stipulation that the negotiations are t% be for " peace upon terms fully guaranteeing its stability." Franco consistently gupports President Roosevelt's efforts and has urged the Russians to accept his proposals. The Kaiser has acted similarly. Japan and Russia have accepted President Roosevelt's proposal with expressions of gratification at his offer of goodwill. Count Lamsdorff verbally communicated to Mr Meyer, American Ambassador, Russia's consent to meet the Japanese representatives.

it is explained in official quarters at St. Petersburg that Russia for some time past was anxious to know the Japanese conditions, provided she did not require to take the initiative or appear to initiate.

It is also declared that whatever meeting is now arranged it will be for the purpose of communicating the Japanese terms, which, will then be referred to the Russian Government and if they are found to constitute a proper basis for negotiations, plempotentaries will be appointed.

. The Japanese newspapers adopt a firm and cautious tone, and insist on some guarantee for the protection of Japanese interests before an armistice is agreed to. They warn the public against a too sanguine expectation of peace, and predict that if negotiations fail the struggle will be protracted.

The Times' St. Petersburg correspondent reports that after certain Russian statesmen's abortive attempt to stop the war after the battle of Mukden President Roosevelt decided that at the first favorable opportunity he would take the initiative for peace.

He sounded Great Britain, France and Germany. The latter's assent was readily given, but France and Great Britain, as allies of the belligerents, were precluded from taking prominent parts.

President Roosevelt's opportunity came after the battle of Tsushima and Mr Meyer, by virtue of a clause in the Hague Convention, submitted informally to the Czar President Roosevelt's friendly counsel to negotiate for peace. Russia there and then agreed to meet with Roosevelt's wishe3.

Marshal Oyama reports further progress of the Japanese in Manchuria.

The Daily Telegraph's Tokio correspondent reports that General Linevitch is in a hopeless position. He is virtually surrounded.