PLACE OF MEETING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12955, 26 August 1905, Page 5

PLACE OF MEETING.

An American exchange, referring to the selection of Portsmouth as the place of meeting of the plenipotentiaries, says: — Announcement of the selection of the Portsmouth navy yard was made at the State Department by Mr. Pence, AssistantSecretary, who will have charge of all arrangements for the- entertainment of the distinguished guests of the United States. It seems that while there has been a great deal of discussion about the desirability of various summer resorts, there never has been a time since it was decided that peace should be made in America when it did not seem likely that Portsmouth would be selected, although that fact was kept a secret by the President and those acting for Russia and Japan. In the first place Portsmouth had all the advantages of a cool and bracing northern climate. In the second place it seemed absolute.y essential that, the United States should exercise direct authority over the place of meeting, so as to guard the plenipotentiaries from the importunities of inquirers and the intrusion of sightseers. Portsmouth offered the finest advantages because it is situated on an island; the only communication with the mainland is by ferr) from Portsmouth, or by a bridge running from Kittery, Ate., which, of course, is controlled by the United States navy.

The building which lias been sot aside is the general store or equipment building at the navy yard, which lias just been completed at a cost of 120 500dol. This is a line three-storey building with stone trimmings, and is fireproof. It is 202 ft long and 82ft wide. The most suitable rooms are on the second floor, where there arc ample offices, lavatories, etc. The rooms hero will be fitted up under the supervision of Assistant-Secretary Peiree, acting w'fh the navy officials. In this building and on this island the plenipotentiaries will bo as secure from molestation and intrusion as if they were at .sea on a warship. It is ■expected that they will live at hotels in or near Portsmouth; six miles distant is one of the finest new hotels on the New England coast. Or, if they do not desire to live at hotels they can lie made very comfortable on board the Mayflower and Dolphin, which will be constantly at their disposal.