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CLOSE OF THE WAR

INDEMNITY ISSUE WAIVED. PDENIPOTENTIARIES AGREE ON ADD POINTS. DIVISION OF SAGHADEEN ISDAND DECIDED. WASHINGTON, August 30. It is officially announced that the Conference o& Russian and Japanese plenipoter-tiaries, •which; has been siting at Portsmouth (New Hampshire), has arrived at complete agreement on all questions.

The Conference has deided to prepare a treaty of peace. M. de Witte and "Baron Nomura have telegraphed to their respective Governments recommnding an armistice. WASHINGTON, August 30. M. Sato, a member of Baron Nomura’s suite, has issued the following statement : Respecting the issues concerning Saghalien Island and the reimbursement of the costs of the war, it was shown from the outset that there was absolute divergence of views, which frequently threatened the existence of the conference. The Mikado,however, responding to the dictates of humanity and civilisation, has, in a spirit of perfect conciliation, and in the interests of peace, authorised the waiving of the claim fox' reimbursement, and consented to the division of Saghalien. These terms are mutually acceptable to< both parties. Reuter’s Agency reports that Japan withdrew her demands for the handing over of the Russian warships interned in neutral ports and for the limitation of Russia’s 'naval power in the Far East. M. de Witte states that the Japanese are to obtain only that' portion of the Chinese Eastern Railway south of Ghantaff. Baron Nomura notified President Roosevelt of the result of the conference, and the President telegraphed his thanks and congratulations to both p 1 en ip-o ten tiarie s. M. do Witte telegraphed to Mr Roosevelt that history would ascribe to him the gloi’y of the peace secured at the Portsmouth Conference. M. de Witte assured Mr Roosevelt of Russia’s hearty appreciation of his action in taking the initiative. There is great jubilation in all directions. Peals were rung on the church bells. LONDON, August 30. “The Times” says rejoicing will be widespread at the culmination of /peace. SYDNEY, August 30. Expressions of satisfaction at pea vj> are general. In the Fedei'al Hous9 at Melbourne Mr Deakin. amid cheers, de clared that the news was the best that had reached the Commonwealth for a long time. ' THE NEWS AT ST. PETERSBURG. FROM INCREDIBILITY TO AMAZEMENT. ST. PETERSBURG, August 30. The Czar was unaware of the peaoe until past midnight. The first- announcement of peace at St. Petersburg was treated as a hoax. Later messages increased the amazement. When the Czar offered to provide aworkable basis for a compromise it was currently described at St. Petersburg -is “ Japan surrenders indemnity, Russia surrenders territory—friendly French influences have worked wonders.” M. DE WITTE’S VIEWS. COMPLETE VICTORY FOR RUSSIA. WASHINGTON, August 30, In the course of an interview M, de Witte said: — “We do not pay one kopeck, indemnity and we get half Saghalien. That is the agreement in a nutshell.* “It seems incredible. I do not believe any other in my place would have dared to hope that peace was possible in the circumstances. From all sides—from President Roosevelt down to my friends in Russia—l l-eceived ur» to this morning urgent representations that Japan should be paid. “ At to-day’s meeting I presented a written pi'oposal, which was an ultimatum. To my amazement the Japanese accepted it. I had resolved not to omit one word. It was the end, as fax* as 1 was concerned; but 1 could not foretell how it would work in the Japanese mind. “The result proved, however, a complete victory for us—half Saghalien, without the payment of redemption money.” OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. LONDON. August 30. “The Times” says:—“The decision must have cost the Mikado much, knowing possibly how unpopular it would be to some of the nation. The decision is largely due to the influence of the Marquis Ito and the elder statesmen, who are perhaps more permeated with the old chivalrous code than those trained under purely modern, conditions. Japan also felt that she was able to make concessions as England’s ally which she hardly could in safety alone. _ “The agreement provides that Russia defrays the cost of maintenance of the prisoners on Saghalien, but pays nothing else, and the division of Saghalien at the fiftieth parallel. Neither Power is to fortify or use Saghalien strategically, and Japan is not to fortify La Perouse Straits. It also provides for a most favoured commercial treaty between Japan and Russia, each to maintain an open door. The “ Daily Telegraph ” says M. de Witte has achieved a brilliant success, defeating the aims of the War party. At St. Petersburg blatant Chauvinjpm was in the ascendant till Sunday,

but is now absent, except in the columns of the “ Novoe Vremya.” The latter describes the cession of territory as “an irreparable blunder.” ST. PETERSBURG, August 29. Russian newspapers attack President Roosevelt for what they contend to be his partiality. The “ Stviet ” says:—The Japanese conditions are only acceptable if a fleet were threatening St. Petersburg and an army occupying Moscow. Russia will not bow to the yoke in order to fulfil President Roosevelt’s desire to guarantee Japan’s American creditors and cover himself with glory as peacemaker. MESSAGE TO THE CZAR. LONDON, August 31. When the plenipotentiaries came to an agreement M. de Witte sent the following telegram to the Czar: — Japan has agreed to your demands concerning the conditions of peace. Consequently, peace is established —thanks to your wise and firm decision —and Russia will remain in the Far East the great Power she has hitherto * been, and will be for ever. The Czar, delighted, approved the conditions, and telegraphed his congratulations. CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES. LONDON, August 31. The first message to reach President Roosevelt at Oyster Bay after it became known that peace, had been made was from Ning Edward. At 9.30 o’clock the Ning telegraphed the unexpected news to Queen Alexandra at Balmoral, and also sent his congratulations to the Czar and the Mikado. His Majesty sent the following cablegram to President Roosevelt:— Let me he one of the first to congratulate yo.u on the successful issue to which you so greatly contributed. The Kaiser’s message to Mr Roosevelt was as follows : I am overjoyed. I most sincerely congratulate you on the great success due to your untiring efforts. The whole of mankind must, and will, unite in thanking you for the great boon you have given it. WASHINGTON, August 31. President Loubet telegraphed warmly congratulating President Roosevelt on the consummation of peace. Mr Roosevelt sent a message to the Mikado congratulating him upon his magnanimity. In a cable message to- the Naiser, Mr Roosevelt thanks him and expresses profound appreciation, of the way in which he co-operated at every stage in the effort to promote peace in the Orient. The President says : “It has been a great pleasure to work with you to that end.” M. de Witte heard from Peterhof during the latter part of the proceedings of the Confei'ence that the Naiser was urging peace with much earnestness. WHAT JAPAN HAS GAINED. WASHINGTON, August 31. Baron Naneko. in commenting on the terms of peace, says the fact that Japan is to be paid no indemnity is of minor impoi'tance compared with the advantages attained by the war. Dwelling on these, he says the national existence of Japan has been secured, a manifestation of her humanity has been made, and she has secured a seat in the council of the nations. Money could not buy such advantages, and why should the question of money be allowed to stand in tb© way of a settlement P Baron Naneko added that one reason for Japan’s generosity was that she liked to cultivate good l'elations with her neighbours. A RIFT WITHIN THE LUTE. WASHINGTON, August 31. The New York Nippon Club has refrained from any celebrations of peace. PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT’S TRIUMPH. LONDON, August 30. Opinion in Britain is unanimous ,in paying tribute to President Roosevelt for bis triumph in inducing Russia and Japan to make peace. The New York correspondent of “The Times” says M. de Witte performed a wonderful feat in convincing the Japanese that Russia’s terms were irrevocable, and that Japan’s sole alternative was to withdraw the indemnity or continue the war. The correspondent adds:—Baron Nomura is now almost, in a state of collapse. He was overruled from Tokio in favour of the policy of Baron Naneko, 'who is the Marquis Ito’s agent, but he went to the Conference in the heroic spirit of his ancestors, whose self-sacri-fice was only one form of their pati'iotism. It is believed in London that the Japanese wei'e more sei'iously exhausted, financially and otherwise, than was hitherto thought, which prejudiced the prospect of a new campaign. The opinion is also held that the Council of Elders, by Samurai tradition, was against fighting for gold. The British Minister’at Washington said he was exceedingly glad to hear the news. The belligerents and the world

in general owed a vast debt of gratitude to President Roosevelt. The German Charge d’Affaires expressed similar views, adding that the Naiser would be especially* glad than President Roosevelt had been successful. The Chinese Minister at Washington; also expressed pleasure. There is a buoyant tone in all departments of the. London Stock Exchange. Russian 4 per cents, rose four and Japanese stocks from one to two points. PARIS, August 30. The news of peace was received ini Paris with surprise and relief. The “Figaro” says a high functionary in the Russian Foreign Office states that the Czar originally wanted peace at amte price, and the change in his opiniorls was entirely due to the Kaiser, who de? clared that if the concessions exceeded a certain limit Japan would draw cob* elusions damaging to the prestige of all European Powers. WASHINGTON, August 30. Some of Baron Nomura’s entoui’afral were overwhelmed with grief and excitement, and wept when the news wafc made known. SYDNEY, August 31. The newspapers pay a high tribute to Japanese magnanimity and generosity in order to secure peace. The “Sydney Morning Herald” says Japan has learned the last lesson o* civilisation—generosity to a vanquished foe. ALLEGED SECRET AGREEMENT. LONDON, August 30.. There is a rumour curi’ent at Portsmouth (U.S.A.) that a secret agreement behind the treaty of peace assures th« Japanese of some compensation. THE OZAR’S TROUBLES. A VICTIM TO PARTIAL ADVISERS., LONDON, September 1. It is now affirmed—despite telegrami from St. Petersburg to the contrary-v----that the Czar did not reply to M. de Witte’s dutiful message reporting th4i consummation of peace by the Portsmouth Conference; This is attributed to the Czar being surrounded by men who are opposed to M. de Witte. A 'Reuter’s message states that therp is no secret clause in the peace treaty* The newspapers in Europe and America extol Japan’s surprising and spontaneous moderation, foresight, and self-discipline. THE KEEP OF PRISONERS. ST. PETERSBURG, August 31. The newspaper “Russ” says that Russia is to pay Japan £10,000,000 sterling for the keep of prisoners taken during the war. LOOKING AHEAD. ST. PETERSBURG, August 31. The Russians, except the commerciaj! classes, are apathetic. Some of the Liberals hope M. de Witte will return as Prime Minister with an enlightened Constitution. AUSTRALIA’S TRIBUTE. MELBOORNE, September I. Mr Deakin, the Federal cabled congratulations to President? Roosevelt on his efforts / in bringing about peace. LOANS EXPECTED. WASHINGTON, August 30. There is a general expectation that after peace each of the belligerents will float a loan to clear the aftermath dr war. RECENT FIGHTING. LONDON, August 30. General Linevitch telegraphs that a detachment operating near Ardagah captui'ed 116 Japanese, including 26 wounded. The Russian casualties were six.. LONDON, August 31. The Japanese report that a series of minor engagements happened on the 27th August, when three Russian attacks were repulsed in the Ksingching district. The Japanese also made threap, attacks on Taolu, capturing the position. MOBILISATION. ST. PETERSBURG, August 29. The Czar on the 19th ordered the mobilisation of reinforcements for the Far East at Riga, Windan, Vilna, Grodno, Livonia, Perm, Saratov, Astrakan, Limbirsk, and other centres.

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Bibliographic details

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1748, 6 September 1905, Page 53

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1,987

CLOSE OF THE WAR New Zealand Mail, Issue 1748, 6 September 1905, Page 53

CLOSE OF THE WAR New Zealand Mail, Issue 1748, 6 September 1905, Page 53