PEACE -ARRANGED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2686, 6 September 1905, Page 30

PEACE - ARRANGED.

AN- AGREEMENT ARRIVED AT. , ' A' RUSSIAN VICTORY.. * NO INDEMNITY. '■ T ' ■ -* -_ - SAGHALIEN DIVIDED. ?* : , ; 'A3S- ARMISTICE ARRANGED. -.' ; BY THE CZAR. j - PLANNING-' FOR THE FUTURE. ; . *EACE TREATY COMPLETED. i fBJ& EVACUATION OF MANCHURIA. ; 7 - THE CZAR^ AND HIS ENEMIES. PEACE REJOICINGS. ST. PETERSBURG, August 29. -The Russian newspapers attack President " Uoosevelt on the -ground of- his alleged partiality. The' Svet says that Japan's conditions would only be acceptable £f her , Beet were threatening St. Petersburg and ," fcer army , occupying Moscow. Russia frouid not bow to the yoke in order to 'itflnV President Roosevelt's desire -to -' guarantee- Japanese and American credi- . "torsi an&.to coyer himself with glory as a peacemaker. The Czar oiuthe 19th ordered the mobilisation of reinforcements for ' the' Far East tt Riga; -Windan, Vilna, Grodno, Liviona. ' Perm, Saratov, Astrakan, Simbirsk, and _ jDther^ centres. August 30. " "When the Czar offered to provide a - Workable basis for a compromise, which - *ras* currently described in Sk Petersburg Yas * Japan surrenders an indemnity and .-Russia" surrenders" .territory." Friendly - influences worked wonders- at St. - Petersburg. ' ■• 'I The blatant Chauvinism" of the Russian \ newspapers was in the ascendant till Sun;^nay., but now it is absent, except in the columns of the Novoe Yremya, which describes the' cession as an irreparable j blunder. i The Czar was unaware of the declaration >f pe»ce until past midnight* i

August 31. The Russ states that Russia pays 10 millions sterling to Japan for her keep of Russian prisoners. The Russians, with the exception of the commercial classes, are remarkably apathetic. Some Liberals hope that M. De Witte will return as Prime Minister, and give the country an enlightened Cocstitu- ' "tion. LONDON, August 29. Several telegrams received from Portsmouth (U.S.A.) state that Russia and | Japan have agreed upon peace. The news of the declaration of peace is officially confirmed. r The Times' New York informant (Mr Smalley) advises that he had heard unofficially that the Anglo-Japanese Alliance was not yeb signed after all. August 30. Reuter's Agency reports that Japan withdrew the demands ior the interned warships, and the limitation of Russian naval power in the Far East. M. De Witte has stated that the Japanese obtain only that portion of the Chinese Eastern Railway south of Chantaff. M. De Witte telegraphed to President Roosevelt that history would ascribe to him the glory of the peace secured by the Portsmouth Conference, and assuring him of " Russia's hearty appreciation of his initiative. The Times' s St. Petersburg correspondent says that the rejoicing will be widespread. The Daily Telegraph says that M. De Witte achieved a brilliant success, defeating the aims of the war party. The Times says the decision must have cost the Mikado much, he knowing possibly how unpopular it would be with some of the nation. The decision was largely due to Marquis Ito and the elder statesmen, who were, perhaps, move permeated with the old chivalrous code than those who were trained purely under modern conditions. Japan also felt able "to make concessions as England's ally which she hardy could have done with safety had s=he stood alone. The agreement provides that Russia ■ defrays the maintenance of the at Saghalien, -but "pays nothing else. The division of Saghaiien will take placeat the fiftieth parallel. Neither Power is to fortify or use Saghalien strategically. Japan also agrees not to fortify the La Perouse Straits. The agreement also provides for the most favoured commercial treaty betvs een Japan

and Russia, and each will maintain an open door.

The first announcement of peace was treated in St. Petersburg as a hoax, and later messages increased the amazement.

The Times asks why a' Russian plenipotentiary makes such disclosures as he has. M. De Witt-e's attitude suggests that De Witte never intended nor desired the Conference to lead to a settlement.

The Paris correspondent of The Times declares that last spring a first-rate authority on Russian affairs expressed to him the opinion that Russia would never consent to an indemnity, because, once paid, she would never recover it, whereas other concessions might be evaded.

The New York correspondent of The Times says that 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 claim for indemnity or to continue the war.

Mr Smalley adds that Baron Komura was almost in a state of collapse when be was overruled from Tokio in favour of the policy of M. Kane-Koe, who was the Marquis Ite's agent, but he went to the Conference in the heroic spirit of his ancestors, whose self-sacrifice was only one form of patriotism.

The news of peace was received in Paris with surprise and relief.

The British Minister at Washington said that 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 gave utterance to similar expressions, adding: " The Kaiser will be specially glad that it is President Roosevelt's success."

Liang Cheng, the Chinese Minister at Washington, expressed his pleasure at the news.

The British tributes are unannimous in the compliments paid to President Roosevelt's triumph.

The Paris Figaro says that a high functionary in vhs Russian foreign service states that the Czar originally wanted peace at any price. His change of opinion Nils entirely due to the Kaiser, who declared that if the concessions exceeded a certain limit Japan would draw conclusions damaging to the prestige of all the European Powers.

The Czor, in deference to President Roosevelt, offered to cede half Saghalien, and this offer provided a workable basis for the plenipotentiarina.

It is believed in London that the Japanese were more seriously exhausted financially and otherwise than has hitherto b&sn thought, that that this fact prejudiced the prospect of a new campaign. To this must be added the attitude of the Council of Elders, who by the Samuri tradition are against fighting for gold.

A rumour is current at Portsmouth (U.S.A.) that there is a secret agreement behind the Treaty of Peace which assures the Japanese some compensation.

There is a buoyant tone in all departments of the London Stock Exchange. Russian 4 per cents, rose four points, and Japanese stock from one to two. August 31. At 9.30 o'clock King Ed\rard telegraphed the unexpected news to Alexandria, and sent his congratulations to the Czar and the Mikado. King Edward cabled as follows to President Roosevelt : — " Let me bs one of the first to congratulate you on the successful issue to which you so greatly contributed." The Kaiser's message to President Roosevelt was as follows :— " I am overjoyed, and 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."' M. De Witte latterly heard from Petershof that the Kaiser was urging peace with much earnestness. M. De Witte telegraphed the Czar to the following effect: — "Japan agrees to your demand concerning the conditions of peace, consequently peace has been established. Thanks to your wish and firm decision, Russia remains in the tfar East the great Power she has hitherto been, and will be for ever." The Czar was delighted, and approved of the conditions. He sent congratulations to King Edward, whose message from Oyster Bay arrived first. Reuter states that there is no secret clause in the Peace Treaty. The newspapers of Europe and America extol Japan's surprising and spontaneous moderation, foresight, and self-discipline. September 1. It is now affirmed, despite St. Petersburg telegrams to the contrary, that the Czar did not reply to M. De Witte's dutiful message. This is attributed to the Czar being surrounded by men who were opposed to M. De Witte. An official message received to-day states that an armistice has been agreed on. M. Maartens and M. Dennison, representing Russia and Japan, have completed

the preamble of the first three articles of the Treaty of Peace. The Japanese press is silent, and the public in Japan has not been informed of the details. Count Katsura's withholding the terms causes misgivings in St. Petersburg lest a serious outburst of popular indignation occur in Japan. Many in Tokio are convinced that the Mikado made substantial concessions, which are being criticised. Some of the Japanese newspapers advise that all flags be half-masted when the peace terms are officially announced. The Morning Post states that Count Katsura is doubtless awaiting the signature of the treaty. September 2.

The Times says the Czar's assent to> the Peace Agreement and approval of M. De Witte's and Baron Rosen's conduct of the negotiations and thanks for their services reached Portsmouth on Friday.

The conclusion of peace was received with demonstrations of delight in many Russian towns, including Smolensk, Baku, Simferopol, and Karkoff. M. De Witte, interviewed, said the war had shown Russia the danger of distanfc enterprises when unprepared. Roughly, it had restored Russia to her proper | sphere in Europe. In two years she would I reconstitute herself and become a military ! Power. The Franco-Russian Alliance { must be strengthened, especially wibsn the balance of power seems to be compromised with a sympathetic RussoJapanese entente. He considered an agreement between England, (France, and Japan logically the most advantageous to Russia. If in office he would recommend it. It was dishonest to represent England as disappointed at the conclusion of peace. If during the recent war France was obliged to yield in order to avoid embroiling the situation, Russia being engaged elsewhere, France would no longer yield when her cause was just and reasonable. After Tuesday's sitting of the Peace Conference Count Lamsdorff telegraphed a3 follows to the Czar: — "The Japanese are prepared to submit to your Majesty's will." The Temps protests against such a policy of make-believe, and states that it is disastrous to Russia. In fact, the .paper adds, it is quite out of the question to pretend that the Japanese yielded to the Russian ultimatum. A" fresh incident has occurred since the answer was sent. The- Czar stipulated as a condition for his assent to an armistice that the Mikado should first agree to an armistice. The Mikado agreed, but insisted that it should be inoperative until the Peace Treaty was signed. M. De Witte was astounded, declaring that "the stipulations were unprecedented and illogical, since the delay would render an armistice useless. [ Baron Komura insisted, and the plenipotentiaries finally agreed that the armistice should be operative the moment the treaty was signed. Mr Sato states that Japan desires that the armistice should not become operative until all the commanders on sea and land have been notified and the maintenance of the Peace Agreement is assured. The newspapers commend the Japanese prudence. | The Morning Chronicle says : " Perhaps the Japanese only safeguard against .treachery or chicanery in the interpretation of the terms of peace is the maintenance of an army in a position ready to strike another overwhelming blow. September 3. Under the terms of the armistice Fieldmarshal Oyama. and General Linevitch demark the Russian and Japanese spheres. The Russian reinforcements do not pass Harbin, and the Japanese do not pass Mukden. The existing regulations regarding contraband remain in force. September 4. The S'orning Post reports that Baroa Komura asked for the evacuation of Manchuria at the earliest moment. M. 'Ds Witte pleaded the limited capacity of the railway. It was mutually agreed that Russia and Japan should completely evacuate Manchuria within 18 months. Russia retains 10 railway guards per kilometre. The peace treaty has been completed. There uere rejoicings at the declaration of peace throughout General Linevitch's armj , also at Yladivostock. The Czar, in a message to General Line. vitch, recapitulates the Japanese demands' which were refused, adding: "Japan agreed to all Russia's conditions, but asked for her former position in Saghalien-.'*-After praising the army, which he is convinced is able to inflict a serious defeat, he declares that it was his duty to hm own conscience and tlue people not to again put the army's valour to the test at the expense of fresh and endless horrors of war in order to retain one "half of a remote island. He therefore accepted the preliminary conditions of peace Special references to the declaration of peace were made in many churches and chapels yesterday. The newspapers discuss the probability of Biitain's early evacuation of Wei-hai-wei Germany lately decided, to exvenk £750,000 on Kiao-chau. PARIS, September 1. M. Hanotaux, in an article in. the Journal de Paris, suggests that M. De Witte is arranging for a Russo-Japanese commercial treaty, and that the Marquis Ito's intervention in the Mikado's counsels during the present peace negotiations^ is

the prelude to a Russo-Japanese rapprochement. ■ ''/God," he says, " had forbidden Chancellors to grant a marriage license -where either. party had been previously divorced." WASHmGTON} Auglist 30. ! It is officially announced that the Portsmouth Peace Conference has arrived at a complete agreement on all questions, and has decided to-prepare a treaty. There is great jubilation in all directions. Beak were rung oa the church 66 M # T)e .Witte /and Baron Koinura telegraphed to •.their respective Governments recommending su armistice. ' Baron Komurji notified President Roosevelt, ■w.ho;telegraphed his thanks and congratulations to both plenipotentiaries. M'Sato "has -issued the following: — « rpj^ Saghalien and reimbursement issues I from- outset shbwed-an absolute divergence of views' .-and '.frequently threatened the existence .of., the conference;- but, the Mikado-; responding to .the dictates of humanity and civilisation, has, in a spirit of perfect conciliation and in the.interests of "^eace, authorised-: waiving the reim-tiuramint-^-war .expenses, an 4 consented td ihev&yi%n;^f tSaghalien, which were mutuffllyv-acceptable- terms. . 'Some'of('BardfcKdmura's entourage were so ove^ietoed#ith*,grief and excitement -fchat^heyTvept'-whefetheir- chief gave way. ■ TherV js^eneral^expectation that after TCace^ch^f-.thetßelligere n t s --wiU float a loamtoJcleiur upythe; aftermath -of war. M'De-Witte/in-JUi interview, declared: «We"do not -pay:- a kopeck of; indemnity ana-we get ihalf^Saghalien. That is the agreement in" .a -nutshell. It seems mcredibte -I^-jnot believe .any other in my-place -would "iave dared hope peace possible. in ?the- circumstances. From all sides, -from :Roosevelt down to myvfrienda i in Jtussia, I received up to this 5 morning. - urgent , representations that an andemnity; shouldrbe paidrto Japan. At to-day's -meeting represented pro- j posals- which mere my- ultimatum. To my ; amazement :the Japanese .accepted it. I had- c resolmLnpte £o omit a word. It was the-end as -far, as -I .was concerned, but I could Tnotrfortell-riow it world work the Japanese .mind. The result proved, however;. a:complete^ victory for vs — half Saghalien^ without" the of .redemption , money." - August 31. • Count "Kanekordeclares that- the question otim- indemnity, isrbf 'minor importance as compared ,witß .the , advantages attained. Dwelling-. . on -these, he says that the national . .^existence -of Japan has ' beenBecured;;togethef _with a manifestation of Japan's Jhumanity,-. and- she has -secured a seat "• in * the- council of nations. could _not s buy:such- advantages, and why should -money -ristand in the -way.' One zeasonr for .Japan's .generosity was that she liJced-;tq cultivate; good relations with her neighbours. "The New York Nippon Club has re{rained from celebrating the conclusion of peace. . I ; President Loubet warmly congratulated Eresi-dent Roosevelt, and the latter congratulated' the-Mikado on his magnanimity, j -President .Roosevelt, in a cable to the ; Kaiser, • says : "Thanks. I .profoundly appreciate -the -way - you have co-operated at every, stage .-.of 'the effort for peace in the -Orient. It has been a very great ipleasureito work -with you to that end." September 5. .The- actual, signing of t|he RussianJapanese Treaty will be unostentatious, both sides .^realising that .-it is unpopulaa* at iome.'~7j^ne^"Japanese delegate remarked: ".We arWawaferrfchat we are going horn© to etones,^perhaps ~{o dynamite." M:^Denison-and~M. Maartens have completed 12 clauses of the draft treaty. Therewas a long -discussion over Saghalien, and the , envoys c-w.ere- consulted. An accord ,Tras • ultimately: Teached. ' +Thie clause with the evacuation 10f Manohiuriatremains to be dealt with. It is expected' "that the treaty will be sjgned- on .Monday afternoon. -;M:'-Sat'O-; ; declares that the terms of the treaty- -will" not'.zbe announced until the treaty is- ratffiedr • ■ MELBOURNE, September 1. Mr Deakin has* cabled congratulations to President .Roosevelt for his efforts on beihalf of peace; SYDNEY, August 30. Expressions- of satisfaction at the declaration of peace are. general. In the Federal House Mr Deakin, amid cheers, declared that the news was the be6t that had reached the» Commonwealth for a long time. August 31. The newspapers pay a high tribute to 'Japanese magnanimity and generosity in order to secure peace. The Herald says that Japan has learned the last lesson of civilisation — " generosity to a vanquished foe." Baron Uixkiull, a Russian, in an interview during the arrangement of the peace preliminaries, .said:— "I have every expectation that the Conference will bring the war to an end. The Government recognises at last that it must have peace. Its pride is fcroken. -The- sympathies of our intelligent classes have, .throughout the War been etrongly -on the aide of Japan. One of my chief- regrets about this Congress is that mo Japanese brother was amongst the delegates. I should have liked to greet him. ! Though, peace «is coming, it is the day after j jpeace which- Rusaia has to dread. That will I be, I fear,- a day of divine judgment. It Beems at present as if our internal troubles must go from bad to worse, for the Russian. ajiberal party is too young and too unripe to adopt a moderate policy. Our reformer* trill carry their demands too fay, and the

danger is that reaction and a militarydespotism may follow." Baron Uixkiull speaks with sympathetic sorrow of the Czar's position. He describes Nicholas II as a good man, whose natural inclinations | aro txpright and even noble, but whose • character is deplorably weak. The Czarina, though happy as wife and mother, lives in constant apprehension of the fate that may befall her husband and children.