NEWS OF THE WEEK
THE St. Petersburg- correspondent of the Times, tele- graphing to Friday's paper, states that the Russian and Japanese Plenipotentiaries have issued a reassuring state- ment in regard to the persistent rumours that there was imminent danger of serious friction between the two Powers. We are glad- to note that it is generally believed in Russia that Great Britain's influence with her ally has greatly con- tributed to the favourable course which the negotiations have taken. The chief points at issue were concerned with the Treaty of Commerce and the Fishery Convention. A corn- muniqug shortly to be published will deal with the details of the various proposals and counter-proposals. It is to be hoped that when the ground is cleared by the final agreement between Russia and Japan, a fitting opportunity may be found for laying the foundations for a better diplomatic understanding between Russia and England. We feel sure that the peoples of both countries are sincerely anxious that such a work shall be accomplished.
