New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-08-06
RUSSIA ON THE DEFENSIVE
SAID TO HAVE BEEN FORCED INT) THE
TARIFF WAR WITH GERMANY.

| BITTERNESS On BOTH SIDES ABATING. AND THE
STRUGGLE LIHELY TO END sOoN-PRO-
GRAMME OF THE SOCIALIST con-
GREss-A REVOLUTION IN NOR
WAY EXPECTED.
Berlin, Aug. 5.-Though the RussoGermau
tariff war has been in active operation only five
| days, there already signs of abatement OF
the spirit of hostility on both sides. Several st.
Petersburg newspapers inspired by the Russian
Foreign Office attack the policy Of aggression
upon German commerce initiated by NJ. Witte. the
Russian Finance Minister. without the full sane
ton of the Imperial Council, though with the
knowledge of some of the Cars advisers. NJ.
Wtte is accused of Understanding Gcrmany's
strength in facing the customs war, while open
regret is expressed that il ever begun. The
Moscow Gazette" goes further, and declares that
the action Of the Russian Government was taken
simply in scf-defcnce. Germany, argues the
"Gazette," began the attack by introducing
diiIerentia tariff, and Russia after lonGsutering
DELAY replied in defence of her own interests by
merely imposing the maximum tarln upon Ger
man imports The "Gazette' Ovcrlooks the Tact
that ,he dues on German ships entering Russian
ports are raised 10 such an enormous figure as 10
be almost equivalent to a blockade. The tone
of the official articles, however, breathes peace
They conclude by asserting that Russia does not
wish TO increase the complications that exist bno
aims now, as formerly, at harmonious settle
ment Of international questions.
Another indication that the customs war VIII
soon terminate is the fact that mutual agreement
has been entered into not TO engage IN gram
freight war; which dreaded by commercial
men as being certain to eXasperatn every one con-
cerned in international trade. The general opinion
of the business world here is that steady resoln-
tiou not TO give in until Russia shows Wiling
ness TO reduce her tariff will be the speediest ROAD
TO an agreement.
The North German Gazette commenting
upon Russas abrupt change Of front from neSotia'-
ing treaty hostile action dangerous 10 hue-
sian interests, publishes tables showing the
former and the existing Russian duties, and com
paring them with the German tariff on Russian
goods. The figures prove that the German tarh
amounts on an average to only % per cent of
the value Of the goods imported, and in som" in
stances to 30 per cent whereas the Russian du-
lies before the war began averaged 100 per
cent and are now raised to an impractlcapic
height This comparison finally settles the Rus-
sian assertion that Germany initiated the conlict
by raising her tariff and compelling Russia 70
raise hers
Reports that the negotiations for an Austro-
Russian treaty Of commerce making active
progress toward an agreement do not at all as
turb official circles hero Austria has a right -
arrange whatever commercial relations she chooses
The trade between Russia and Austria-llungary
is almost nothing when compared with the inter-
national trade between Russia and Gcrmaiy
The Triple Alliance treaties do not touch upon
commercial questions Germany can do without
Russian grain, and the sum OF Official opinion Il
that the Russo Austrian treaty, If IL IL ever
concluded, will not impcril the settlement OF the
Russo-German tariff troubles IN manner salts
factory TO Germany. 1t Is hoped that when the
R.ichstar reassembles the Government will be able
IN announce that Russia has recovered her senses
Rumors are current on the Bourse that Russia Is
irving 70 mise from Paris DanNrs loan oil 49,
OO0, 900 rublcs AT per cent
The Socialist Congress which opens at Zurich
tomorrow will be largely composed of German
ant Austrian delegates Practically 1t Is ii meet
inc If member, of the extreme wing of the German
Socialists The programme of the Congress IN
cludes an international agreement for the celcbra-
,ion OF the lst Of May Labor Day, concerted
poljtjcal action on the part of the Socialists, the
position of the Socialists in case Of European
war international trades organizations, etc.
Ihp Duke OF SdAc-C ODuTS IL l. oiH'i"i''
announced is recovering from his apopectlc attack
-, Tuesday 4 nriyatc report says that his left
sie is PRACTICALLY parayzed and that his condition
il critical.
Emperor William is timed to arrive at the
Island OF Ileligol,nd Monday evening; during
his ,yay Of q week ar the island ne VIII witness
a ta-t of the cyolltions OF the North Sea squadron
The Russian "Grashdcnin' asserts that the
Government has decided 10 refuse PERMISSION t.
~. Firms TO subscribe for the construction 81 "
Finnish Norwegian railway. as the Foreign oiilce
at St Petersburg expects revoutl%i III T Thc
Radicals saws the Grsshdonin," are purchetns
and importing arms largely, and are preparing
for an instruction.
The family of Theodore Runyon, the AMER an
Minister T. Germany. will go 70 Hcrlng'dorl' on
The baltic on Monday, and will stay tllere LOT
several weeks Among the arrivals OF Ametic'h'
in I}erlin during the last week are the Misses
Mariana and Elise Sclild, OF st. Louis H. EnScl;
of San FrIncisco: John Tucker and daughter, oil
New-York. and May Powle. OF chicago