New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-21

to the grant by Nicholas OF an amnesty
for political offences, and II is quite prob
able that IN a number Of instances harm might
result from the indiscrmnate liberation OF
political offenders IL innocent Of any in
fraction OF ordinary common and criminal law.
But the general effect Of such an act Of clemency
at home. well as abroad. would be so i'm
mense and so widespread, and would excite
much goodwill and regard both in behalf OF Rus
STA and Of its young rulef to result in advan-
tages-political, moral and material-that would
far outweigh any isolated cases OF HARM
LOOKING TO THE KAISER.
II lay so much stress on the proprety Of the
Car taking advantage of the Peace Congress for
the proclamation of mis- long delayed and so
anxiously expected ukase of amnesty II is be-
cause there Is a persistent rumor to the effect
that Emperor William intends to avail himself
of the occasion to proclaim an analogous act Of
clemency. Some declare that il will embrace
political offences, while others insist that II will
be restricted to the men. women and children
now undergoing Imprisonment for leze-m majesty
Irasmuch as the latter consists OF speaking or
writing In an insulting manner concerning the
Emperor or the members of his family an am
nesty for this offence would come with par
ticular grace from this monarch, who. as those
who know him best aware. is possessed OF
heart quite susceptible to generous and
humane impulses as that of the Car. He has
shown such a remarkable degree OF tact until
now in the happy timing of the favors and
compliments which he confers-as for instance
when he chose the day Of President CARROTS
funeral to announce the pardon OF several
French staff officers convicted of peculiarly ag-
gravated cases Of esponage-that a general i'm
preston prevails that he will not permit the
opening of the Peace Congress on Wednesday
next to pass away without SIGNALLING II by
some act OF clemency, some display of senti-
l ments OF peace and goodwill toward his fellow
creatures 1t would be the first general
nesty granted since his accession to the throne,
now eleven years ago.
There is yet third sovereign who may posi-
bly, avail himself Of the Peace Congress to issue
decree OF amnesty. 1t is King Humbert OF Italy.
| who. more silent and certainly less demonstra-
| tive than either Car Kaiser, surpasses both
! OF them In warmth Of heart and in kindness
toward his fellow-creatures. At the tomb Of
Garibaldi three weeks ago he solemnly promised
the old patriots daughter, Nine. Canzio that he
would avail himself of the earliest opportunity
| to amnesty the thousand and odd prisoners who
| are stiil undergoing punishment for their par
| ticipation in the sanguinary disturbances OF Q
| year ago. What better or more appropriate oc-
casion could he find for the performance of an
act Of clemency Of this kind than the day ON
which the great Peace Congress meets at The
Hague?
HUMBERTS FORGIVING SPIRIT.
OF Humberts forgivirg spirit innumerable in
stances could be given. One OF them which de-
| no Ms IVA
brought to light. Some twenty years ago. while
driving with the Queen through the streets OK