The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1904-10-15
MIR. MCCORMICK
INTERVIEWED
sXWIMsMA
AMERICAN AMBASSADOR n
> TALKS BEFORE SAILING


= Az or CONDITIONS as They Exist I'm
,untry.
!. Pa 81 Is.-Mr. Mccormick,
Americe. sador at St. Peters
burg, saifes -herbourg for New
York on h Ser Deutschland
Before his depa, =. Mccormick
talked with rA - s olive Of the
Associated Press CO... fning the gem
eral conditions in Russia. He said
at is difficult for any one not living
in Russia to realize the complete calm
prevailing, Notwithstanding the tre-
mendous struggle in which she is en-
gagged. ST. Petersburg has the same
outward appearance as before the war.
There is the some sporting activity,
theaters and cafes, business is going
as usual and the people do not show
any deep anxiety as to the progress or
results of the war. / made a trip into
the interior, where there was the same
calm and absence of excitement Here
of warfare, mothers and wives weep
ing as sons and husbands were de-.
parting for the front. But there is
no complaining as the simple devo-
ton of the people to their couYtry
. leads them to be willing to give up
members Of the family to the cause.
This calm is the complete confidence
of the people in the government.
There are some elements of agitation
and opposition in Russia as in other
countries, but the great bulk of the
people are devoutedly loyal to the en-
peror and governor and they have i'm
plicit confidence that the ruling powers
will take the necessary steps to bring
the war to successful conclusion.
The early Japanese successes were ac-
cepted as the usual incidents of a slow
maturing plan, but the people are con-
fident that the Muscovite arms will
finally be triumphant. - -.
Asked regarding Russia's financial
condition the ambassador said: q see
no evidences that the war is seriously
affecting Russia's trade, business or f.
nances. The war naturally disarranges
some classes of business, but this pre-
walls no more in Russia than it did
in England during 'the Boer war.
nothing like a panicky sentiment.
Russian finances seem equal to all
present and future requirements. The
status of the latest issue of Russian
bonds shows this. Beginning at par
they rapidly advanced despite the early
3 discouragements of the war, until they
reached 52I last Wednesday. These
! bonds are largely held in the foreign
markets, so that the advance not only
denotes Russian optimism, but reflects
! the opinion Of fnanciers in the great
Z money markets of the world. With
this spirit prevailing Russia is not like
I ly to lack ample sinews of war.
Asked relative to the rurnors of in
J ternal troubles in Russia Ambassador
Z Mccormick said he had not observed
& any indication of such unrest or agita-
4 tion. Once in while there was some
local disorder without significance,
L which the foreign opponents OF Russia
fnagnifed into general movement,
whereas no such movement existed.
"The appointment of Prince Silvia
tolpk Mirsky as minister OF the inter-
ior in succession to Minister Won
Plehve, said Mr.. McCormick, prom
ises to exercises an important influence
on Russia affairs, mainly in the way
Of removing old Russian traditions. /
had a long conversation with the new
minister and was inlpl essed with the
force of his character and the liberal
ity of his views. The choice OF man
of such liberal tendencies is evidence
Of the emperor's desire to remove the
restraint Of tradition and to give
practical effect to a modern, enlight-
q ened policy.
iMr. McC Cormick expressed satisfac-
& ton with the recent action OF the Rus
sian government referring the Ameri-
can communication relative to Jews tc
a commission, which was studying the
subject. This was chiefly important
as being a concession from the tradi-
tional policy whereby Russia did not
consider foreign observations relative
to- internal conditions.
Speaking generally the ambassador
said the relations between the United
States and Russia continue most salts
factory The various minor incidents
which had arisen incident to the wal
had been adjusted and he added that
the Russian authorities are always
Il showing the most sincere desire tf
preserve the traditional friendship will
America,
Mr. corrnick will 60 to Washing;
q ton to report to- the president afls
Secretary Hay and later will visl
Chicago.
TEYnEr 81 INIn nuG7Enc