The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-30
M W7ZE.

physics. It seemed for q while as II he
would devote himself to science but he
decided on a more material and active
life.
He wanted to mix in the affairs Of the
world. The army was impossible for him
because he was not Of noble birth. For
the same reason he had to crush out his
desire to 60 into the navy. Commerce
was not to his liking and he decided to go
into the State railroad department..
There he found an early opportunity
to distinguish himself. It was difficult
for a man in his position to attract atten-
ton in the railroad service. but NJ. Witte
did it when only a.
The war between Russia and Turkey
brought up the usual difficulties in the
matter Of transporting the troops and sup
plies to the frontier. The army trains
were hopelessly inadequate. Opportuni-
ties were lost because it was impossible
to get the soldiers to the frontier, and those
who were there found themselves without
food and other necessary supplies
NJ. Witte undertook to straighten mat
ten out as far as lay in his power. He
did that In the most effective fashion.
Nothing Is 20 respected In Russia as au-
thority, but tho young railroad employee
decided to make himself famous by ignor-
ing all authority save that which came
from tho highest source.
He idetracked tho trains Of many notable
persons on their way to the seat Of war
and kept them waiting for hours while the
trains carrying tho troops passed on to the
Generals who were el:mor!nS 9or them.
No matter what order some exalted per-
sonality shook in his face the tracks were
reserved for tho trains carrying provisions
or fighters.
In spite Of the o6ense involved in his COP
duct the news OF his efficiency reached the
Gar. who personally thanked him and
awaited tho close Of the war to reward him
more substantially.
After peaoe had been declared NJ. Witte
was called to st. Petersburg and appointed
to a high place in the railway department
Of the civil service which on account Of
his birth had been shut against him at the
outset OF his career. His honors and respon-
sibiltties increased.
He became director Of the Russian South
western Railway, the head Of the railway
department and then by rapid promotion
Minister OF Means Of Communication, Chair
man Of the Tariff Commission. Minister of
Finance and last winter Imperial Chan
oellor-the highest honor which 1t is in the
power Of the Gar to grant.
The great success Of this man has been
attributed to his initiative which showed
itself first 30 successfully during the Turkish
and Russian war He has never evinced
contempt for the highest authority, but
has shown that he prefers initiative to the
customary attempt to keep on good terms
with every faction Of the Government that
is 40 customary in Russia to-day.
The Car valued his services because no
knew that he was loyal to him before every
thing else and he has in manyinstances taken
his part against influential enemies. One
instance of this occurred only short time
ago.
At a ball given in the Winter Palace at
st. Petersburg the Grand Duke Michael,
brother Of the Gear. met M. Witto face TO
face The Minister bowed 10 the Duke, who
Ia return stared at him without trace %
recognition on his imperial features. M.
Witte gave no sign OF having noticed the
insult.
He was not troubled that evening by the
society Of the courtiers, n no suspect ed from
the conduct Of the Grand Duke that tbs
Minister vas In disfavor with the Gar. Az
q matter Of fact the Grand Duke had
snubbed the Minister Of Finance because the
latter had refused to donate him large sums
OF mone} for military purposes which
were by rc means clearly defined.
y lie di-~not ignore the insult 90 COM