The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-10-01

of the high confidence reposed in my
+ loyalty. Altho [ was known to be a
Pole by descent, and the favorite and
confdant of the German emperor, who
had constantly employed me to combat
Russian intrigues, yet M: WHITE felt no
fear in int1usting NE with the secrets
Of Russian Statecraft.
The moment I arrived in Petersburg,
I went without waiting to change or re-
fresh myself to wait on my client. Our
interview took place, not at the minis
try of finance, where NJ. Witte would
have been surrounded by spies, but at
a small private house in a suburb Of the
Russian capital.
X j. 4
The finance minister received me in a
small study, the walls Of which were
lined with works on political economy
and kindred subjects.
II have asked you to meet me here
the minister explained, as soon as had
seated myself, and lighted the cigar
which he pressed upon me, "because I
munication to be known to a single per-
son in the Russian empire. In partic-
ular, it must be kept a strict secret
from the minister of war. It is against
him that you will be acting really, and
shall have to ask you to pledge your
self that in case of your proceedings
attracting his attention, you will lead
him to suppose that you have been COM
missioned by some foreign power.' :
"That will be easy,' I replied.
<HRussia has plenty Of watchful enc
mics. Shall I say Great Britain9'
=, NJ. Witte shook his head thoughtful
:'"You would not be believed. No one
will credit the British government with
-fo11 10
edge of its enemies intentions. But
that is point which I can safely leave
to your discretion if the occasion should
arise.'
I contented myself with bowling and
waited for the minister to proceed.
: "Will you permit me to ask you,' he
said politely, 81 if you have ever done any
Austria Hungary?'
ty on two occasions,7' responded. ut
was I who succeeded in SURPRISING the
facts concerning the death of the Crown
Prince Rudolf, and in establishing the
currency Of the version which has now
tr truth p added as w vGu ne1e rS be- lnoW Re
to an one outside the innermost circle
of the Hapsburg family; and I dare
not tell it even to your excellency. The
other. occasion I am not, at liberty to
mention.' &, .,
"Perhaps can guess it, tho,'' the
Russian minister returned with shrewd
smile. "However, the important thing
known to the emperor. It follows from
that fact that he has learned to respect
and trust you.'
I thanked NJ. Witte for this compli-
ment by a low bow. At the same time
I was a little on my guard.
you know so much Of what goes on
athat perhaps it will be no news to
you that Francis Joseph has decided to
abdicate the dual CROWN
This announcement, in fact, came as
complete surprise to me. Fortunately
I had time to prepare to receive it
calmly.
IT will not pretend that it is news, -
was my response. But, am always
irmed.. I shall be grateful for anything
you may tell me on the subject.'
II am not going to keep anything
from you,'' said the minister sThe
emperor has made private announce
ment of his intention to my own master
srtbs car, asking for his good offices or
Ii ,m'o4alf Of his proposed successor
n,non1nrThe Archduke Ferdinandq' I put
1 soaE Witte drew himself up and gave
rs suspicious glance.
n "You are too subtle, N. w." hi
i said coldly. IT have no doubt that you
I know perfectly well that it is the young
Archdu]1e Karl whom the emperor hal
chosen to succeed him. -
I thought it better to be suspected o:
subtlety than nescience, and apologized
ct ought not to have spoken. l be&
your excellency to continue
sWhat I am going to ask you to d.
may sound rather extraordinary. wan
you to 90 to Vienna, see his majesty, O
course without letting him know tina
you have been in communication witt
me, and tell him that you suspect tn
) Russian government is playing hin
false. Then persuade him to employ yo1
to find out what is in the wind. -
I stared at NJ. Witte in some bewildel
mept. Then I answered cautiously
do understand you, sir, to propos
that / am really to enter the service 0
the emperor? Or am I to be your agen
in the business?'
I want you to do BOTH" was the ar
sWer.
81 am to deceive the emperor, it ar
pears?o I said with rising indignation
100 Not in the least. You will accep
his commission to ascertain the secre
intentions and purposes Of the govern
ment of Russia, and you will execut
that commission exactly as if you and
had never held this conversation. !"
!. K i.
i M. Witte, I must beg you to b
plain with me. I never consent to act j
the dark. What is your true motive i
making this strange proposal to me?''
IT think I have already told you,
the minister returned with perfect COO
ness. The man whom / am. combattin
q is Count Lamsdorff. .
Your colleagueg''