The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-16
WHITE DEMANDS A FREE HAND
GEAR RESITATES TO GIVE MS
PEACE ENVOY FULL POWER.
Not Certain That witte VIII Act Under
RestrictiOns-Suspicion That His
Enemies Have Laid Snare TO- Film
No Battle Likely Before Enysys Meet.

Special Gable Despatch 10 THE SUN.
LONDON, July 15.-The appointment Of
Mr.. Witte to the Russian peace commits
sion creates at first the impression that
Russia il at last willing to end the war on
any reasonable terms. Those best in
formed, however, by no means believe
that the treaty will be signed in the near
future.
1t appears to the uninitated onlooker
that the Car has Mt last turned to the only
great statesman who is qualified to deal
with the situation, and has given him carte
blanche to make peace with the foreign
enemy as a preliminary to the solution
of the domestic problem. II this were
the real attitude Of the Emperor and his
immediate coterie there would be some
hope Of the peaceful regeneration Of Russia
and the reorganization of the Government
without the sacrifice of the dynasty or tho
autocracy.
But there is reason to fear that several
sinister motives under lie Mr.. Witte : selec-
ton. His appointment has been advo-
Gated by the very men who accomplished
his downfall two years ago and has been
granted by the Car with great unwill-
ingness.
There are many reasons why MIR. Witte
enemies should be- glad TO see him ,ind ar
take the difficult and thankless task. He
has the strongest personal following NJ
any man in Russia. 1t IL to him the nation
will turn for guidance in case tho present
order Of things is overturned by any liberal
movement peaceful or otherwise. He is
no revolutionist. He is not even anti
bureaucratic. He believes in reforming
abuses, the abolition of public graft and
more liberal laws and form of govern
The palace clique will be very glad to
have him out Of the country during the next
three months. They believe that II he
should happen to negotiate a treaty which
the nation would regard as humiliating to
Russia his prestige would be destroyed
They have no idea of permitting the rati.
fcation of any such treaty. but if he should
advocate such course it would answer
the same purpose.
On the other hand, it is unnecessary
to point out that Mr.. Witte himself is fully
aware Of the foregoing considerations. He
quite understands the Vaccinations of his
enemies, and he has accepted the appoint
ment. 1t is fair to assume that he will
know how to protect himself His patriot
ism is not OF the sublime sort which seeks
martyrdom, He is shrewd politician
as well as a capable statesman. In fact,
he Is the last man in Russia who would allow
his enemy to make a catspaw of him.
1t would not be surprising under all
the circu instances if it should happen
that important changes In both the policy
and personnel of the regime now control
ing Russian destinies should take place
during Mr.. Whites absence. He might then
be able to return and undertake the hercu-
lean task of reformation In the administra-
ton of the Government.
THE SUNS st. Petersburg correspondent
wires tonight that Mr.. White spent the day
at Gatchina as the guest Of the Dowager
Empress whom he had not visited in
two years. She in fact has been one of
his bitterest opponents during the latter
part Of his term of office. This visit is L
sequel Of yesterdays interview with tho
Ear. which it is understood was not wholly
ring, although his commission was
signed,
Mr., Witte also called on Count Lamsdorfr,
he Minister of Foreign Affairs, last evening.
| he extent OF his authroity has net yet been
ully decided, but will be settled before lie
caves st. Petersburg next Thursday. MIR.
Nitte asks not to saydemands, carte blanche,
nut the Emperor has not yet given him an
Ibsolutely free hand Count LamsdorT
Imports Mr.. Whites request for the fullest
discretion. but the Foreign Secetary's
influence with the Emperor is not strong.
I remains to he seen whether Mr.. Witle
viii go so far as to throw up his mission
I his authority is restricted
Mr.. Witte declares that he absolutely -
ON IF FnpGiti ions which
will demand, 1t is therefore impossible
o indicate what his attitude will be. beyond
aging that he is earnestly in favor of peace.
One of the mos; eminent diplomatists
n st. Petersburg expresses the opinion that
apan, while strengthening her position in
ianchuria as much as possible, will not
eek great battle until she sees how the
'eace proposals are received. As matter
4 fact. serious operations in Manchuria will
n almost impossible for the next four or
We weeks. because the rainy season has
egun.
Regarding the internal situation in Russia.
HE Suns st. Petersburg correspondent
'rites that recent local outbreaks have
cen of quite a different character from
hose of january. The shooting at Lode,
odessa and other places was on unorganized
hobs who were seeking loot. The stories
bout an armed populace behind barri-
AIDES were fabrications. These anarch-
'tic outbreaks are repudiated by the people
Tho could carry through a revolution. and
, that extent these mobs are for the mo-
lent strengthening the hands Of the Gov
rnment. The latest demonstrators are the
regs OF the population, and they will soon
g shot at willingly by other civilians.