Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1905-01-23
Washington Officials Not Great
uly Surprised at Turn of
Events at st. Petersburg
WAR UNPOPULAR IN RUSSIA
People of tho Empire Not Supporting
the Government in Its Conflict With
tho Japanese-RevoIt Of tho Soldiers
Considered the Most Significant
Point.

Washington. Jan. 23.-The news of
the uprising in Russia caused pro-
found sensation at the white house. IN
the state department and among diplo-
mats generally. No official communal
cation regarding the riots has been
received, the information of the state
department and representatives of for
eign powers being alike confined to the
press dispatches.
Count Casslni, the Russian ambassa-
dor, who returned from New York at .
arrival:
II know nothing beyond some press
reports that I was shown In New York
and some additional ones that l have
seen since l reached Washington.
have heard nothing at all from my gov
eminent on the subject and therefore
can say nothing about something OF
which l have no official knowledge"
Count Cassini plainly was greatly
disturbed by the reports.
Mr.. Takahra the Japanese minister
showed little surprise over the news,
but refused to comment on 1t In any
way.
State department officials and es-
pecially Secretary Hay, have been ex-
pecting just what has happened. Thru
confidential reports from American
representatives. and others they long
have known that the war with Japan
was more unpopular In Russia than
the outside world believed or suspect
ed. and they expected an outburst of
popular resentment soon after the fall
of Port Arthur. They are surprised
only at the report that even the regu-
lar troops have Joined in the revolt.
| The revolt of the soldiers, provid-
ed that 1t was participated in by any
large number of troops, they consid-
ed significant Of general revolution,
which may end in repetition of the
days of the French commune and fin
ally in the establishment of republic.
| Such q result, however, Is regarded as
only barely probable.
| In any event Secretary Hay and the
other high officials OF the state depart
ment are convinced that 1t will be i'm
| possible to restore peace In Russia UNI
| til the war with Japan is ended, and
they expect the revolt to have
prompt effect in forcing the car to OPP
en- peace negotiations with Japan. On
the s,Ipposition that the disaffection
among the troops is now widespread.
state department officials believe that
revolts will continue to spring up thru
out Russia so long as the war lasts
and that the uprisings will grow in
ny.
popular foreign war and increasing
troubles at home it is not seen how
Russia can long continue the war with
| Japan.
End of Romanoffs Possible.
| While state department officials hes
| itate to regard the overthrow of the
Romanoff dynasty as probability,
they admit that it is possible, and that
1t may be the end of the troubles IL the
czar does not soon throw off the bane-
| full influence of the grand dukes and
| the bureaucrats who now are the real
power In Russia. 1t was the bureau
Gratis who deceived Secretary Hay as
to Russia's intentions in Manchuria,
and who planned the war with Japan,
and the whole responsibility for Rus
sia's present troubles is thrown on
them, tho the pitiful weakness of the
czar Is admitted to have been the ini-
tial cause.
Grand Dukes Vladimir and Michael
ovitch are known here as the leaders Of
the forward movement" which has
plunged Russia into all her troubles.
Their influence over the czar is so
great that it is feared that they may
force him to maintain an attitude that
will eventually result in his own over
throw.
All the European diplomats regard
the situation as serious to the reign
ing house and even the most optimistic
Of them do not believe the revolts
will finally be suppressed until peace
has been restored with Japan.
Fervent prayers were offered in
many of the churches yesterday for
the Russian emperor and his people.
Intense interest in the struggle at the
Russian capital was manifested.