The Kendrick gazette. [volume] (Kendrick, Idaho) 1892-1968, 1905-07-21
Chief
ENVOY TALKS

ENVOY TALKS
st. Petersburg, July 19.-M. White.
the Russian plenipotentiary, received
the correspondent Of the Associated
Press at his villa on Yeligan island.
In according an interview, he said he
expressly desired it stated that he had
declined all previous requests Of jour
nalists for interviews and would de-
cline all future requests. He further
said that he made an exception in the
case of the Associated Press, as it was
the representative Of the press of the
United States, and as he is about to
become the temporary guest of the
United States, aud also as mark OF
the particular sympathy he felt toward
that great country.
NJ. Witte spoke in French. After
greetings which we're cordial. the con.
versation gravitated quickly to the
high mission with which the Russian
statesman is charged and the DISPOSE
ton of the foreign press to interpret
his appointment rs an indication that
Russia had decided to make peace at
any price.
mo, no." he said, Strengthening up
in his chair and speaking slowly and
distinctly, as if weighing the value OF
each word. "In the first place, have
been designated by the emperor as his
ambassador extraordinary for pour
parleurs with Japanese plenipotentiar-
les to ascertain whether it is possible
to conclude treaty of peace. My per-
sonal views are of secondary import
ance, but ideas are in entire accord
with those of my friend, Count Lams-
dorff.
In serving my emperor, however. l
have express instructions from his ma
esty and shall follow them.
"The ultimate decision rests in the
hands of the emperor, and it is for him
to decide the destines of Russia. The
emperor is q friend Of peace and de-
sires peace, but very much fear that
the Japanese terms will be such thai
we will be unable to reach an accord
Secondly, the world should disa
buse its mind of the idea that Russis
wants peace at any price. There ar
two parties in Russia. One Of then
favors the continuation of the war
This is large and influential party
The other. to which belong, favor
peace. avow it frankly, because tel
ling the truth mas always been my rul
in politics. I was for peace befor
hostilities broke out. When the wa
began the situation changed.
, Even though there are those tw
parties, both would be united II tn
Japanese demands wounded the amo
propre of the Russian people, or jee
pardized our futureas q nation.
II am sure if report that the COZ
ditions of Japan can not be accepte
Russia will accept the verdict, and tn
, Russian people will be ready to Col
tinue the war for years, if necessary.
"Thirdly, Russia is not crushed.
. hte foreign press has led the world
= believe. The intreior situation is We,
serious, l do not deny, but in Eurol
O an America the true significance
= what is happening is not understood
= Correspondents come here and Ia
with few people in St. Petersbul
and Moscow, misinterpret what is ha
. pening and fill the world with fal
:, Impressions as to Russia's future.
"Russia has little resemblance
- western countries. To know Russi
to understand the soul Of the Russi,
Q people, it is necessary to have be-
born here or lived many years in HI
!, STA. The customs and history Of t
IL people are entirely different from tho
of western nations, and Russia can u
be Judged by western standards. 1t
. such an immense country, composed
~ diverse elements and interets, yet t
10 Russian people are like great famil
n cat present they are torn by inter-
III dissensions, but these divisions wor
s. disappear should the people really fl
Is that the integrity of the country a
ih it's future destiny were at stake
ne Russia is not on the verge of dis
as luton as a great power and it is
ay obliged to accept any conditions
e. peacei n spite of the military rever
an she has sustained. We are passi
through an internal crisis, which
ia Iibeen marked by many grave even
III and which may have others still
&c store, but the crisis will pass, and
a few years Russia will again take
ut place as an preponderant power In
Ia European concourse.
ne