New-York tribune., 1905-07-18
NJ. WITTE DOUBTS PEACE.
Russia, He Says, VIII Unite Tor Var
against National DishonOr.

St Petersburg July I'M. Witte. the senior
Russian peace plenipotntiary. received the
correspondent of The Associated Press at his
villa on Yelagin Island this morning. In ac-
cording an interview he said he expressly de-
sired it stated that he had declined all previous
requests Of journalists for interviews and would
decline all future requests He further said
that he made an exception in this case as he
about TO become the temporary guest OF
the United States. He added that the interview
might be considered a mark of the particular
sympathy he felt toward that great country.
NJ Witte received the correspondent in the
cabinet of his villa which overloOks a large
park. in front of which runs the Neva- His
coffee was still before him. and he was already
deep in the mass of mail on his desk. a mem
orandum in front of him was filled with n
gagements.
M. Witte spoke in French. After greetings
the conversation turned to the high mission with
which the Russian statesman is charged, and the
disposition of the foreign press to interpret his
appointment as an indication that Russia had
decided to make peace at any price.
No! no" said NJ. Witte. Strengthening up in
his chair and speaking slowly and distinctly. as
if weighing the value of each word. I'm the
first place, have been designated by the En-
peror as his Ambassador Extraordinary for pour
ascertain whether it is possible to conclude a
treaty of peace. My personal views are of sec
ondary Importance. but my ideas are in entire
accord with those of my friend Count Lams-
dorff." VI. Witte continued:
In serving my Emperor ! have received pre-
else instructions from his majesty and shall
follow them. The ultimate decision remains
70 decide the destines of Russia. The En-
Peror is the friend of peace and desires peace,
but ! very much fear that the Japanese terms
will be such that we shall be unable to reach
accord
The world should disabuse its mind Of the idea
that Russia wants peace at any price. There
are two parties in Russia. One favors the con-
tinuatiOn of the rOutrance; this is a large
and influential party. The other. TO which
belong, favors peace L avow 1T frankly, De
telling the truth has always been my rule
in politics, l was for peace before hostilities
broke out When the war began the situation
changed.
Even though there are these two parties as
to the advisability of ending the in the
present circumstances, both would be united Il
propre of the Russian people, or 1eopardlzed our
future as nation. / am sure if l report that
the conditions of Japan cannot be accepted
Russia will accept the verdict, and the Rus
sian people will be ready to continue the war
for years IL necessary
Russia is not crushed as the foreign press
has led the world to believe. That the interior
situation is very serious. I do not deny; but In
Europe and America the true significance or
what is happening is not understood. CORE
spOndentS come here and talk with few hun
dred people in St Petersburg and Moscow. mis-
interpret what is happening, and MI the world
with false impressions to .Russa's future
Russia has little resemblance to Western coun-
tries. To know Russia. to understand the soul
of the Russian people. it is necessary that one
should have been born here should have lived
many years in Russia. The customs, history
and psychology of the people are entirely differ
ent from those of Western nations, and Russia
cannot be judged by Western standards, 1t is
such an immense country, composed of diverse
elements and interests. yet the Russian people
like a great family. AT present they are
torn by internal dissensOns. but these divisions
would disappear should the people really feel
that the integrity Of the country and its future
destiny at stake.
Russia is not on the verge of dissolution as a
great power, and is not Obliged TO accept any
conditions offered in spite of the military re-
verses she has sustained.
We passing through internal crisis,
which has been marked by many grave events.
and which may have others still In store, but
the crisis will pass, and in a few years Russia
will again take her place a prepOnderan'
power in the European concert