Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-05
CABINET A MAKESH|FT
Russian Statesmen Not Anxious
to Serve the Gar
The OFFICIAL RESCRIPTS
Announce Retirement of Witte and
Durnovo.
GOREMYKIN FOR PREMIERSHIP
Emperor Accepts Premier's Excuse Of
Ill-Health at It's Face Value
Gossip Rife.
The OFFICIAL RESCRIPTS
GoREMYKIN FOR PREMIERSHIP

ST. PETERSBURG. May 5.-The official
announcement of Count Whites retirement
from the premiership. the retirement OF M.
Durnovo from the ministry of the interior
and NJ Goremykins elevation to the pre-
miershlp appeared today In the Official
Messenger. The names OF the other MEM
bers of the new cabinet were not gaZetted-
1t is assterted that one OF two are hesi-
tating. notably NJ. Izvolsky curator of St
Petersburg High Schools and University,
who has been named for foreign minister.
knowing full well that the cabinet Is
makeshift Of the emperor to let both Wltte
and Durnovo down.
The usual rescripts do not contain the
slightest suggestion OF the emperor's dis
pleasure. on the contrary the rescript to
Witte puts the motives for his retirement
in the best possible light. accepting the ex-
cuse OF ill-heaith at its face value.
The whole tone OF the rescript Is ex-
traordinarily cordial and besides 1t con-
fers on White the Order OF Alexander
Nevsky set In briliants. 1t is the second
highest decoration in Russia. Witte also
retains his title of count, and is appointed
a member of the council OF the empire. or
upper house of the new parliament, and re-
mains a secretary of state Durnovo in
giving I'D the ministry of the interior be-
comes a secretary of state, retains the
dignity of senator and is made member
OF the council of the empire.
The Rescript to Witte.
In his farewell rescrpt to Witte under
today's date the emperor says:
In consequence OF the state of your
health. which has been impaired by your
arduous labors you have been obliged to
ask to be relieved of the functions of presi-
dent of the council of ministers. When /
summoned you TO this important post for
the purpose of carrying out my intentions
In regard to inviting my subjects to partake
in the legislative work, 1 was convinced
that your proved capacity as a statesman
would facilitate the establishment of new
electoral institutions. Thanks to your per-
severance and enlightened action these in
stitutions have now been called into exist
ence and are ready to be opened. despite
the opposition of the revolutionists. against
whom you have displayed your usual energy
and decision At the same time you were
able, on account OF your experience In finan-
Cial questions to cooperate in placing the
resources of the state on a sound footing
by assuring the success of the new loan. In
acceding to your request to be relieved of
your functions | cannot but express to you
my heartfelt gratitude for the many sery-
Ices you have rendered.
Your ever well-disposed and sincerely
SratetuI tSigned) NICHOLAS"
Cars Remarks to Durnovo
Another rescript of the emperor conveys
his sincere gratitude to Durnovo for his
useful and patriotic services when the
enemies of public order were striving to
disturb the peaceful course OF public life ="
and assures the retiring minister that he
continues to be unaiterably well disposed
toward him.
The members of both houses of the legis-
iature have received invitations 10 attend
tie ceremony at the winter palace, May 10.
II which the emperor will be present on
the occasion of the opening of parliament.
Despite the governments evident desire to
prevent the explosion OF popular passions by
making scapegoat of the White cabinet,
IN holding 1t responsible for the repression
OF the last few months. and the friendly
assurances involved in the withdrawal of
the fundamental laws the liberal papers are
extremely suspicious, not believing it to
be a sincere change of heart, as the cabinet
seemingly will contain men like M Stshn-
sky, the assistant Of the later interior min
lister, Won Plehve, who is held TO be respon-
sible for the oppression of the provincial
authorities. and Prince Shirinsky Shakma-
ton. the assistant of the. former procurat or
general OF the holy synod. Pobedonosiseff.
Even the Novoe Nremya says II is use
less to attempt TO claim that NJ Goremykin
Us more liberal thad Witte. The paper ex-
presses the belief that Witte Is only tenn
porariiy eclipsed and says the country
cannot afford to dispense with the services
OF Il man OF his ability