Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-11
RYLSKPS HEIR
STARTLES BAKU
Special Cablegram to The Star.

Special Cablegram to The Star.
ST PETERSBURG, September IL
Through publications in Paris newspapers
that John D. Rockefeller and the Standard
Oil group of American millionaires had
offered 100000, 600 for certain canal con-
cessions the truth is beginning to leak out
SO far as the details of that transaction are
concerned. It Is true that Mr.. Rookie
Teller and his associates offered to loan
the, Russian government $780, 600, and
even more If necessary. The Paris news
papers, however, made a mistake in say
ing that this was for canal concessions.
1t was for control of the Baku Oil fields
in South Russia instead. The agents of the
car met Mr.. Rockefeller during his re-
cent visit to France. Up to the present
time arrangements have not been COM
pleted because his European agents warn
ed Mr.. Rockefeller that in the light of the
recent tremendous depreciation in Russian
bonds growing out of the lack of stability
Of the existing government the transac-
ton could not be regarded safe. The
Russian government might find 1t impos-
sble to carry out any agreement made
with the American millionaires looking to
a disposition of interests in the Baku dis
tricts.
AS matter of fact, while Iawlessness
Is on the Increase and many murders are
committed every day oi1feld officials do not
expect that attempts will be made to fire
properties. Political agitators and revolu-
tionists are strenuously directing the
strike movement toward a contamination
in the great revolutionary rising which
every one expects will take place in the
Caucasus In the early autumn. Practically
all the managers of Anglo-Russian compa-
MES are prisoners at their offices or homes
They have been warned that II they ap-
pear In the streets they will be assassi-
mated One report states that Mr.. Man
chic, the manager of the Bibi-Eibat Com
pany Qimited), of London, andsshis aged
mother are being kept prisoners by the
workmen at his residence at the Bibi- Eibat
oilfield.' The strikers will not allow him
to open his windows, and he Is obliged to
get his food by stealth.
In this connection 1t Is interesting to
note that great CONSERVATION has been
caused among Baku oil producers by
Rylskrs heir who has just come of age.
taking forctble possession of two Ramani
oil properties leased by the Rothschilds.
Fears are expressed that other titles will
be disputed If the courts rule that the
action Of young Rylski is legal.
The commercial part of what is a most
romantic affair is easily told. When the
founder of the firm of Rylski died his sue
cessors appealed to the Paris house of
Rothschild for assistance, with the result
that they were given an advance of $780,
600 with which to liquidate their debts
and fixed royalty of 100000 pools co.
present price, about $500, GEO. irrespective of
the quantity produced. The heirs were
highly satisfied with the arrangement, with
one exception, the eldest son, who always
declared that he would set aside the con-
tract by force as soon as he came of age.
On the day he did come of age he headed
an armed body of men, and, amid scenes
of great excitement. took the property by
storm. Assuring the Workmen that he
was the rightful owner, he said he would
issue new time books, and considerably in
crease their pay. Rothchild has appealed
to the authorities. and set the lawyers to
At a largely attended meeting of pro-
ducers, held at the Baku Oil Exchange, a
motion to deprive Rylski of membership
was discovered to be out of order. but 1t
was decided by formal resolution "that II
he loses his case before the courts the
minister of finance be asked to sanction
his exclusion"
The meeting sent a deputation to the
suits to the industry which must newt
ably follow the successful appeal of Rylski
for permission to GUST Rothschild and de-
velop the property" The governor general
said that the matter must be speedily set
tied in the courts.
Old Rylski. in his day a most extra
ordinary figure in the Baku oilfields. died
under mysterious circumstances. An
exiled Pole, he succeeded in amassing
huge fortune at the oilfields. About seven
years ago he was arrested for stealing
network of secret pipe lines. At the trial
1t was stated that several watchmen had
been murdered. and it is a fact that dead
bodies were taken from Oil tanks on the
properties. When Rylski was believed to
be In the prison at Bailov, hill overlook
ing the Bibi-Eibat oilfield. the report was
spread that he had committed suicide, but
no civilian could ever be got to declare
sons in Baku today believe that he Is alive
and doing well In foreign country
America, they think.