New-York tribune., 1906-05-06
COUNT WITTE PRAISED.
Emperor Honors Retiring Premier
The Ne1c Cabinet.

ST. Petersburg. May 5.-The official announce
ment Of Count Whites retirement from the pre-
miership. the retirement Of NJ Durnovo from the
Ministry Of the Interior and NJ. GOremykin's
elevation to the premiership appeared this
morning in the "OmciaI Messenger The
names of the other members OF the new Cabinet
were not gazetted. It Is asserted that one or
two are hesitating. notably NJ. Izvolsky. curator
Of ST. Petersburg high schools and university.
who has been named for Foreign Minister. He
realizes that the Cabinet is a rnakeshift. The
customary rescripts do not contain the slightest
suggestion Of his majesty's displeasurs. On
the contrary. the rescr1pt to Count Witte puts
the motives for his retirement In the best pos
sibIe light, accepting the excuse OF poor health
at its face value. The whole rescripr Is cordial.
1t confers on Count WItte the Order Of AIexan-
der Nevsky, set in brilliants. This is the sec
Ond highest decoration In Russia Witte also
retains his title OF count is appointed mem
Der Of the Council OF the Empire or upper house
Of the new Parliament and remains a Secretary
Of State. Durnovo. in giving up the Ministry OF
the Interior becomes a Secretary Of State, re-
tains the dignity OF Senator and is made men,
Der Of the Council Of the Empire
In his farewell rescript TO Count WItte under
to-day's date the Emperor says:
In consequence Of the state Of your health
you nave been obliged to ask TO be relieved Of
the functions OF President OF the Council OF Min
isters. When summoned you to this important
POST Tor the purpose OF carrying out my inten-
uons In regard to inviting my subjects TO par
take in the legislative work, I was convinced
that your proved capacity as statesman would
facilitate the establishment Of new electoral in
stitutions. Thanks 20 your perseverance and
enlightened action these institutions have now
been called into existence and are ready TO be
opened despite the opposition Of the revolution
lists, against whom you have displayed your usual
energy and decision. At the same time you were
able, account Of your experience in financial
questions to cooperate in placing the resources
Of the state a sound footing by assuring the
success Of the new loan. In acceding 70 your
request 10 be relieved OF your functions cannot
but express TO you my heartfelt gratitude for
the many services you have rendered.
Your ever well disposed and sincerely grateful
NICHOLAS.
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 unalterably well
disposed toward him.
The members OF both houses OF the legislat-
ure have received invitations to attend the cere-
mony at the Winter Palace on May 10. at which
the Emperor will be present.
Despite the governments evident desire TO pre-
vent an explosion Of popular passions by max
ing scapegoat OF tne Wltte CABINET IN hololhs
it 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. as the
Cabinet seemingly win contain men like NJ.
stishinsky, the assistant OF the late NJ Plehve,
and Prince Shirinsky Shakmatoff. the assistant
of the former Procurator Of the Holy Synod,
Pobiedonostseff. Even the 'Novoe Vremya"
saws il is useless TO attempt 20 say that NJ.
CIoremykin IS more liberal than Witte. The pa
per expresses the belief that Witte is only tenn
porariiy eclipsed and says the country cannot
afford to dispense with the services Of man OF
mis- ability.