The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-02-21
CLOUDS GATHERING ABOUT WITTE'S HEAD Russia Watches Ministerial Sit-
 uation Keenly EMPEROR HARD PRESSED Uses All His Power In Effort to Pre- serve Power, But Many Believe
 Wltte or Durnovo
 Must Go.
EMPEROR HARD PRESSED

St Petersburgfi February 20.-The day has passed without further announce ments of reslgnations from the cabinet. The ministerial situation is unchanged, although quarters in the capital are awaiting with keen attention new develop ments which are expected day by day, pondering over the meaning and import ance of the remarkable shake-up.
 The public has been prepared for the fall of either Count Witte or Minister of the Interior Durnovo, but the retirement of M Kutler and M, Timiriaseff from the ministries of agriculture and commerce. respectively, and the expected withdrawal of M. Nemamhaieff from the ministry of communications, finds the political wise acres all at sea. Strong efforts, it is said, are being made in high circles to induce M Timiriaseff to withdraw his resigna- ton, and thus save further disintegration of the cabinet and enable 1t to weather the interval until the convocation of the National assembly.
 Wants to Retain SoIsky.
 Emperor Nicholas is said to be anxious to retain Count SolslSy at the head of the council of the empire, but there is slight probability of his being able to do so. M. Timirlaseff informed the Associated Press this evening that he has not yet received word of the acceptable of his resignation. He has already, however, vacated his suite in the ministry of commerce, and today he held regular levee at his resi- dence, where he received the congratula- tions of many prominent liberals
 NJ Timiraseffs resignation, 1t trans pires, was entirely voluntary and was handed in a personal audience which he had with the Emperor and at which he explained that he was withdrawing from the cabinet because of his disap- proval of the law extending summary courts martial for the trial of political offenses in all parts of the empire, which was passed February B. He assured the Emperor that his retirement was no sign of lack of zeal or of his love for hls sovereign, but was dictated by a deep conviction that the step was necessary as a protest against a policy ruinous to Russia, and a travesty of the consttu- ton which the Emperor was seeking to introduce His Majesty expressed regret at losing a faithful and Zealous servant, and offered him a seat in the council of the empire but M Timriaseff pleaded that that body was infected with the same spirit as the ministry and said he would better serve the Emperor and Russia if he were untrammeled by any bonds connecting him with the present administration.
 Cloud Over Premier's Head.
 The survival of both Count Wltte and M Durnovo in the cabinet is causing clouds to gather more ominously over the head of the premier, who, his enemies declare, can no longer disclaim responsi- bility for the repressive measures. An inspired statement asserts Count Witte has thrice handed in his resignation, and that each time the Emperor has refused to accept it, and that therefore he is bound as a patriot to obey the will of the Emperor and remain at the helm.
 The withdrawal of M. Falossoff from the cabinet was announced under a misap- prehension. M. Filossoff retires from the office of controller of the empire, but is slated for transfer to the place va- cated by M Timriaseff in case the latter 1..t1 ', 4u raolfV mot inr