Los Angeles herald., 1907-12-04

author, who opportunely was present In
the palace, Joined Secretary Tafts party
and acted as interpreter of the speeches.
He pointed out also the leading members
of the douma.
Secretary raft was impressed with the
spaciousnass and magnifcence of the
chamber. which was brilliantly illuni-
mated. Duri & Mr.. Taft's stay, M. Shu-
binsky. an Octoberist; NJ Lymsha, a
Pole, and an Armenian social Democrat
took turns in speaking. The session was
not marked oy any special incident.
The news of the pres ence of Secretary
Taft in the chamber spread quickly, un-
til finally the attention of practically
everybody in the house, members of the
ministry, senators, diplomatists, newspa-
per correspondents and deputies was
centered on the imperial box.
The secretary and his party stayed for
half an hour and then took their de-
parture.
Pleads for World Peace
A plea for world peace was the topic
Of a speech of Secretary Taft at a ban
quet here tonight, which was attended
by several high Russian officials in ad
ditlon to some sixty Americans.
Responding to the speech of welcome
delivered by r. NJ. Corse, who presided,
Secretary Taft said that he hoped the
traditional friendship between Russia
and America would increase and become
stronger. The similarity in the develop
ment of the two countries, he said, ought
to produce a sympathetic feeling, and he
drew a parallel between Russia and
America, with reference to their inn
mense extent and the difficulties arising
therefrom.
Personally the secretary had strong
feeling of affection and regard for Russia
on account of the two years residence
of his father when he was American
minister His pr, sent trip, he said, had
given rise to a number of suggestions.
the purport of which was far from tho
truth.
1t had been suggested that he was
rounding the world on a diplomatic mis-
sion to various countries to carry out
some ultimate policy of the United
States, but Americas policy was the
peace of all nations. His only official
function, he continued, was that con-
nected with the Inauguration of the Phil
:ppine assembly, and he was returning
home by way of Russia to avoid the
voyage across the Pacific, which he had
already made many times.
He sought an audience with. the en-
peror in order to express his personal
gratitude for the hospitality which ne
mad enjoyed on his trans-Siberian trip,
and to assure him that a deep desire
exists on the part of the Americans for
the welfare anu prosperity of Russia.
Denies Runor of War
The secretary declared that intimations
that his trip was connected in any way
with a prospective war in the far east
were without foundation. In his judg-
ment there was no possibility of war
between the United States and any coun-
try, nor was there any reason for 1t
The world needs peace for its real growth
and the happiness of the individual.
Civilization, said the secretary, is in
debted to Emperor Nicholas for the in
itiation Of a permanent peace and the
of war by the organization of
The Hague conference.
AT the close of his speech he toasted
the emperor.
Count Konitz, who is acting as imperial
aid to Secretary Taft, responded with IA
toast to President Roosevelt, which wa
drunk amid great enthusiasm and the
singing of the national hymns of both
countries.