The Washington times., 1907-12-19
SignerS Want Emperor
to Liberate Enemies
of Throne.
Russian Ambassador
Considers Document
Approaches Insult,

NEW YORK, Dec. IA movement
participated in by some OF the most emil
nent citizens OF the country. launched
in me interest Of Nicholas Tchaykovsky
and Nine. Breshkovsky, now held in the
great fortress prison, IS. Peter and
Paul. ST. Petersburg. by the Russian
government for plotting TO dethrone En-
peror Nicholas. is stirring up a feeling
closely bordering on international dis
pleasure.
Prominent editors. educators. clergy
men, and citizens OF New York have
without question as to the usual pro-
ceedure or premises in the matter. ap-
pealed TO Baron Rosen, Russian ambas-
sador at Washington. for the release Of
the two prisoners.
A committee of three armed with a pc
tition signed by Mark Twain. Richard
Watson Glider, Rev. DR.. Lyman Abbott,
Judge Morgan J. O'Brien, Henry Clews.
William Dean Howells. Norman Hap
good, and scores OF other prominent
men called on Baron Rosen in Wash
ington last Saturday and asked the re-
lease OF Tchaykovsky and Nine. Bresh-
kOvsky.
Rosen Is Appalled,.
Baron Rosen, It has been learned.
could not understand why citizens Of
this country should interfere in mat
ter that was the business Of Russia
alone and IN no way concerning the
rights or liberty OF an American citi-
zen. Naturally he refused 20 consider
a petition. which on its face. repre-
sented sentiment and. as a basis for
urging clemency Of the Gar. set forth
the fact that the reyolutionists, by
sweetness Of temper and Russian
charm" won many friends while en-
listing support against the Russian
government.
Robert Ely, one of the committee pro-
noting the spread of sentiment. ad-
mitted yesterday that while the move
ment was c1e Of individuals. a well
prepared pan had been carried out to
secure Information from St. Petersburg
Individuals in the Russian capital. he
said, had been asked 10 investigate
the arrest of the revolutionary leaders.
and have cabled to the committee in
New York. The Russian censor, Mr..
Ely said, no doubt took full liberty with
these cable dispatches.
To Save Lives OF Prisoners.
Last SATURDAY. former Congressman
Samuel J. Bsrrows. William 3. How
land James B. Reynolds. and EIbert ].
Baldwin were hurried TO Washington.
Quick action was necessary by the con-
tonts Of a cabled report from St. Peters
burg. which Is said TO have advised that
immediate action was necessary TO save
the lives of the prisoners.
1t is admitted that the Russian gov
eminent is loath TO consider lightly the
cases of the prisoners.
Baron Rosen, it is said, refused the
committee with cold courtesy. It is
also reported that he minced no words
in making plain TO the committee that
he was here for diplomatic purposes.
and not as the messenger Of individuals
10 the Car. He could not take official
cognizance of matter with which
citizens OF New York or any other city
in the world had no official right TO
concern themselves.
The committee reported and q Dress
committee was Immediately formed 10
enlarge public sentiment and bring A
storm Of criticism about the ears of
Baron Rosen- This last is made Dlain
by Mr. Ely, one OF the press committee,
who. when plainly informed that Baron
Rosen's- reception of the committee and
his words on that occasion were as
necessary In fairness To Russia as the
pubic OF THIS country. refused ahSO-
luteiy to divulge details.
The aim of the movement now is to
bring such an overwhelming wave OF
sentiment against Baron Rosen as to
compel attention and bring the work OF
the committee 10 the official attention Of
the Gar. 1t is understood petitions are
IN circulation in Boston and other cities
Baron Rosen knows all about this
but he stin adheres to the boundaries
OF his official rights. and as the com
nittee is without hope of interesting
the state Department. Baron Rosen's
attitude will remain unchanged ard
there will be small chance OF the petit
tion claiming the Cars attention. ex-
cept through publicity.
Tchaykorsl1v Led InsuTection.
Tchaykovsky, the man IN whose in
tarests Mr.. Ely and his associates are
working, was forced to fee from Russia
for having led the insurrection of 1870.
and. while his offense was wiped out
by the amnesty OF 1906. he came to
the United States last year and again
worked in the interests OF the social
revolutionists in Russia. When he ven
tured 10 return he was promptly put
under arrest and while the investigators
OF those interested have been able to
learn but little II is probable that
charges Of conspiracy are based on
rene Nkovslky's solicitation OF aid for
REVOLUTIONARY