The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-03-21

nople at the same conclusions at which
I arrived without eve having been In
Turkey, but only through the logical
course Of events.
I'm general II seems to me that
there can be nothing more dangerous
than a military autocracy. II lacks
the good qualities Of an autoCracy
OF traditions. hereditary culture and
complete personal independence. and
It has all the defects OF such a
form Of government. The armed
forces Of modern governments serve
as tho chief support Of TIER exist
ence (perhaps that IL bad. but II Is
SOY; therefore the military element
Is considered the most respected: but
heaven defend II the armed forces
of a government should begin TO &C.
Cupy themselves with internal revo-
lutlons'
Il hope that you have arrived safely
in America and I extend to you my
best wishes. CouNr WrrrE.
July 3. 1909"
In March, 1911, Count write wrote
mo the following letter. in which ne
referred to the Russian-Amertcan
treaty, which had Just been abroEated
"DEAR Mr.. BERNSTEIN: I am send
ing you my book with pleasure.
AS far as the sad conflict which
has occurred between Russia and
America I am inclined to believe tina;
f@6non cff6Yhph una IN the end
grounds Will be found for an agree
ment. ! am convinced that IN this
matter the passions have played a
, greater role than reason. Because OF
my position in Russia ! cannot STATE
anything for publication on this sub
ject. but at the same time I cannot
share the viewpoint OF our officia'
spheres on this question. I would
he very glad TO have the pleasure OF
seeing you in 81. Petersburg.
Accept my best wishes. II vou
should have an occasion TO meet Mr.
Roosevelt extend TO him my greet
!ngs. CovNT WfTTE.
March e-c2."
In October, 1911. Count Witte wrote
/ concerning the conflict In the Balkans
DEAR Mr.. BERNSTEIN. I am very
grateful TO you for your letter.
Concerning the situation IN the
Balkans. II is my opinion that this
affair will lead 10 many serou, conse
auences. That which should have
happened has happened. otherwise we
should have TO admit that our divine
world was created not by God but by
Satan. But more maj unexpected Is
not only the shortsightedness hut
rather the complete blindness Of the
, official diplomats who failed to torese'
and prepare for this affair, and whc
are even 70 this day cropping IN The
dark. What a remarkable downfall OF
talents,
"As Ear a. Japan IL concerned. there
is not the slightest doubt in my minC
that Japan under the present state OF
affairs VIII always GO hand IN hand
with Russia. America has always
door in China Cn Manchuria ant
Corea). and now after the Russo.
Japanese wal these doors have be
come narrower for America than be
fore the war.
with regard 10 the AZ q
my accepting the post OF Minister Of
Foreign Affairs. II Is too late for me-
10 start my career now. ! have Ions
ended II. Only extraordinary circurn'
n could compel me 10 change
my viewpoint on this subject. VIII
best wishes, CoU>T WrrrE.
"Riarritz, October 90.
I'm about fifteen or twenty days
will leave for 81. Petersburg"
In October. 1911. Count Witte wrote
the following letter containing a re-
markable characterization OF the Rus
sian Prime Ministers. Stolyp,n anC
Kokovtzov:
DEAR Mr.. BERNSTEIN: have re
ce,ved your letter. l may say abou
your article on Stolvpin and Kokovtzo'
that a better article could not have
been written by anyone living outside
Of Russia.
"Kokovtzov is a practical man Of NJ
fairs. while Stolypin was o no
kovtzov has infinitely more knowledg,
Of affairs than Stolypin had. Blu
kokovtzov is nevertheless not a mar
of big affairs. II he were TO hecom'
Premier he would In all probability
not raise 10 many acute and absurd
questions as Stolypin raised. S'ill n
is not in position to block the way o
the band which is now leading Rus
STA to grave accidents. Stolypin sub
mitted 20 this band and he himself IN
vented questions 10 please the sp,ri
Of this band. Kokovtzov h!msel
would not raise foolish questions. hu
he would obey and follow In the direc
ton indicated by this band.
"As far az the Jewish question Il
concerned, Kokovtzov himself woul,
not devise for the sake OF his prestiel
new prosecutions against them. but h
will never dare, and eve II ne dare
he will never be able TO obstruct IN
stream OF the nov fashionable cur
rents IN Russia.
II shall be very glad to see 70,
when YOU come IN us.
with best wishes for your health,
"CorSr wrrTx.
October 3-ls."
other letters from Count witte ar
as follows:
"VrLLA NARICHKINE. BIARRIrz,
October 3 (new style), 1919.
DEAR Mr.. BERNSTEIN: ! have re
was addressed to St. Petersburg an
am in Biarritz, whore will sta
about W. months and then return I
Russia,
THANK you very much for you
statement about Mr.. Wilson.
II do not think that in view OF III
present false nationalIstic course q