Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-03-14
COUNT WITTE OF
RUSSIA is DEAD

NCShhneNu Ahoii A0to OhesJ
to consider terms Of peace. the tide
turned and practically the entire nation
united in demanding the selection OF
Witte as plenipotentiary. At the Ports
mouth conference he succeeded in gaining
terms under which Russia was not Obliged
to pay q cash indemnity 70 Japan. This
was considered a remarkable achievement
and Wittc became hero in his own coun-
try The emperor rewarded him for his
services by appointing him a count.
supporter OF jews.
Witto throughout his career was 70
gardod as a supporter OF the Jews. On
several occasions no made public utter
anca Of his belief that the government
should cease its persecution OF the Jews.
and after his second marriage he exerteo
his Influence to this end.
The counts second wife. whom he mar
ried shortly after ne became minister OF
finance. was Jewess She was an ex-
ceedingly clever woman and stories have
been told Of her speculation upon the
BouEse and the profits she made.
II was one of Whites ambitions after
his second marriage to secure social
recognition for his wife. This was re-
fused him even during the height of hts
power as minister OF finance. IL was
even said that the emperor onos Informed
him bluntiy that he must forget that he
was married. Victory. however, came al
last when he was given the title Of
count and appointed premier. The en-
press received Countess witte ut the
palace at PeterhoE imperial recognition
being the open-sssame to all doors.
FIRST Premier Of Russia.
! 1t was AZ this time that the Russian
people began ciamortng harder than ever
for share IN the government. When thu
imperial manifesto was Issued which
granted some OF the demands. wItte be-
came premier in Russia's first real cab
met on October 81. 1906. His appointment
AZ president Of the ministers !. was an
noanced week later The next day he
pledEsd himself TO support the plan TOR q
convocAtion OF tho Nstionai assembly
Because OF the influence Of tho powerful
interests opposed to democratic reforms,
he experienced considerable difficulty In
forming q cabinet Tho iibarala refused 70
life . finger 70 aid him. AZ the second
session Of his oabinst on November II
q prcjoct was oonaidered for placing the
Council Of the Empire on an elective
basis.
This was difficult period IN the in
ternal history of Russia. There wero seri-
Gus labor troubles in all parts OF the
empire. Serious threats ON tho part OF
Poles 70 proclaim revolution LED Count
White 10 advise the emperor to declare
martial law IN Poland. Troops were en-.
pioyed to ouen disorders In various sec
lions Of the country. Reports were current
that he had been condemned 70 death
by the anarchists. On November 1s the
premier made personal appeal TO work
men TO return to their duties, but his
efforts had no immediate effect ana the
workmen'a council broke Off negotiations
with him two days later. On November
4, however. after an ail-night session. the
council decided TO end the strike.
The number OF enemies OF the premier
steadily increased and the demand tor hls
removal gained strength. Dissatisfied
with his treatment at their hands and
feeling taat u was beyond has power q
restore tranquility, Count witte rendered
his resignation ~ premier on Deoemhar
Z 1901 but II was not accepted and he
was ordered 10 retain his office until he
was relieved. Official announcement that
his resignation had been accepted was
made. however. on May 4 1853, ana his
retirement from public life became com
plete. In his farewell rescrips to Count
Witte. Emperor Nicholas thanked him
cordially for bis services 10 the empire.