Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-23
PlQceHeldbu
Russ in War
ISDun1QTQlk

Petrograd, Feb % (via London, Feb
%, noon.)-Addressin the duma to-
day, Foreign Minister Sazonoff re-
viewed the war situation optimistical-
ly, although he declared it more diff
cult now than ever to forsee the end
Of the world struggle.
"The imperial government is I'M
shaken in its determination to con-
tinue the struggle to conquer the en-
emy," he said. This war is the great
est crime Of high treason against hui
mainly. Those who provoked it bear
heavy responsibility and today stand
entirely unmasked.
I'VE know who it was that let loose
which Europe is oppressed. Even Ger
man public opinion is beginning to re-
alize that the German people have
been the dupes of those who thought
the hour had come to realize the
dreams of plumber and rapine they
had cherished so long"
NJ Sazonoff, discussing Russian
American relations, said:
THE interest which American in
dustry has in our markets." he said,
permit us to hope that in addition to
the friendly political relations now
existing between the two countries,
an economic rapproachement may be
brought about which would be Of the
greatest benefit to both nations. In
any case, the Russian government will
put forth all it's efforts to this end
The foreign minister also referred
to "maladroit and importune propa-
ganda of German agents in America"
which he said mot only failed in its
object but provoked a certain irrita-
ton and appreciably chilled American
sympathies for Germany"
In regard to Russias relations with
Sweden, the foreign minister said:
Our only sentiment toward the
Swedes is one Of sincere friendship.
Any pretext Of conflicting interests
could only be artificial. Russia's his
tory does not impel her towards the
coast of Scandinavia. She must OBJ
tain an outlet in free sea in quite an
other direction"
NJ. Sazonoff then turned to Ruma-
mia, saying:
"Rumana will not betray her own
interests and when the hour strikes
she will know how to realize her ma
tional unity at the cost Of her own
blood She may be certain that'in de-
Tending herself against the attempts Of
a common enemy to interfere with the
independence of her decisions she will
find real support"
The speech Of Emperor Nicholas be-
fore the duma was devoted principally
to the victory Of the Russians at Err
zerum.
81 rejoice that I am able to join you
In thanksgiving for the brilliant vic
tory Of our army of the Caucasus"
the emperor said. Il pray for Gods
blessing on your labors In this time
of trial and am convinced you will use
all your experience and knowledge and
be guided by love of your country in
the work for which you are response
BILE to the country and to me-"
Berlin, Feb. 90 tvia wireless to Say
ville.) "At the meeting OF
the duma," says the Overseas News
Agency, members Of the progressive
bloc (the coalition majority rescinded
its former resolution insisting on all
the reforms proposed by it, and decid-
ed to ask only for cabinet composed
OF men who enjoy the confidence OF
the country.
THE progressive party, comprising
the right wing Of the progressive bloc,
suggested that the platform of the
bloc ought to include a demand for a
parliamentary government with re-
sponsible ministers. This proposal
was not supported by a majority OF
Continued on Page Eleven.)