New-York tribune., 1917-06-18
By ISAAC DON LEVINE

France, between Nicholas II and Kaiser
Wilhelm has just been revealed b.
the Moscow "Russkoye Slovo." The dis
closures have produced a profound SEN
eation throughout Europe. To those
who since the Russian revolution
poured out their sympathy for the
fallen Car, expressing their belief IN
his uprightness and loyalty 70 the Al
lies, the revelations came as a bolt
from the blue.
The chief sponsor for the startling
disclosures was the late Count Witte,
the Russian statesman, whose literary
trustee, B. Glinski a reputable Russian
editor, gives in the "Russkoye Slovo'
Whites momentous story. 1t proves be-
yond any doubt that Nicholas II was
a weak person, who always had TO be
kept under control. He was influenced
into signing both pacts by the Kaiser,
without realizing the stupendous crime
he was committing, in the first instance.
against Russia's ally, France. One gets
the impression from Count Writes
story that Nicholas lacked even ele-
mentary intelligence.
The information was furnished by
the Russian statesman to VI. Glinski IN
the course of several conversations,
only to be published after his death.
"Witte always feared" tells Glinski,
"lest | disclose some of the intimate
information he had conveyed to me
about the conduct and activities Of
Nicholas II. Count Witte and Car
Nicholas felt toward each other a pro-
found antipathy. Nicholas feared Witte
and could not pardon him the manifesto
of October, 1905"
Witte Hoped for Recall
Still. Witte hoped that some day the
Car would call him again to power
He was therefore careful to emphasize
his monarchistic convictions, but was
unable to conceal his irritation against
the Emperor. The Czarina was even
more hostile toward Witte than her
husband For she could never forget
a certain incident that occurred in Ii
vadia in 1904. In that year Nicholas
was dangerously i'll, and Witte visited
him in the Crimea. General Kur0pat-
kin was in the Cars residence when
Witte arrived. The Minister Of the
Court Baron Fredericks, joined the two
guests in a conference.
The object of the conference was 10
discuss the future ruler Of Russia in
case of the death Of Nicholas. who had
no son at the time. The Russian law
forbids the succession of a woman to
the throne. Kuropatkin and Fredericks
did not know what TO do. Witte, who
forgot that the Czarina was soon TO be-
come mother, suggested the imme-
diate invitation of Grand Duke Michael,
the Cars brother, to Livadia, so that
he could be proclaimed Emperor in case
Of the death of Nicholas.
The proposal Of Wtte was commu
nicated to the Czarina by Baron Fred
ericks. From that time Alexandra
Feodoroyna harbored the bitterest
hatred for Witte.
"She cannot forgive my careless sug-
gestion," said Witte.
Saved Cars Throne"
OF Nicholas himself the Russian
statesman spoke as follows:
81 saved him the throne in 1905, and
! did il not on his account but on
account of his little son, whom loved.
| saw that the elements let loose in
1905 were ready TO strike az the throne
and sweep out the Cars family, in
cludng the innocent infant and his
mother. Then ! proposed the consti-
tuition, backed by Prince Obolensky
/ and Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaievltch,
/ in order to save Nicholas, and it ac
| complished its purposes. The liberal
parties began 10 quarrel among them
selves, forgetting Tsarskoe-Selo. The
game was won, but instead Of being
grateful Nicholas began to hate me,
seeking only pretence to get rid Of me
/ entirely.
"He suspected me OF desire to
usurp his power, establish in Russia
a republican form of government and
become the first President of the Re-
public of Russia. lie was obviously
. instigated by my enemies in his sus-
picions. although there was not grain
of truth in them. ! am a genuine
monarchist by conviction, and proba-
blv would not be inclined at the pres
ent moment 20 recommend constitu-
tional government to the Car, but in
| 1905 it was necessary"
The question Of succession 10 the
Russian throne always interested Witte
greatly. The poor health of Grand
Duke Alexis was partly responsible for
IL. But it was evident that the former
Prime Minister did not consider the
position Of Nicholas 10 be firm and per-
manent. lie expected some kind Of up
heaval.
The outbreak Of the present war
found Witte in a German resort, but he
managed TO escape in time. When he
reached Petrograd he was extremely
excited. He cursed and denounced both
Nicholas and Wilhelm. Pointing to the
autograph portrait Of the Kaiser on his
desk, he said:
"He is crazy, vulgar and cowardly.
u was but necessary for him TO make a
sign with his finger and he would have
been granted some commercial adyan-
taqes. saving Europe from bloodshed.'
When Whites attention was called 10
the fact that he was considered in
Russia n Gormanophilc, friend Of the
Kaiser, he retorted:
what nonsense, Perhaps no other
Russian is so hated by Wilhelm as l..
/ n was | who was responsible for the
/ annulmcnt of the double treaty, for
both offensive and defensive war. con-
cluded between Nicholas II and Wilhelm
at Bjorke."
Reveals Secret Treaty
NJ Glinski was dumfounded What
treaty was Witte talking about2 He
expressed his amszement and igno-
rance. Agitated, Witte arose from his
chair locked the door Of his Office and
turned toward his literary trustee with
these words;
do YOU believe in God7 Swear that
you will not utter word about il in
your magazine while ! am alive. When
| an dead, at an opportune moment
you will publicly inform Russia OF the
+ liFht- ht-headedness-or, YOU may call u
frchson---of Nlcholas II. Here Is q pho