Page:Ossendowski - The Shadow of the Gloomy East.djvu/184

168 "Thou, O wise Emperor, seest my pain and his crime. Thou instructest!"

Witte did not go to Rome, and the Russian envoy Giers settled the matter single-handed; true he had an easy task, as the excellent and energetic action of British and French diplomacy frustrated all the plans and efforts Prince Billow undertook at Rome.

On hearing of the declaration of war against Germany, Count Witte became pale like death, crossed himself with his usual wide gesture, reflected for a long time, gazing at the statue of Alexander III and the portrait of William II bearing the Kaiser's own dedication. After a long silence Witte said:

"Those two always dreamed of war. The Tsar wanted it to come in fifty years' time, the Kaiser wanted it at once. The Tsar knew that the people are bereft of patriotism, intelligence, nerves; that the Treasury is empty; that there are no resources in the stores! The Tsar knew that the revolutionary spirit penetrated deeply the popular masses. Therefore he became the 'apostle of peace' in Europe and tried to prevent war. William knew it too and was confident of victory. The Tsar and myself, we both thwarted his plans. Now all is lost The Japanese war taught Russia nothing, it has made her even more reckless and hysterical. Remember, this war will ruin Russia; we shall lose the war and Europe will be lost in revolution. Under its debris the dynasty will perish! I am sorry for Nicholas II, for he is the son of the greatest