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r9i4] M. KOKOVTZOFFS RESIGNATION 241
of the people? Instead, Kokovtzoff set himself to
defend the very system of the monopoly, and thus
injured himself in public opinion, as well as in the mind
of the Emperor, who at this period had already taken
the firm resolution—alas! far too late—to put an end
to the terrible disease of Russia—the alcoholism of an
entire people. A few days later Kokovtzoff had to
resign the posts of President of the Council and of
Minister of Finance. On leaving he received the title
of Count, and a sum of 300,000 roubles, a gratuity which
nevertheless he promptly and absolutely declined, in
spite of an almost entire lack of private means. He
was replaced as Minister of Finance by M. Bark, an
intelligent and experienced bank-manager, but nothing
more.
In the person of Kokovtzoff the Emperor lost a
sincere councillor, moderate and scrupulously truthful,
and the State lost an earnest financier and a Minister
who was absolutely upright and a gentleman. His
departure still further increased the internal and
external perils of Russia. On questions of foreign policy
Kokovtzoff had no preconceived system; if he had had
the power he would, I think, have been inclined to
subordinate these questions as much as possible to those
of the economic prosperity of Russia. A sincere friend
of France and the French, Kokovtzoff, however, was
often obliged to turn his face towards Berlin, first, in
view of the immediate financial interests of the State,
and then because of the fear of a rupture with Germany.
No one dreaded war for Russia so much as Kokovtzoff,
for he was aware both of our lack of military
preparation and of the revolutionary ferment which was
penetrating ever more deeply into the lower classes
and gaining ground daily.
Count Kokovtzoff was replaced, as President of the
Council, by M. Goremykin. Soon after his appointment
I called on this respectable old gentleman and his
charming and worthy wife. M. Goremykin complained
bitterly of not being allowed to end his days in peace.
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