Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - XXII. Evil omens in Petrograd
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
Below is the raw OCR text
from the above scanned image.
Do you see an error? Proofread the page now!
Här nedan syns maskintolkade texten från faksimilbilden ovan.
Ser du något fel? Korrekturläs sidan nu!
This page has never been proofread. / Denna sida har aldrig korrekturlästs.
420 EVIL OMENS IN PETROGRAD [chap. xxii.
assume the responsibility of commanding under such
circumstances might seem a great and noble sacrifice,
and many Russians—I amongst them—considered that
the Emperor had done well in assuming the supreme
responsibility. Moreover, one hoped that this decision,
by removing him from the unwholesome and mad
atmosphere of Tsarskoe-Selo and by bringing him
forcibly into closer touch with his generals—all animated
by the same patriotic anxiety as most of Russian public
opinion was—would have a beneficial action on the
home policy of Russia. But the men who understood
the situation best did not share this hope. Hence at a
Council held in October, 1915, all the Ministers who were
described as "Liberal" had spoken, in the presence of
Nicolas II., in a frank and explicit way against the
change of Generalissimo and the Emperor’s departure
for Headquarters. Sazonoff and General Polivanoff
were the most vehement on the subject.
It was even then being said that His Majesty was
offended with the opposers and had decided on principle
to dismiss them. Towards the end of October, 1915, there
was much persistent talk of M. Sazonoff’s retirement.
The President of the Council, the aged and feeble M.
Goremykin, was, it was said, to be appointed Chancellor
of the Empire, with M. Schebeko at his side to share in
the part of director of Foreign Affairs. But this change
did not take place. In June, 1916, M. Sazonoff was still
in office, whereas all his former friends in the Cabinet
had been dismissed and replaced by Sturmer’s creatures
or by people who were absolutely inexperienced and
new to their work.1
The presence of Nicolas II. at General Headquarters
and his absence from Tsarskoe were of no use—as
well-informed people had foreseen—either to the affairs
of the Empire or those of the Army. The Empress
Alexandra’s influence was becoming greater and
1 With one exception: M. Klaritonoft’s successor was M. Pokrovsky,
a man of undeniable intellectual worth and high moral qualities ; I shall
have occasion to allude to him again.
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
