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t9t4] DANGERS IN RUSSIA
285
regime granted in October, 1905, and to stop the Rasputin
scandal, which was deeply humiliating even the most
faithful servants of the Throne, and beginning to
discredit the Sovereign himself amongst the lower classes.
But, although thoroughly aware of the remedies, these
gentlemen thought the application of these remedies
would at once remove the whole trouble, and would
restore to the Dynasty and to the Imperial Government,
public confidence, which at that time was absolutely
lacking. According to them, none of the foreign prestige
of Russia could be sacrificed; it would suffice that a
homogeneous Ministry composed of honest and wise
men like themselves should be entrusted with the
governing of Russia, for the internal ferment to calm
down instantly, giving place to systematic and fruitful
work, which in its turn would strengthen the
international position of the country. These men, although
intelligent and well-meaning, did not realise that the
mistakes accumulated by the Government and the
unbridled propaganda of the opposition parties had sapped
the very foundations of national existence to such an
extent, that the entire people and the whole country
showed symptoms of an acute and serious disease. The
State so grievously afflicted internally could not live a
normal life externally. Far more than in 1856 had
Russia need to collect herself} That is what was not
understood in our country for several reasons, the
principal one being that statesmen of the stamp of
Prince Gortchakoff no longer existed, or else were not
called to power.
I spent the summer in town, having to buy furniture,
and also having planned to take a cure in September,
and to make a short stay in Italy with my family. As if
on purpose, the summer promised to be remarkably fine
and hot, and we ended by regretting that we were not
spending it in the country.
1 "Russia is not sulking; Russia is collecting herself"—famous
saying by Prince Gortchakoff.
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