letters, adresses ete. begging me not to conclude peace on hard terms. There
are two pomts upon which every good Russian agrees to vontinue the ficht to
the end if Japan insists on them: not an inch of our territory. not one rouble of
war indemnity. And these are preeisely the terms whiel the Japanese do not
want to give way in. Nothing either will induce me to eonsenut to these two
demands. Therefore there is no hope for peace for the present. You
know how I häte bloodshed, but till it is preferable to an ignominions
peace, when the faith in oneself, in one’s fatherland, would be
seattered to pieces. Perhaps to morrow this question will be decided. I am
ready to carry the whole responsibility m yself,m y conscience being cleare.
and knowing the great bulk of my people Lacking me up. I am perfectly aware
of the immense seriousness of the moment I am living in, but I cannot act otherwise.
Thank you for the interest you take in my troubles. Best love from Alix.
Nicky.
42.
Vom Schloß Rominten 11. September, 12 Uhr 20 Minuten mittag.
Sa Majeste l’Empereur.
By Your kind order Witte will be here on 26—-13 m. Is he informed of
our treaty? Am I to tell him about it if he is not? Best love 10 Alix; killed four
stags here, nothing especially big, weatlier cool and fine. Waidınanns Heil!
43.
Sa Majest& l’Empereur.—Rominten.
Till now the Grand Duke Nikolas, the war minister, the chief of General
staff and Iamsdorff are informed about treaty. Have nothing against your
telling Witte about it. Enjoying my stay on the Polar Star, dry fine weather.
Best: love from Alix. Waidmanns Dank.
Nicky.
44.
Aus Homburg Schloß, 4. September, 9 Uhr 30 Minuten vormittag.
Witte is, as I hear, on his return journey. Would you allow him to visit
me “en passant” on his way to Russia? As I intend decorating him on account
of the eorning into existence of the treaty of commerce, which he concluded
last year with Bülow. Happy cruise! Our maneuvres most interesting in lovely
eöuntry, but very wet! Best love to Alix.
Willy.
