The Claims for Freedom.

Feilding Star, Volume XXVII, Issue XXVII, 30 November 1905, Page 2

The Claims for Freedom.

Connt Wittes Opinions. Reoeived Nov 80, 7.48 a.m. • St Petersburg, Nov 29. ■ A group of Caucasian citizans begged Count Witte not to grant autonomy to Finland, Poland, Cauoasia and Trans-Caucasia, without reference to the Douma, since a | majority of Russians were opposed to autonomy. Count Witte replied to the citizens that he would never submit to the • Czar any measure tending to produce the separation of the outlying countries. It would be an act of lunacy to take ah istyjdecision which would result in the dismemberment \ of territory won by Russian blood. The initiative must only prooeed > from the Douma since the 0:;ar • wished all his good subjeots to . enjoys peaceful and tranquil life, i The Government was bound to - respect and maintain the national i characteristics ot all sections so that all would find themselves at home in Russia.