took place between Alexeiev, the
Russian commander-in-chief, and a journalist:

ALEXEIEV: I can get nothing from them [ministers]. My
supplies are decreasing.... It is even necessary to think.
Through the Duma they begged the Emperor to put in ministers
whom the people could trust, but he, as if to show his
contempt for public opinion, selected men of low character,
one worse than the other, men with whom even decent
monarchists would not shake hands, and in shame withdrew
from court.]

[FN: about bread. We are already cutting down the allowance.
They have forgotten about food for the horses....]

JOURNALIST: What are you going to do about it?

A. What shall I do? With these people there is nothing that can be done.

J. Have you said anything to the Tsar about it?

A. I have... but it does no good.

J. Why?

A. While you talk to him he pays attention, gets worked up, is eager to
do something... but as soon as he leaves you he forgets about it. All
kinds of pressure are brought to bear upon him, he is not a free man.

J. Is it true that the Tsarina has much influence?

A. It is only too true. Her influence is irresistible. What is worse she
never comes out in the open. She interferes with everybody, but works
behind their backs. You never can tell what she will do next. Every time
she comes here she makes new trouble.

J. Do the ministers ever consult you?

A. They come, they talk. What can they do? The honest ministers leave
and the worthless remain.... If it were not for the war I would resign
too. If I should leave what would not they do with the army? Do I not
understand that Sturmer and Company are thinking only of an alliance
with Germany?... The home situation is serious. They [ministers]
are purposely instigating hunger disturbances in order to provoke a
revolution so as to have an excuse for breaking away from the Allies and
end the war. Our army is now in condition to crush Germany and without
that there can be no real peace in Europe. But a permanent peace is not
wanted by Sturmer and Protopopov, they wish to keep the people under
the heel of a strong Germany. Apart from the Germans no one will protect
them from the revolution. The pity of it all is that at the head of
the government there still are men who are interested in crushing the
people.]

[FN: Princess Vasilchikov, a prominent court lady, became
convinced that the Empre