Mr. Wurts to Mr. Blaine.
St. Petersburg, May 16, 1892. (Received May 31, 1892.)
Sir: The Official Gazette of the lst–13th instant published a ukase as follows:
In view of the favorable results obtained from the measures taken, by imperial order, to assure food for the people and seed for the fields, it is judged useful, for the sake of the national commerce, to authorize—
- (1)
- The free exportation of maize, both by sea and by the western continental frontier.
- (2)
- The free exportation of the stock of oats in store at Archangel, Libau, Reval, and Riga, the ministry of finance being charged to make proper arrangements in detail for the control of the customs institutions.
This is the first official indication that the terrible trial to which Russia has been subjected these last six months is drawing to a close. It is moreover confidently believed that the exportation of all grain, with the exception of rye, will be permitted from the 1st of July, or perhaps, as some say, even as early as the 1st of June, old style. There has also been of late a collapse in the price of grain, the fall being between 80 and 100 per cent, which has developed the existence of vast quantities of grain hoarded by speculators. This will enable the authorities to deal easily with what remains of the famine, and with the opening of navigation everywhere it is fully expected that the condition of the people in the suffering provinces of the Empire will soon resume its normal appearance. The third and the fourth vessel sent with provisions from the United States will still reach these shores in time to alleviate much distress, as also to escape the criticism of “bringing coals to Newcastle;” but it may now be questioned whether it be advisable to make further donations in kind for the relief of the famine stricken of Russia. In fact, several newspapers of this country have plainly intimated that these gifts should cease, as they derange the market, erroneous ideas existing as to the quantity of grain sent from America.
It is, however, safe to say that contributions in money will still be welcome and of great help to the impoverished people of the provinces not yet recovered from the severe crisis of the past winter.
I have, etc.,