Mr. Wurts to Mr. Foster.
St. Petersburg, July 20, 1892. (Received August 4.)
Sir: I have the honor to report to you that the steamer Leo, Capt. Cairns, bringing some 3,000,000 pounds of grain for the famine sufferers in Russia, reached St. Petersburg the morning of the 14th instant. The cargo of this vessel was raised by the efforts of the newspaper, Christian Herald, and the Rev. Dr. T. DeWitt Talmage, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Dr. Talmage and Mr. Louis Klopsch, the proprietor, I understand, of that publication, arrived here in time the same morning to meet their messenger of good will and sympathy, and by invitation of the prefect, proceeded down the river as the Leo approached the lower port. On the prefect’s launch were also the mayor and several members of the city council of St. Petersburg, the marshal of the nobility of the province, the marshal of nobility of the district, Count Andre Bobrinsky, representing the special committee of the Czarowitz for the famine relief, the consul-general of the United States, and the members of this legation. The captain of the Leo was cordially saluted and congratulated upon the happy termination of his voyage. Speeches were made by the mayor and Dr. Talmage. A handsome silver speaking trumpet was presented by the mayor to the captain, whilst his first mate was the recipient of a silver gilt drinking cup. A few days later a small silver cup was presented by the mayor to each member of the crew of the Leo.
There was great publicity given to the reception of Dr. Talmage and Mr. Klopsch at the city hall, which was finely decorated with the flags of the United States and Russia, plants, flowers, etc., and when they were presented by the mayor and council with an album bound in silver and enamel, containing an address of thanks for their offering. Speeches were made by the mayor, Dr. Talmage, Mr. Klopsch, and Count A. Bobrinsky, and the meeting terminated with a toast to the President of the United States by the mayor, which received response by Dr. Talmage, who proposed the health of the Emperor and Empress. There was no representative of the Imperial Government present beyond the local authorities.
The coming of the Leo with its partial cargo for the famine sufferers was, if possible, of a more private character than that of the preceding four vessels, for, in connection with these, several communications were sent by the Department; but there is not a line on file at this legation of the dispatch of the Leo, either from Dr. Talmage, Mr. Klopsch, or any other party.
Dr. Talmage and Mr. Klopsch were treated with great attention during their stay, and were sent for by the Czarowitz at Peterhof, who expressed to them his appreciation of their kindness. Dr. Talmage is to have audience, at his own request, of the Emperor, on Friday, the 22d.
The grain brought by the Leo filled one hundred cars, was apportioned among sixteen provinces and consigned to fifty-seven centers or persons for distribution.
I have, etc.,
Chargé d’Affaires ad interim.