242 



The Review of Reviews. 



and I \entured to say some things as to the obstacles 

 that stand to-day in the way of a larger commercial 

 intercourse between the two nations. First, there 

 ought to be a simplification of the customs. 

 The Custom House machinery must be made 

 to work more smoothly and quickly. Secondly, 

 there is a tendency in some local administrations 

 to put obstacles in the way of the employment of 

 ]>;nglisii overseers, foremen, and managers. These 

 ubs'tacles are not created by the law of the Empire, 

 but local prejudice is difficult to overcome, and there 

 are also restrictions imposed by the police in some 

 localities. Thirdly, there should be some arrangement 

 made for the settlement of disputes by a system of 

 friendly arbitration. My remarks were received in a 

 very friendly spirit." 



" I suppose you found German competition very 

 much en evidence 1 " 



" From all I could learn the Germans do a large 

 business, but it is for the most part in cheaper articles 

 than our manufacturers care to turn out. Naturally, 

 so long as our people can find a demand for better- 

 class goods, they are not going to turn on to inferior 

 qualities." 



" Did you sec much of the political side of things ? " 



" No. We went to the Duma and heard, but did not 

 understand, a debate. Then we were entertained 

 and listened to speeches all full of goodwill. But 

 we naturally did not venture upon controversial topics. 

 I heard nothing of Finland, nothing of Persia. I had 

 several conversations at the reception by the Duma 

 with various members to whom I was introduced, and 

 in those different conversations had plenty of evidence 

 as to the great variety and difference in opinions. 



One had, of course, other conversations at the various 

 dinner-tables and receptions, where naturally one had 

 to realise that one was a guest." 



" How did it go at Tsarskoe Selo ? " 



" Very well indeed. The Emperor seemed to me 

 a man of firmer character than I had expected. The 

 Empress was charming. I had a curious e.xperience at 

 the palace of taking precedence of a Bishop. The 

 Bishop of Ossory, not being a Lord in Parliament, 

 and only the Bishop of a Disestablished Church, 

 stood below me. Apart from banquets and those 

 receptions that we all attended, the Bishops, together 

 with Lord Hugh Cecil and Mr. Birkbeck, were, I 

 think, mostly together in gatherings connected with 

 the Greek Church. In the few speeches I heard from 

 the Bishops, apart from the spirit of friendliness, I 

 did not catch any verv distinctive note. But very 

 likely these were reserved fof their gatherings with 

 the representatives of the Greek Church." 



" Then you were a pretty harmonious party ? " 

 " Yes, most harmonious. We agreed at St. Peters- 

 burg, with a view of meeting as many as possible of 

 those who wished to receive us, to be .sent wherever 

 our leaders chose, and this plan answered very well. 

 I understand before we left a Russian said that we 

 were the first party from other countries that had 

 visited Russia and had not quarrelled amongst them- 

 selves. It was, of course, a great disappointment 

 that the Speaker had to return from Berlin on account 

 of his father's death, but Lord Weardale excelled 

 himself as the chief spokesman- of the party. He was 

 indefatigable, full of energy, bonhomie, and tact. 

 Altogether it was a most enjoyable visit, and, I believe, 

 will bear srood fruit." 



KtitltdfUntutit, It 



A German View of Recent Anglo-German Differences. 



(I) " llulli) ! Here's ulil Michael ; wlial a lark ! \\C laii <li) w'aat we like with liiin, lie's such a iionr-spirited |iarl)'." 

 (i) " Donncrwcllcr ! " 



