TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES.

Sir,—The English Government has, I understand, declared an amnesty to all deserters and political offenders, and these are all hastening to enrol themselves in the fighting army. How wise is this measure! How well it proves England’s ability to make use of national patriotism. This, I feel, is the true way also for the Russians. It would be indeed good if, when so many misunderstandings are being cleared away, we could have in Russia a day of forgiveness, a restoration to her bosom of all those wilful children who in this time of national danger look lovingly to Russia as to their true mother, and could be reconciled to her. Many in Russia hope that the Tsar will be able to grant an amnesty to political prisoners and exiles.

Not long ago almost half of Russia was acting, as many of us thought, mistakenly and foolishly, and making even serious sacrifices for that folly. In England people often spoke to me about this, and I began to dream of founding a society for the reclamation and return to Russia of those who had outlived their ideas of revolution, and who after all loved Russia, right or wrong. Unfortunately this scheme met with many obstacles. A society of that kind required not only many members, but also a cautious committee not liable to fall into traps. And I failed to procure them.

I have just read a most touching petition signed by 110 prisoners confined in cells in the Petrograd prison of solitary confinement. It was composed by one of the prisoners and handed from cell to cell for signature. It prays the Emperor to look mercifully on them, and to grant forgiveness for the fact that they once raised their hands against Russia. The prisoners ask that they may be allowed to prove their love for Russia by bearing arms for her on the field of battle against the Germans. “Call us, most merciful Emperor, to the ranks of your loyal army, and having expiated our sins by our sufferings, we will march forward shoulder to shoulder with our brothers in inspired and invincible faith. . . .” Such petitions scarcely remain unheard.

Let Russia imitate the bold measure taken by the English. It would have the same result with us as with them. Already warlike enthusiasm has transformed the whole of Russia into a sober, united, and mighty body, which has found expression in even stronger form than could have been expected.

I was in Moscow at the moment when our Monarch’s mighty voice sounded in defence of little Serbia. I was driving near the Tverskoi Boulevard when a shouting crowd rushed past me, who (said the bystanders) were off to a restaurant. “But what for.” said I in dismay, “do they want to drink?” “Oh no, they want to call out the orchestra to play and sing the National Hymn.” I stopped. The orchestra appeared, and played our “God Save the Tsar,” while the whole crowd joined in song. Happy and touched, I followed them. Most were singing and shouting “Hurrah,” some praying and making the sign of the Cross—the throng continually increasing. Similar scenes occurred daily in various quarters of the town. One evening an idle crowd had assembled near St. Saviour’s Church. A priest appeared with a cross. The whole crowd fell on their knees and prayed. Such moments one can never forget, and for such moments we thank God. People say that in Petrograd the demonstrations were even more grand. Perhaps so, but then it is not the fault of poor orphaned Moscow that nowadays she does not occupy first place. Whenever the Emperor visits Moscow, and speaks there with his powerful and animating voice, Moscow rises to unapproachable heights of enthusiasm and to resolutions of unbounded self-sacrifice. No coldness, nor reservation of sympathy then!

Therefore, I venture to repeat my convictions—Russia should grant an amnesty to those who, though they have offended against the laws of Russia, still love Russia and wish to stand by her in the hour of her trial Russia would gain much by such an amnesty. New forces would doubtless rise to the surface, with new feelings of gratitude for the opportunity of helping Russia, at willing sacrifice of “life for the Tsar.” As one who, through long residence in England and intimate study of the English spirit, understands what we have to gain from following England’s example of gentleness, I make this plea in your great paper, now so much read  in Russia.

OLGA NOVIKOFF (née K1REEFF.)

Petrograd, Hotel d’Europe.