The visit of the British Deputation to Russia has been
an unqualified success, all classes and parties vieing with each other in manifestations of friendliness and goodwill. The " English week" in St. Petersburg included a reception by the Emperor, a visit to the Duma, and banquets given by the Mayor, at the Town Hall, and by the President of the Duma. At the Parliamentary banquet General Rehrberg, a Crimean veteran, in proposing the health of the British Army, generously recalled the feat of the British cavalry at Balaklava as one which would for ever remain memorable amongst Russians. M. Miliukoff, the well-known Liberal leader, also made an admirable speech, emphasizing the Parliamentary character of the visit and its value in dissipating the ignorance which prevailed abroad regarding Russia and the Russians. On Monday, a banquet was given to the visitors by the Russo- British Chamber of Commerce, the Bourse, and the Trade and Industrial Committees, and on Tuesday the Deputation left for Moscow. Here the reception was no less enthusiastic. At the banquet given by the Municipality Lord Weardale, replying to the Mayor's speech of welcome, pointed out that Moscow had been chiefly instrumental in preparing the way for the Duma, and Mr. Harold Baker, M.P., observed that, as a Liberal, all he had seen and heard during his visit confirmed his view that it was a mistake for a section of his fellow- countrymen to try to interfere in the internal affairs of another country. Both in St. Petersburg and Moscow the Press of all shades agree in expressing confidence that the visit will do much to strengthen the ties of friendship between the two nations.
