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Anna Rodzianko to Prince Felix Yusupov 1917 Signed Letter
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Rare letter dated 20th February 1917 signed by Anna Nikolaevna Rodzianko nee Princess Galitzine (1859-1929), wife of the President of the Duma. The letter is addressed to her nephew Prince Felix Yusupov. The letter goes into great detail regarding the days up to the February Revolution. Two days after this letter was written workers of the Putilov Factory, Petrograd’s largest industrial plant, announced a strike to demonstrate against the government. By 1917, the majority of Russians had lost faith in the Tsarist regime. Government corruption was unrestrained, and Tsar Nicholas II had frequently disregarded the Dumas. Thousands of workers flooded the streets of Petrograd to show their dissatisfaction - the Revolution had started.
Anna's husband Mikhail Vladimirovich Rodzianko (1859 - 1924) held a prominent position in Russian Society and was a pious and conservative politician. He was State Councillor and Chamberlain for the Imperial family, Chairman of the State Duma and in the February Revolution he headed the Provisional Committee of the State Duma. He tried to save the monarchy and on 7th January 1917 he told the Tsar in regard of his government: "All the best men have been removed or have retired. There remain those of ill repute." He was a key figure in the events that led to the abdication of Nicholas II of Russia on 15th March 1917.
ix days after this letter was written, Rodzianko urged the Tsar to promulgate reforms in a telegram: "Serious situation in the capital, where anarchy reigns. General discontent increasing. In the streets, uninterrupted firing, and one part of the troops is firing on the other. It is necessary to nominate without delay a person possessing the confidence of the people and who would form a new Government. To wait is impossible." Nicholas refused to reply.
Rodzianko discussed the situation with General Nikolai Ruzsky, who had the Imperial Train stopped in Pskov. Nicholas II had no other choice than to follow Rodzianko's advice. On 2nd March 1917 a Russian Provisional Government was formed, which included members of the Social Revolutionary Party. Rodzianko appointed General Lavr Kornilov as head over the troops in Petrograd. In the evening Rodzianko led abdication talks with Tsar. Rodzianko remained Prime Minister just for a few days. After the October Revolution he left to go to Rostov-on-Don and the Crimea. He supported Anton Denikin and Peter Wrangel but when it became clear the White Army had lost he emigrated to Serbia in 1920. There he wrote his memoirs 'The Reign of Rasputin: an Empire's Collapse'. According to Bernard Pares he died in great poverty.
"20th Feb 1917
Dear Felix,
I was very happy to receive your letter. Your kind words of compasion to me were very pleasant. For all of us, it is not easy to live properly. And your poor Diadia ('Uncle' her husband, President the Duma) is really a martyr, everyone counts on him for the future of Russia. All are hoping that we can come out of this nightmarish situation but unfortunately we can do nothing. At Tsarskoe Selo they listen less (Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna) and they are even more afraid of the Duma. Over there they are absolutely sure that thanks to Protopopoff (Alexander D. Protapopov (1866-1918) Minister of the Interior 1916-1917), appointed by Rasputin, that they have nothing to fear. Protopopoff has persuaded him (Nicholas II) that only thanks to him being strong and wise has the country managed to avoid xxx 14th (February 1917). It was another crazy day on the 15th when the new minister declared: "I would like to hold all in the hands of Russia, and I alone will hold the Duma" All this has been transmited to Tsarskoe and they (Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna) have been told that all of Russia has confidence in him alone. We also heard rumors about Bedmaiev (Tibetan doctor Peter Badmayev 1850-1923), the assumptions about his(Nicholas II) illness appears that it could be beneficial (to the country). Yesterday she ( Alexandra Feodorovna) invited Bekhteterev (Vladimir 1857-1927), the most famous neurologist of the era ) to examine her husband. And it seems that he is between Stavka (Army Headquarters) and xxx. His mother M.F. (Marie Feodorovna) is expected to go (reference to the last interview the Dowager Empress had with her son Nicholas II shortly before his abdication). The latest news said he had all business in hand and that he does not underestimate the consequences. But the situation does not change. It becomes critical. Russia is in danger of death. We cannot honestly defend ourselves in this conflict. The ball is in the camp of our Western allies. Despite the assurances of their friendship, they will not lose a drop of blood to help us. We will be obliged to give up Poland and Courland. That is the danger we run and that prevents me from sleeping. The only hope lies in God's grace. Will you stay in exile long? (Felix was in exile after the murder of Rasputin) I am delighted that the prosecutor's investigations will soon be completed. It seems that there are no unpleasant novelties. I am not surprised you have encountered ugly methods employed in this case. I'm sure they must be spies. All this is in the spirit of Manouiloff (Ivan, a friend of Rasputin). I'll send you typed conlusions as soon as possible of the survey. Here rumors swell regarding the last appointment by A.F. (Alexandra Feodorovna) of Maklakoff in place of Golitzin. During our last meeting at Tsarskoe, he said (Nicholas II) that your uncle had respect for Maklakoff and had always trusted him. Be careful with your journal. I hide mine carefully to avoid it landing into the wrong hands if the Duma should fall. God protect you.
Aunt Anya
Let your Mother know that I received her letter and understand her position and xxx xxx Your Uncle will announce your return.-"
Size: 18.5 x 13 cm approx
Anna's husband Mikhail Vladimirovich Rodzianko (1859 - 1924) held a prominent position in Russian Society and was a pious and conservative politician. He was State Councillor and Chamberlain for the Imperial family, Chairman of the State Duma and in the February Revolution he headed the Provisional Committee of the State Duma. He tried to save the monarchy and on 7th January 1917 he told the Tsar in regard of his government: "All the best men have been removed or have retired. There remain those of ill repute." He was a key figure in the events that led to the abdication of Nicholas II of Russia on 15th March 1917.
ix days after this letter was written, Rodzianko urged the Tsar to promulgate reforms in a telegram: "Serious situation in the capital, where anarchy reigns. General discontent increasing. In the streets, uninterrupted firing, and one part of the troops is firing on the other. It is necessary to nominate without delay a person possessing the confidence of the people and who would form a new Government. To wait is impossible." Nicholas refused to reply.
Rodzianko discussed the situation with General Nikolai Ruzsky, who had the Imperial Train stopped in Pskov. Nicholas II had no other choice than to follow Rodzianko's advice. On 2nd March 1917 a Russian Provisional Government was formed, which included members of the Social Revolutionary Party. Rodzianko appointed General Lavr Kornilov as head over the troops in Petrograd. In the evening Rodzianko led abdication talks with Tsar. Rodzianko remained Prime Minister just for a few days. After the October Revolution he left to go to Rostov-on-Don and the Crimea. He supported Anton Denikin and Peter Wrangel but when it became clear the White Army had lost he emigrated to Serbia in 1920. There he wrote his memoirs 'The Reign of Rasputin: an Empire's Collapse'. According to Bernard Pares he died in great poverty.
"20th Feb 1917
Dear Felix,
I was very happy to receive your letter. Your kind words of compasion to me were very pleasant. For all of us, it is not easy to live properly. And your poor Diadia ('Uncle' her husband, President the Duma) is really a martyr, everyone counts on him for the future of Russia. All are hoping that we can come out of this nightmarish situation but unfortunately we can do nothing. At Tsarskoe Selo they listen less (Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna) and they are even more afraid of the Duma. Over there they are absolutely sure that thanks to Protopopoff (Alexander D. Protapopov (1866-1918) Minister of the Interior 1916-1917), appointed by Rasputin, that they have nothing to fear. Protopopoff has persuaded him (Nicholas II) that only thanks to him being strong and wise has the country managed to avoid xxx 14th (February 1917). It was another crazy day on the 15th when the new minister declared: "I would like to hold all in the hands of Russia, and I alone will hold the Duma" All this has been transmited to Tsarskoe and they (Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna) have been told that all of Russia has confidence in him alone. We also heard rumors about Bedmaiev (Tibetan doctor Peter Badmayev 1850-1923), the assumptions about his(Nicholas II) illness appears that it could be beneficial (to the country). Yesterday she ( Alexandra Feodorovna) invited Bekhteterev (Vladimir 1857-1927), the most famous neurologist of the era ) to examine her husband. And it seems that he is between Stavka (Army Headquarters) and xxx. His mother M.F. (Marie Feodorovna) is expected to go (reference to the last interview the Dowager Empress had with her son Nicholas II shortly before his abdication). The latest news said he had all business in hand and that he does not underestimate the consequences. But the situation does not change. It becomes critical. Russia is in danger of death. We cannot honestly defend ourselves in this conflict. The ball is in the camp of our Western allies. Despite the assurances of their friendship, they will not lose a drop of blood to help us. We will be obliged to give up Poland and Courland. That is the danger we run and that prevents me from sleeping. The only hope lies in God's grace. Will you stay in exile long? (Felix was in exile after the murder of Rasputin) I am delighted that the prosecutor's investigations will soon be completed. It seems that there are no unpleasant novelties. I am not surprised you have encountered ugly methods employed in this case. I'm sure they must be spies. All this is in the spirit of Manouiloff (Ivan, a friend of Rasputin). I'll send you typed conlusions as soon as possible of the survey. Here rumors swell regarding the last appointment by A.F. (Alexandra Feodorovna) of Maklakoff in place of Golitzin. During our last meeting at Tsarskoe, he said (Nicholas II) that your uncle had respect for Maklakoff and had always trusted him. Be careful with your journal. I hide mine carefully to avoid it landing into the wrong hands if the Duma should fall. God protect you.
Aunt Anya
Let your Mother know that I received her letter and understand her position and xxx xxx Your Uncle will announce your return.-"
Size: 18.5 x 13 cm approx