Negotiations were entered into with dignitaries of high rank and with men of influence in the world of officialdom.

Rumor had it that immense bribes had been offered to Novosiltzev and several high officials in St.Petersburg for the purpose of receiving their co-operation.

But even the intercession of leading dignitaries was powerless to change the will of the Tzar.

He chafed under the red-tape formalities which obstructed the realization of his favorite scheme.

Without waiting for the transmission of Novosiltzev's memorandum, the Tzar directed the Minister of the Interior and the Chief of the General Staff to submit to him for signature an ukase imposing military service upon the Jews.