The Reform Agiration in Russia

Ashburton Guardian, Volume xxii, Issue 6456, 28 December 1904, Page 2

The Reform Agiration in Russia

The Czar's Decree.

Uni h'Hd Press Association— Ry Rleotric Telegraph—Copyright

St Petersburg, Dec. 27. The Czar's decree addressHd to the Sen ate is entitled: " A scheme for the improvement of State administration." It emphasises the immutability of fundamental laws, and the wisdom of distinguishing between real interests and transitory circumstances and of introducing innovations. The decree states that the need for a change is shown. The nature of the Minister's proposals for ameliorating the condition of the peasantry is under examination, and instructions will be given to bring the peasantry laws into harmony with the general Imperial laws. Firstly, there must be legal redress of citizens' grievances arising from arbitrary acts, inasmuch as the exercise of authority entails official responsibility. Secondly, the scope of local and municipal institutions should be extended and all sections of the population called under equable conditions to participate therein. Thirdly, to ensure the equality of all before the law, it is necessary t> unify the judicial procedure and a'snrefche independence of the Courts. Fourthly, attention must be given to the State insurance of workmen. Fifthly, the revision of exceptional laws must be undertaken with a view to restricting the limitations of individual rights to cases where the actual safety of the. state is threatened. Sixthly, thejreviaion of laws must bejundertaken to ensure religious freedom. Seventhly, the limitations of the rights of foreigners, and the natives of certain territories, will be maintained only for the Empire's interests. The people's needs require (eighth) the removal of unnecessary Fresa restrictions.

Ministers are directed fco submit to the Czar their earliest decisions, elaborating? the afore mentioned measures in the prescribed order, Received Dec. 28, 8.13 a.m. St. Petersburg, Deo. 27 The Moscow B^unicipalicy has presented Prince Galitajin , who, presided over the Conference which adopted the reform reso r lutions, with an address predicting a memorable .people's awakening, and thanking him for the high civil virtues he displayed. The Municipality trusted he would continue to co-operate with them. Prince Galitzin made a sympathetic reply.

Received Dec 28, 8.30 a.m. St Peterhbuuo, Deo. 27 Prince Mirski, m explaining the inconsistency of his liberal programme and hie present attitude, stated that the demands of the Zeiaßt"vos and the Municipality at Moscow and St Petersburg were impracticable owing to the Russians' political immaturity. Paris, Dec, 27 The Czar's summary refusal to modify his autocratic powers has profoundly impressed the French nation. The impression is growing in Paris that things are taking a bad turn for Russit.