AFFAIRS IN RUSSIA.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LIII, Issue 9304, 21 March 1907, Page 5

AFFAIRS IN RUSSIA.

SPEECH BY THE PREMIER.

MORE FAIR PROMISES.

IMPORTANT LIBERAL MEASURES

PROPOSED.

[press association.!

ST. PETERSBURG, March 20. M. Stoiypin made a remarkable declaration in 'he Duma.

He said Russia must be transf ormed into a constitutional State, and the Government had prepared a network of interrelated forms, including the extension of Ibcal governiDient, and the recognition of the workers right to declare economic strikes.

Amongst the concessions to be submitted were proposals to give women the right to insure, the establishment of old age pensions, and shorter hours for workers.

The announcement was cheered by the members of the Right, but was received in silence by the Left. t

The Bills are to be, discussed after the passage of the Budget.

Nothing was sird in the statement about responsible Ministry or amnesty. Social Democrats violently contrasted these fair pifomiaes wlHfti recent performances.

M. Stolypdn declared it was not the Duma's function to express confidence or censure on the Government.

The members of the Right appealed to the Duma to co-operate with M. Stoiypin fro prevent repression.

The Constitutional Democrats' resolution, to proceed with the- business was carried by a large mSjcrity.