RUSSIA IN 1884.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7223, 11 April 1885, Page 1 (Supplement)

RUSSIA IN 1884.

The Russian Woyoo Vremya reviews tb* year of 1884 in a series of articles, in which the affairs of tho Empire aB a whole are described iib being considerably better than they bays been for some years past. The maintenance of order, the establishment of better control over the administration, and the regained dignity of the organs of Government have bosn specially marked in the past year. The comminion for the reform of local administration baa counted among its membors not only thoaS who advocate the centralisation of power, but the delegates of the self governing party havs beeu invited to all the deliberations. One o£ the great reforms of 1884 is thai of the Russian universities, although it will be a long time before the benefits are fully appreciated! New statutes for ecclesiastical seminaries and academies have been made, and attempts hava been made to increase the influence of the clergy in secular Bchools. A speoial commission has been pieparing a scheme for the establishment of a system of technical schools such aa are common in Sweden. Measures regulating the employment of children in factories have also been legalised. Among ■ a!JnM'ffiivfe?rf eft)rnlli ,°f the establishment

tue incorporation of Poland in the empire id matters concerning the organisation of the affairs of the peasants, are the most important. Curiously enough the financial position haa considerably improved in spite ot the continued commercial and industrial depression. The experiment of .building State railways having proved too expensive, the construction of the line Novorosßiak, Roßtoff-Vladikntkaa will bo conceded to a private company. Recent legal actions against banks have shown that the legislation concerning them is in nned of a radical reform. The St. Petersburg maritime caoal has been completed, the port (if Batoum is now in the course of development, the canals between the basins of the Obi and the Jeniesey are progressing.