THE RUSSIAN DUMA.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13857, 21 March 1907, Page 7

THE RUSSIAN DUMA.

REMARKABLE STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER. IMPORTANT REFORMS. Ffoss Assoeialion—By Telegraph—Copyright. ST. PETERSBURG, March 20. (Received March 20, at. 10.27 p.m. M. Stolvpin, the Russian Premier, mado a remarkable declaration in the Duma. Ho said Russia must bo transformed into a constitutional State, and the Government had prepared a network of interrelated reforms, including tho extension of local government- ami tlio recognition of tho workers' right to declare economic strikes, also workmen's insunuice, oldage pensions, and shorter hours. Tho announcement- was cheered by the members of the Right and rcceivcd in (iilcnco by tho Left. Tlio bills'will be discussed after the passage of tho Budget. Nothing was said about a responsible Ministry or an amnesty. The Social Democrats violently contrasted the fair promises of tho Government- with their recent performances. M. Stolypiii declared that it was not tV Duma s functions to express confidence in or censuro of the (Jftvernmcnt. The members of the Right- appealed to the Duma to co-operate with M. Stolypin in order to prevent repression. A resolution moved by the Constitutional Democrats to proceed to business was carried by a large majority.