The Russian Crisis.

Opunake Times, Volume XXI, Issue 750, 23 June 1905, Page 2

The Russian Crisis.

St Petersbubg, June 20. The Czar received the whole of the Zemstvos' deputation at Peterhoff Palace, though several members are in disfavor at Court. Prince Troubetzkoi in the plainest terms described the melancholy state of Russia, dwelling on the consequences likely to result from the continued disregard of the nation's voice. The country, he said, needed peaae, which was only possible by the substitution of a representative form of government for the bureaucratic. The National Assembly must not merely be advisory ; the people must be allowed to discuss matters in the press and at public meetings. The Czar at first exhibted embarrassment, but afterwards listened with the greatest attention, and, in replying speaking extempore, said he was convinced the deputation was actuated by pure love of tbe Fatherland. •' I grieve with all my soul," he said, " at the calamities the war has brought and may bring to Russia, also at tbe internal disturbances. Dissipate your doubts. It is my sovereign unalterable will to admit elected representatives to the works of State. I duly devote myself to this work. You may announce it to the country. lam firmly convinced that Russia will emerge strengthened from the trials she is undergoing, and that soon there will be established, as formerly, a union between the Czar and all Russia—a communion between myself and the men of Russian soil. This union and communion must serve as a basis for the order of things, and must stand for the original principles of Russia. I desire your sincere help in my task." The Czar shook hands with the deputation, and requested Prinoe Troubetzkoi to present a memorial on the University question. The Czar's decision to convoke an assembly was announced at a speoial meeting of the St. Petersburg municipality, and also throughout Russia by medium of the press. Policemen are murdered daily in Poland and the western region, and the authorities retaliate by hanging men not guilty of the capital offence. German newspapers declare that the Czar's promises are illusory. There are 60,000 strikers at Ivancoznesensk, the Russian Manchester. A crowd of workers in the street were quietly discussing their needs wben tbe Cossacks fired a volley, killing 30 and woundiog scores. London, June 20.

The Times' St. Petersburg correspondent states that the experience of the past has produced scepticism.