REFORMS IK RUSSIA

Otago Witness, Issue 2650, 28 December 1904, Page 19

REFORMS IK RUSSIA

A BEWILDERED CZAR: AUTOCRACY MUST CONTINUE. THE REACTIONARIES SUCCESSFUL. ST. PETERSBURG, December 19. The Poles in Warsaw demand- the use of the Polish language in the schools and public offices, the eligibility of Poles to all public offices, and freedom of conscience. The Catholics and Unitarians demand municipal self-government and Zemstovs. December 20. The ' Russian people are much disappointed that no reforms were announced on the Czar's Birthday. Apparently neither the Grand" Dukes Sergius nor, Alexis has resigned, and the Reactionaries are victorious. A circular note directs presidents " of Zemstovs to veto the discussion of constitutionaT questions. The circular hints at vague social reforms on a future date. December 21. The renewal of the students' demonstration in Moscow resulted in 22 arrests. It I has now been suppressed. The Moscow ! municipality has been censured for its adoption of the reform resolutions. December 22. At a meeting of the Russian Council of the Empire M. Pobiedonostzeff warned the , Czar that he was not only Emperor, but head of the Church, and must be guided in connection with reforms by religious as - j^ell as political reasons. If he abandoned autocracy and gam representative government the Church would lose its power. t M. De Witte declared that if it was known the Czar was legally and religiously unable to grant fundamental reforms, j portion of the people would resort to force. The Czar, bewildered, broke up the Council, declaring that he desired to transI mit to his son the Empire intact as he " had inherited it from his father. Autocracy was the only barrier against anarchy and general lawlessness. M. Turavieft", at the meeting of the Council, contended that the Czar was not legally entitled to upset the political regime. M. Mirski insisted that the present situation cannot be prolonged without danger.

Concessions involved fewer difficulties iban the maintenance of the status quo. i The Minister of Finance said reforms would inevitably lead to restrictions on the Czar's absolute freedom to dispose o* the nation's resources, and result in the rule of demagogy. The Czar did not express any opinion. | With regard to the meeting of the Russian Council of the Empire, it is believed that the Reactionaries proved victorious. No constitutional reforms will be granted, but only an amelioration of the peasants' condition and some educational concessions. December 23. M. Chernigor, President of Zemstovs, who is a nobleman, forwarded to the Czar the Zemstovs' petition. The Czar repliedithat the president's action was presumptuous and tactless. The question of State administration did not concern the Zemstovs.