THE RUSSIAN UPHEAVAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2676, 28 June 1905, Page 49

THE RUSSIAN UPHEAVAL.

THE CZAR GIVES WAY.

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT PROMISED.

ST. PETERSBURG, June 19. The Czar consented to receive the whole of the Zemstvos deputation when General Trepoff had ascertained that the Governor of Moscow had authorised the Congress to assemble.

The Minister of the Interior's scheme for a National Assembly is undergoing much alteration in the Council of Minis" ters.

Eight finished and 20 unfinished bombs wero discovered in a house outside St. Petersburg.

Two roung men, who are charged witJi aiming at the assassination of a Minister, were arrested.

June 20,

The Czar received the whole of th* Zemstvos deputation at the Peterhoff Palace, though several members were in disfavour at court.

Prince Troubetzkoi, in tbe plainest terms, described the melancholy state of Russia, dwelling on the consequences likely to lesult from a contimied disregard of the nation's voice. The country needed inward peace, and this was only possible by the substitution of a representative form of government instead of the bureaucratic. A National Assembly must not merely be advisory: the people must be allowed to discuss affairs in the press and at public meetings.

The Czar at first exhibited embarrassment, but afterwards listened with the greatest attention, and in replying, speaking *x tempore, said : "I am convinced the deputation is actuated by pure love for the fatherland. I grieved all my soul at the calamities the war may bring to Russia, also at the internal disturbances. Dissipate your doubts. It is my sovereign and unaltered will to admit elected representatives to woiks of State. I duly devote myself to this* work. You may announce it to the country. I am firmly convinced Russia will emerge strengthened by the tiials she is undergoing, and soon thero will be established as formerly a union between the Czar and all Russia, a communion between myself and men of the Russian soil. This union and communion must serve as a basis for the- order of things, and stand for original principles . Russia and I father your sincere desire to help me in my task."

The Czar shook hands with the deputation, and requested Prince Troubetzkoi to present a memorial on the university question.