The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-01-27
Abolition of the serf sy-tem I'm Rn..i..

Translated for the New York Herald from lie Nord OF
Jan. 4, the Russian organ printed at Brussels
DECREE ADDRESSED TO THE GOVERNOR GENERAL or
TIE DISTRICT or ST. PETERSBURG.
The nobility Of the district Of 81 Petersburg have ex-
pressed desire ameorae the condition Of the serfs
farm aborers and TO secure for them the OF
existence For this purpose they have expressed the de-
sire tina, exact definition should be made Of their dotes
and obligations and Of the relation in which they stand
with respect TO the propreiors Of lands hc;d by the nobility
and gentry.
ed by my nobility Of their tendency 10 improve the
don Of the peasants Tor serfs), hereby authorize the
whole body Of the nobility Of the province Of 81 Peters
burg 70 proceed 10 the arrangement Of a system Of
rules, such basis that these praiseworthy pur
poses may be put In execution, aud such A. MAJ be IN
accordance with my intentions and desires. Let y
be provided, however, that the system 10 be arranged
shall be made 70 operate gradual aud progressive
manner so as not 70 work suroasly in respect 70 the
interests Of the land owncrs involved in the present sys
ten and organ zation
In order, therefore, carry into sfct those objects
ordsin and command that from this fay forth special
committee shall be established the district OF 81 Peters
burg Of which the Marshal Of the Nobility OF the District
OF 81 Petersburg shall be the President The said com
mttee shall be composed First OF two members, 70 be
elected IN each section by the mobiles oS the district and
from among such Of their order possess aaded estates
10 the district secondly the said committee sha be com
posed Of two other members chosen from among me best
informed and most highly cultivated sndhoders u each
section OF the district who are TO be nominated by your
Immediately after Me establishment, Of this committee
the members thereof shall proceed TO the business Of pre-
pairing distro, system 81 rules for the regulation ae
Iteration and Improvement Of the life condition OF the
serfs Il the Province Of 81 Petersburg The said com
mttee shall pursue the guide and basis Of thor action
the following principles
Principle / The landowner Is TO retain his right ~ pro
perry the whole Of his an but the scrs shall have
the right Of property their enclosures by plr.
chasing the in fee simple, the payment for the
said property TO be made by the seris at differ.
est intervals, 10 be hereafter determined. They
shall also have the right Of enjoying such a
sufficient quantity Of land may necessary according
the local condition OF affairs 10 enable them 70 earn
decent subsistence and contribute 70 the payment Of all
the duties which may be due 10 the STATE or 10
the land In payment for the privilege Of enjoy.
ing much land the sers shall be bound either pay
certain rent 10 the land else 10 contribute 20
much labor Az will be adequate 70 money payment for
the rent Of the ssne.
Principle The serfs 10 be divided out into distinct
rural commnnes or townships the police and government
Of which said rural townships shall belong 70 the general
land owners.
Principle 3. The future relationship between The serf
and The land owner shall be regulated In such
as 10 secure ~ the State and b the province the regular
payment OF The several taxes and dues payable by
serfs.
The carrying out Of tho above principles AMI The sppl