The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-02-23
PRAYING FOR LIBERTY.

HUMBLE AND PATHETIC APPEAL OF MEMBERS
OF THE RUSSIAN PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLIES TO
THE czAR--''How CAN WE HELP TO suBDuE
SOCIALISM UNLESS WE ARE PERMITTED 10
DISCUSS PUBLIC oUEsTIoNs?"
From the Vienna Tagbiatt.l
The following is the text Of the petition Of the
Zemstovs or members OF provincial assemblies, to
the Emperor of Russia
To HIS MAJESTY THE CAR, EMPEROR OF ALL THE
RUssiAs:--
The great and noble Russian Empire. notwith-
standing the brilliant victories of armies in the
Balkan Peninsula has been recently alarmed by
formidable explosions of internal agitations. The
things, and ailment from which the whole of So
ciety suffers, might say the whole of Russia Sub
versive elements, taking advantage OF this alb.
normal situation, it for the accomplishment of
their own designs, and they have completely
succeeded that the imperial government has been
compelled to make appeal to the Russian people,
To its we'll known patriotism to aid them in
the contest The growing influence Of socialism has
become danger the social order OF the country
and menaces every interest of property, of family
and religion. But how can the Russian people
respond to this appeal of the government il II il
demncd to play passive role Will this brave and
dsinterested people be admitted to participate
in the direction of national affairs Win it only be
the altar of the common veal and ought it thus to
remain in the hands of the authorities q dumb in
strument which is forbidden to reason
ILBkErY.
Doubtless it should be IN the power of the elected
represe natives OF the people rush the assist
of social order when menaced, and OF the coun-
try when in danger. But do 80? No. that is
impossble do not possess the necessary facilities.
Though the provincial chamber may be animated
with the best intentions, under present circum.
stances they feel themselves entirely powerless
either to remedy the evil even to reply in any
sentative bodies, like all the other in.
situations of the country, are formally de-
indirect manner, any important question. espe-
cally IN political matter. Tho sphere OF acton OF
the zcinstov is restricted to agricultural questions.
and legislation OF Draconian severity interdcts their
going beyond the limits assigned them. 1t is not
permitted to them to discuss questions of local
interest, much less examine government
applicable to the whole country. This In why they
pine and are lacking in nerve. because they are for
the most part composed OF ntimidsted aud siienced
men who. despite the best intentions. are utterly
debarred from doing anything for the public good.
Obliged as they are TO restrain their action TO
matters of an insignificant import. Since we
denuded of all private initiative, since
we are forbidden 10 intervene Ina any public
trcly passive. since not accorded the
exercise of our natural rights to expross our scnti-
ments touching bur weilbeing OF our sulerings or
discuss questions on which our future and our ek-
istencc depend we are unhappily brought to this
conclusion that no Russian, no member Of tho zeIn-
stov is judged capable of uttcring intelligent
opinion upon political or economic questions, or
even, beyond his own district upon agricultural
questions. This state Of things is evidently abnor
NAL We form in this respect ainentable exception
To the rest of Europe and doubly deplorabe in this
that the Russians have always shown themselves
capapie vi CIVILIZATION anu proBrcss. M we hpciatc
others why are not we ourselves freed from the
trammes of defective legislation?
A BETTER CONSTITUTION NEEDED.
Most Serene Majesty, grant to your own subjects
the innate right to dispose of their future; give
them in your generosity that which you have given
to the Bulgarans, and you will soon realize to what
adegrce OF power, prosperity and wealth Russia Will
attain. God has raned upon your territory and
upon you all kinds Of blessings; there Is still a
blessing needed. and IL AZ that for which We now i'm
ploro you. Give us more liberal constitution ;
sunder the bands which now bind us and prevent
the exercise of our natural and civil rights. IL Your
Majesty deigns to listen to prayer and accords
that which ask him TO give we shall then be.
in fact and by right, capable OF lending him our
support to annihiate the party of disorder and to
save the country from the social peril by which 1t Is
mcnaced.