New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1881-04-24
covSrrrrry0YlIJsn IN RUSSIA.

q gospel of destruction and practice OF ass'is-
sination It's disciples have aimed to level all
existing institutions and TO terTor1zc palace ana
people. The supreme moment came at last
when the Gar of all the Russias lay dying IN
the streets of his capital. The red terror had
triumphcd over the white terror. The retribu-
tive iustice decreed in the vengeance place OF
the Furies had been melted out Yet there
was no inspiration in this dastardly crime. 1t
was not a signal for "A national uprising. There
was n change Of Alexanders on the throne, and
all went on as before. The movement, which
bepan in darkness and ended in blood. had
not educated the people for anything beyond
regicide. The browning achievement OF the
assassins was little more than a confession of
failure.
The revolutionary movement may have
reached formative stage where the creative
instincts of the Nation are to be qmckcned.
The address Of the Executive Committee to
the new Car does not mark transition from
sterility to productiveness but there are signs
of life and regeneration in the positive recon-
mendations which it contains. II cmbodies
definite political programme whereby the plots
Of the secret societies and the rcprlsals OF the
Government may be brought IN an end. The
conditions are two-fold amnesty for all poti-
cal offences and tho convOcation of n National
Assembly elected by the people. The cleo
tions are to he conducted with complete lib
erty of press, speech public meeting and
electoral programme, no limitations being
made rs regards the rights of electors, nor OF
deputies and representatives being chosen in
proportion to the number of inhabitants and
l;st;r.tin,. Of Iirfb or class The by
ccutve Committee pledges the revolutionary
party To conform Internationally to the dccis-
sion of the National Assembly, elected under
these conditions, and appeals to the Car to
replace the revolutionary movement by peace
full efforts for the reorganization of the State.
Otherwise the revolution must CO on until " n
"terribe Outburst of q sangrIinary conflict and
ga CONFUSION of the whole of Russia com
"plcte the destruction of the old odilicc."
Unhappy there is no evidence either that
the Car will grant free elections and Ma
tional Assembly. or that the people Themselves
are prepared for the great changes proposed
by the Executive Committee. If there be- any
one who can speak authoritHtiycly for the pro-
prcssive elements of Russian society II l. Aksa-
k0fi. leader Of tho National party which sup
ported emancipation and al the great reforms
Of the last reign, and which dragged the Gar
almost against his will into the war with Iur-
KEY He il willing to- advocate the establish
mcnt Of a Russian States-Gcncrail endowed
with consultative functions. but he condemns
a National Parliament and Constitution of the
Western type IT, legislative experiment many
years in advance of the PRESENT grade of
political life in the Northern Empire. We
do not believe that his caution L. at fault
The intricate mechanism OF constitutional
system Of popular government cannot be- I'M
dcrstood and operated by nation that has not
leaIncdthc rudmcnts Of sclf-govcnmcnt Yet
we cannot but regard it rs hopeful sign that
the apostles of assassination have agreed upon
substitute for rcgicidc 10 offer 30 their I'M
happy country The fact that they have aspi-
nations for a new political existence shows that
they have begun Ia reflect. The frenzy may
have spent its force. Reason NAV be Tcsuming
it- sway over minds clouded with passion and
disordcred with the woes of mlsgovcrncd
people 1t may not Dc sign Of daylight IN the
Russian night Int it H. al least. a token Of
departing darkness.