Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1882-01-02
RUSSIA.

hOSSlA.
The most important event of the year was the
assassination OF Alexander the Second, Emperor of
Russia, by glass bombs which, thrown at his feet,
almost tore his body to pieces Alexander the
Third who succeeded to the throne, has been almost
a prisoner in the fortress of Ga.schpa ever since,
and despite the utmost efforts of the police and the
Third Section, the Nihilists have continued to
alarm the Government, and even TO carry out
many daring schemes of assassination. Alexander
the Third soon after his accession proclaimed his
intention to carry out the policy of his father and
not to grant constitution to the country. This at
least was the popular Interpretation put upon his
manifesto, AMI it exasperated the Nihilists
greatly, and caused them to become mo-e menac-
ing than ever. The new Gar has thus far
escaped their plots, but only at the virtual
sacrifice o; his personal freedom. And it has been
made evident that he cannot repose confidence even
in the people Of his own household, for not long
since woman arrested in the palace for carry
ing Nihilis messages into The very bed chamber of
the Emperor. Nothing has been done to reform any
of the abuses of which the Nihilists complain Cor
rupton continues to flourish in all the departments
of Government, and though from time to time great
defalcatons ere discovered it is seldom that any
punishment is inflicted upon the guilty parties.
During the past year a very large number Of politi
cal arrests have been made, and the educational
machinery OF several of the universities has almost
been suspended on account of the seditious prao-
tees OF the students. The disturbed condition of
the Government has leyitably evented vigorous
foreign policy from being purusd, for while it re-
mains dcu to preserve the life of the head OF the
State from Day to day, it s Gle that no external
policy can be engaged in that demands the ey lu-
ton of new IDEAS. 1t is probable that i. the Fan
peror could feel personally against assassina
ton he would embrace foreign war for its dis
tracing influences. 1t has, however, been rendered
more difficult than for him to engage il such
war by recent events The Eastern Question has
evidently received greater impulse towards settle
ment from the Berlin Treaty than was thought
possible at the time The creation Of the autonomy
OF Bulgaria and Eastern Roumalia, and the estab-
lishment OF the Austrian Protectorate over Servia
and Roumania, have really had the effect Of inter
posing between Russia and the remnant Of Turkey an
almost impass able barrier It is not the Danube
which stops the way but ii is territorial obstruction
which cannot be pierc,d without the CONSENT of
Europe, and which brings Germany to the front in
the most mas:erful and dominating way. Hence
fortn the sovereignty OF the DaruantAes must oe-
pend more upon the pecy o. Berlin than upon that
Of St. Petersburg, and Russia would be, even if
quite free from domestic troubles, utterly incapable
OF defying this formidable factor iu the case At
present indeed Russia appears TO be so shut in and
thrown back upon herself that she il more Likely
to give the world the spectacle Of revolution than
that Of new European war. The Emperor in
deed may perhaps have the opportunity Of ayerting
this danger by timely concessions but it one Of the