Arizona weekly citizen., 1883-07-28
EIHILISM IN RUSSIA.


 was successfully performed. without loss of life. The Nihilists were doubtless on the ground, but the multitude of extra policemen, detectives and Cossack sol- diers prevented them from making any demonstrations. It is evident that the Nihilists are losing ground. The Rus sian peasant has learned from experi- ence that there is little to hope for from the RgitstiOns of Nihilists, whose en- thusiasns were based on the profound est ignorance, mixed up with cheap Ger man philosophy" They had large fol- lowing, but Aey did not understand the magnitude of the undertaking. But what they have done was contrary to the law of both God and man; the pro- mlscuous assassination of human beings who may happen co hold officIal posi- tions under a ruler, and who may or may not be in sympathy with the powers that be, has never yet brought about reforma- tion in any age of the worlds history. The means used to accomplish the end are as bad as the evils sought to be rem edied. In spite of the threatened assss- sinstion of the Czar, it is said that "ev- anywhere in Russia the coronation has been hailed with joy, as marking the boundary line between the dark past and brighter future" In discussing this question the Russ says: Certainly 1t s that new day has dawned for Rus sia. So far ss the imperial sceptre reaches 1t will be known to all that the Czsr of Russia IS not only the highest member of the official hierarchy, dom- mating part of the administrative mech anism, but a personal, living, life-giving, creative power"
 In discussing this question the Russ loses sight of the main question, to show up what 1t conceives to be an inferior form of freedom ln the United States. "Whie in the west" says the Russ, "a constant fight for power is carried on in the name of freedom between govern ment and people, where the party in power robs the party out of power of its freedom, such conflict is impossible in Russia The Russian people do not seek for themselves political predominsnce in the State, but carefully avoid 1t, and would Lever consent to a translation of supreme power from the imperial throne to the ministerial table or to the relative microscopic majority of so-cslled repre- sentatIv,s of the people"
 This Is far expression of the views of the iuling party in Russia, and shows how far they are behind the aver age governing powers of constitutional m1narchiss, even in Europe. Russia is drstlped to long rule of autocracy, be- ore even limited monarchy is possible. Ignorance prevails throughout Russia. here are millions of people in that country who know of no other form of government than the will of the CZar They have never even heard of limited monarchy, and il they had, could not underItand why or how it is better than the ukase of the Czar. Until this vast population shall have received the benefits of education, and become sui fciently advanced to realize the differ enos betweou sutocrscy, limited mOn- srchy, constitutional monarchy and a republican form of government, there is not much hope for 6 change of the form of government in Russia. Instead of trying to put the present leaders out of the way, by assassination, the Nihilists should turn their attention to raising up leaders among themselves. The Nihilists are of the better class of Rus sians; they are educated, and qualified to teach; and if they would devote their time and energies to teaching the ignor- ant millions of their unfortunate coun- trymen, instead Of attempting to kill of the governing class by ssssssination, they might insugurate the beginning of 8 brighter dawn, and in time would do away witt the Czars rule which is but the will of a single individual, and is good or bad, according to the hereditary ruler, who may happen to fall hier to sceptre of Peter the Great. Ignorance cannot rule, therefore the mnsses must be prepared, they must be educated and made to understand the advantages of constitutional law, over that of the will of mortal being, before we may look for any change of government in Russia