Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1883-12-21
TIE CoHDrTIoN OF RUSSIA.

There are evidences that the Car OF
Russia seriously contemplates the paciica.
ton of his empire by recognizing the march
of ideas, and the necessity for reforms in
government which for seven years last past
has been distinguished by measures, the
severity of which have not been equaled in
modern times If this apparent sincerity
does not fail him, he has field for work
in which he can make his name illustrlous.
L is possible TO give the Russian people
constitutional guarantees that will at the
same time save the crown from destruction.
The Russian statesmen have long held that
this was not possible, but in the quiet of
the Nihiliats az this time, and from certain
expressions and acts of the Government,
there is some reason to believe that reforms
are contemplated. It Is true that the
proofs are not so definite as to warrant full
belief, but anything that gives ground for
hope in Russia is more significant than
semi-ofiicial declarations would be in al
most any other Government In the
later years of the life of the late Emperor
advanced ideas knocked at Russia's gates,
and the echo resounded throughout his
dominions. Bat as the world now knows,
the Russian people were unprepared to
receive them. That popular education so
necessary to proper use of liberal forms of
government was lacking among the people
of Russia. Ever since, however, the assault
has continued, and the thought of the
world of progress has found Judgment in
more than one stronghold of the nobility
The demand for the modification Of abso.
lutte autocracy has been neither feeble nor
uncertain ; it has constantly augmented in
yigor and increased in the number of its
olamorous claimants. In 1874, it will be
remembered, the Revolutionary party was
formed, which demanded a complete revo-
luton and reformation of all the existing
forms OF government. This party was
swallowed up by the Peoples party, and
four years later the Terrorists came upon
the stage. The political fever had to run
its course, and in the extreme Nihilistic
party it reached a climax. This party
stayed its hand at nothing, and aimed to
accomplish its ends by the destruction OF
every official of the Government standing
in its path. 1t found much OF its strength
in Its demand for constitutional govern
ment, among the educated classes, in the
professions, among the land cul.i~ators,
and even come factors OF power among the
na6lea and the officers of the army. The
demand for constitutional forms and the
overthrow of the notorious Third Di-
vision, or secret police, were no longer to
be ignored. But one OF two courses re-
NAMED open to the Czar-increase of
severity or treaty with tho Terrorists.
Wish the increase Of the violence of the
agitation the Government took steps to
distract public attention by military
movements and appeals to patriotic i'm.
pulses. The answer was the assassination
Of Msserzof. The appointment and ad-
miaistration of Melikoff for time
checked the Nihilists, but as his iuhu-
ence was limited to a geographical
district it proved only temporary,
and the fearfulness of the Car to yield
any liberal privileges was strengthened by
the belief which was unfolnde that they
would work the overthrow OF the throne
itself Had the Government manifested
sincerity in even the mesger reforms OF
Count Melikoif the whole situation would
have been changed. He revised the press
laws, released hosts of political prisoners,
fastened the trials o; others, and restored
to position two thousand men who had
been expelled from Government depart.
ments. Tolstoi was dismissed from the
Educational bureau, but the secret police
system remained even Melikof dared not
touch it, though he lessened its seventies.
As he reached the limit of the discretion.
airy powers given him, the terroris:srenewed
their assaults. The Emperor was assassin.
ated, and nearly four years ago his son was
proclaimed Gar. To him the Nihilists re-