Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-07-23
RUSSIAN STUDENTS.
The Recent Imperial Decree Compelling
Them TO Wear Uniforms.

Them to Wear Uniforms.
[Odessa letter to London Standard
Among the many important clauses
contained in the imperial decree just
promulgated, in which very extensive
reforms in the Constitution and regu-
lations governing the Russian uniyersi-
ties are elaborated, none will perhaps
be so strongly resented or arouse so
much Of the dormant rebellious
spirit among the students as that
which enforces the wearing of
uniforms. Hitherto the universities
have been exempt from the rule
which compels the students Of all the
various gymnasia and other scholastic
institutions to wear uniform, the girls
gymnasia included. In different
schools, such as the polytechnic, COM
mercial, ETC., the uniforms are distinc-
tive in color and facings. Similarly in
the girls gymnasia Of different classes
and grades, the particular gymnasium
to which the student is attached may be
known by her dark-green, royal blue,
or Carmelite brown dress. ETC., over
which j. always worn a white
muslin pelerine. Frills and furbe-
lows are conspicuous by their alb
sence; but the costumes are simple,
neat, and becoming. The late Czarna,
who was the active and devoted patron
ess Of female education in Russia, was
also, | believe, the original designer of
the pretty costumes which now obtain
in all the girls gymnasia and ladies'
institutes. The girls, during vacation,
may assume their private and fashion,
able costumes, but the boy student,
once endued in his semi-martial uni
form, must continue to wear it through
out the entire course Of his gymnasium
career at all seasons. If he wishes to
accompany his parents to the opera,
the play, the circus, or any place of
public amusement, he must previ-
ously obtain the written imprimatur of
hs class teacher or professor in a small
psss-book, which is always carried,
and for which special small pocket is
usually provided in the breast of the
students tunic. This pass-bOOk may
he demanded by any teacher or pro-
fessor Of the school to which the boy
is attached if the latter be met in any
questionable society or place. The
compulsory wearing Of uniform has an
other feature. In external appearance
it places the children Of rich and poor
parents on an equality. Released from
school, one boy may step into his
fathers carriage, which is in waiting to
carry him across the city or to the
summer suburban villa, whilst his
comrade of the same form wends his
way home on foot to frugal or scanty
meal; but in class there is nothing in
the matter Of apparel to distinguish
their different means, and the poorer
boys self-respect is protected. There
can be no doubt, of course, as to the
object Of the Government. This decree
strikes blow at the personal freedom of
the students in meeting in groups or as
semblipg in larger numbers in the pub
lie rooms of hotels or elsewhere for the
discussion of political and other forbid
den questions. | have seen as many as
forty Of these young gentlemen-who
usually affect a Bohemian style
in dress, and Of which the wide-awake
hat forms generally an indispensable
item-at one time drinking, dicing, and
playing billiards in the large public
rosm Of hotel, or eagerly discussing
favorite topics soto roce aud event
uslly winding up by singing republican
refrains, to the terror and horror of the
landlord, who was equally afraid Of
direct interference or Of summon
ing the police. The university stu
dent will now be known, in what
ever place he may frequent, by
his uniform, and the pains and
penalties attaching to such social "
assemblies as described would fall
heavily and swiftly on host or guests
alike. The Socialistic Republican prin-
ciples, which to a greater or lesser ex-