The record-union., 1898-11-09
CONDITIONS IN RUSSIA.


tress by reason of pestilence, CONNER
eial depression and other causes have
. reduced the peasantry Of Russia in the
Volga basin and some other parts to
such want that the Government has
been driven after months Of appeal to
< take cognizance Of the facts and extend
public relief in order to prevent worse
evils.
A commission has been sent into the
distressed districts, and under its ad-
vice the peasants are to have from
Government stores $50 pounds of hay
per head of their stock for the winter,
and 324 pounds Of rye -four per family.
In addition 10000 rubles are to be dis
tributed in the most distressed districts,
and vietualing stations are to be set
up to prevent death by starvation.
Corn and fodder are to be dispensed
also, where the necessity is so great
that stock will be lost without it.
The winter is setting in very early
in Russia, and promises to be severe.
Russia Is a land Of enormous popula-
ton and vast area, and such seasons
Of distress are not uncommon. But
this, say all intelligent travellers, is ap-
parent, that the Russian peasants are
become more aggressive in demanding
the right to live. and live with fewer
risks Of being distressed. They are in
sisting that systems shall be better
adapted to conserve production and in
sure the peasant proprietor and worker
fairer opportunity in the struggle of
life. This has political significance for
Russia. Happily the nation has a. ruler
now who is not so cowardly as to close
his eyes to facts; who is not a war
lord; who prefers peace at all times, if
secured with honor, and who is dis
posed, say those closest to him, to do
all that can be done in one short reign
to better the condition Of the Russian
peasant class.
On the other hand, says Leo Wiener,
in his correspondence. the hope that the
young Emperor would do something to
promote popular education and lift the
level Of intelligence among the lower
classes, have not been realized. By
monopolizing the sale of spirituous
drinks the Czar hopes he has benefited
his people. The new policy is eliminat-
ing the noisy and low saloons, and now
Intoxicating liquors in the new or gov
ernment shops, can only be had In
sealed bottles and must be taken from
the premises for consumption. The
liquors are purer and better than
under the old system.
Public opinion, however, differs as to
the real effect of the new scheme. The
Gar claims that by removing tempta-
ton and the attractiveness of the sa-
loon he is promoting sobriety, while
others claim that it costs less now to
get drunk than before, and as liquors
are taken home to be consumed, there is
really more drunkenness than before.
In any case, says Mr.. Wiener, it is
nomic effects of drunkenness on the
country are appalling in Russia.
To appease the masses and win their
friendship the Czar has opened thea
ters for them in the cities and larger
towns, where for the nominal admis-
sion fee of five cents they can be well
entertained, and where the perform
ances Of a variety character, with a
spice Of Russian drama, ballet and
spectacle, is as good as can be seen in
the high priced and best playhouse in
the land. These free entertainments,
the Government holds, pay in with
drawing the poorer people from the
temptations of resorts where their
money is wasted and their stomachs
are Ill treated.
But we are ted that the masses"
are shy OF these theaters, fearing that
behind their opening there is some uI-
terror purpose on the part Of the Gov
erDment. Compare all these conditions
which are but very few Of many
that would not be tolerable with us
with the freedom and opportunity af-
forded in America, and let men be
thankful that their lot is cast with us.
It would be well for city authorities
to inquire closely into the law concern
ing the use Of the city Parks or -Plazas.
Under the Sutter deed these are dedi-
Gated perpetually to the inhabitants of
the city for Park purposes. 1t is true
that there is something said about
adapting them to public uses" But
urJar tha c,op% vvac n avar oop4o,,,
plated that the public use should
amount to such diversion so as to de-
stroy the Park character Of the
grounds? We think not, and that to
use them for public buildings is misuse.
A NEW AUTOCRAT.
There was almost. If not entire uni