The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-03-13
RELIGIOUS;
FREEDOM ] |.
Gar Of Russia Issues vitality tall
Important Decree. 4.
WILL RELIEVE THE ] Il :: JEWS e IS
Not Specifically Mentioned, But Be- Be
slieved TO Be Includs ed Peasants R5
to Be Released From
Enforced Labor.
fBy Associated Press.)

s4&#t,4 (By Associated Press. sgl s f555gl lf.@5
ST. PETERSBURG. March R.--The
Gar has issued a decree providing for
freedom Of religion throughout his do
minions, establishing to some degree To-
cal self-goyernment and making other
concessions to the village committees
The decree. whica was issued in COM
memoratlon Of the anniversary OF the
sbirteday OF Alexander III, Is consider
ed to be the most significant act Oh
state since the emancipation OF the
serfs. The public halls it as the procla-g
nation OF new era, opening up bright
prospects Of the early Improvement Of
Russian Internal administration. The
text Of the decree Is in parts as follows:
PRINCIPLES OF5 TOLERAN CE.
1.-THE troubles agitating our country,
which to our deep regret have partly
been sown by designs hostile to the State
and partly engendered BY doctrines for
eign to Russian life. hinder the general!
work OF amelioIatng the Well-beng OF
our people. THESE troubles confuse the
public mind, remove the peopie ifUal
productive labor, and often ruin families
dear to our heart and young energies,
among high and low, necessary to the
Internal development Of the country. IN
demanding the fulhllment OF tft, our
Will. while remaining strongly opposed
to any violation Of the normal course OF
national life, and having confidence that
all will loyalty discharge their !ocal du-
Itias we are irrevocably decided to sat-
ifsfv the needs for which the state mas
become ripe and have deemed It expedient
| 10 strengthen and decree tho undertaking,
observance OF the principles OF tolerance
! laid down by the fundamental laws OF
the Russian Empire, which recognizing
| the orthodox church as the rullhg one
grant to all our subjects OF otl'er teL-
Lions and to all foreign persuaslons lree-
,dom OF creed and worship In accordance
with other rights. and Wo are further re-
solved to continue the active carrying
ont Of measures tor tne improveHssEn y
| the material poston Of the Orthodox
rural clergy, while enabling them 70
take a larger share In intellectual ana
public HE. .,,
RELIEVE {TIID PEASANTS.
7"Without delay measures must be taken
to release the peasants from the present
burdensome liability OF forced labor
."rhorough reform is to be established
| In the provincial government and district
| administrations by the local representa-
tlyes, while attention will be devoted tc
| securing close cooperation between thu
communal authorities and parochlal
| trustees of the orthodox churches Wher'
| ever possible.
"Cailing upon all our subjects to coop,
crate In strengthening the moral founda'
lions OF family, school and public lie
under which alone the well-nelng o.
the people and the confidence OF every
ono In the stability OF his rights cai,
| develop. we command our ministers ano
chief officials concerned In this matter
/ ! hats II
execution OF our i<entIons,'
Although the jewish faith Is not spec'il'
cally mentioned in the Cars decree, u
IS believed that the liberty granted 70
''all creeds'' is intended to include the
| Jews q. =, !. :, 9.
The publication Of the Cars decree has
produced universal feelings OF joyful ex
Clement and Is tonight the Chief topi'
II is generally attributed to the Nmper
or,s earnest desire to remove the causes
which recently produced such deplorablt
| outhreaks among the Workmen and stu
| dents. Fears, however are expressed ina
the powerful party OF reaction. 'ea ~
| Minister of the Interior Plethye, may &C.
Inv or Illustrate the realization or Inc
rgar'a asnirations. but great hopes are
based on the known fact that FINANCE
Minister WItte is q strong advocate 81
Whatever reforms he considers the eoun,
try ripe for. In any case, months mus,
/ eIapse before the projected reforms can
be put into execution,
II is understood that the Gear desires
/ to modify the laws by relaxing the pen
altes against the dlssenters IKE y hs n,ut
| d,sts. hut that no attempt VIII pc maae
10 repeal the law compelling children e
be brought up In the orthodox churei
4 unless both parents belong to some owner
4 denomination. y, !,