The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-03-15

have been the perse cutions inflicted upon
the RaskolniSs or dissenters from the
Orthodox Russian Church. who have been
computed 10 number some twelve mil
lion souls. Especially severe was their
treatment for the many years during
which Mr.. PoBIEDoNosTzEFF was Prooh-
rator OF the Holy Synod, a post which
he resigned last August.
IL is doubtful to what extent discrimi-
nations have been swept away by the
ukase, which simply DEGREES the undevi-
ating observance Of the principles Of toler-
anoe laid down by the fundamental laws
OF the Russian Empire, which, recognizing
the Orthodox Church as the ruling one,
grant to all our subjects Of other relig-
ions and to all foreign persuasions free
dom OF creed and worship in accordance
with other rites Obviously, much will
depend on the length to which this
broad principle is applied, and on the
spirit in which 1t y interpreted We
may be sure in advance that it will not
be held to justify views and practices
deemed inconsistent with the welfare
of the State; those, for example. OF the
Skoptsy. or self-mutilators, or those OF
several dissenting sects that are con-
scientously opposed to service in the
army. 1t is Questionable, also, whether
it will not be deemed expedient, from the
viewpoint of the civil power, to main
tain the prohibition of the circulation
of Jews throughout the empire. In a
word, we cannot know how much is
meant BY the edict OF liberation until its
practical consequences are set forth in
a series of administrative DEGREES.
We are not informed by the ukase as
to the precise changes contemplated in
the autonomous system Of village gov
eminent under which each mir com
mune) or roiost (cluster Of communes)
is practically allowed to govern itself,
and to distribute among its members the
burden Of the tax imposed on il. What
ever changes, however, are proposed
by a commission Of bureaucrats are,
fortunately. to be referred for discus
sion to the Government, or Provin-
cjal Councils, 80 that they may be
dividual localities. We learn, however,
from the edict that. in all changes. the
fundamental principle Of the inviola-
bility of communal ownership liz to be
maintained. At the same time means
are to be found to render it easier for the
individual TO sever connection with the
community to which he belongs, and
whose burdens he has. therefore, been
compelled TO share. That is TO say. the
transfer Of energy from agriculture TO
manufacture and mining Is TO be facili-
tated. Another specific local improve
ment is promised in the ukase. Up to
the present time, the peasants organized
in communes have been liable at any
moment to be called of from the cult
walton or harvesting Of their crops, in
order to perform forced labor on the
roads, or for other public services, when
ordered by Government functionaries.
From this burden they are to be re-
lieved.
As regards the extension OF the
administrative powers Of the Govern
ment, or Provincial, and the District
Councils, the edict is curt as we'll as
vague. Since these assemblies we're
instituted by ALEXANDER ii. the powers
originally confded to them have been
materially contracted. To what ex-
tent will these local councils be permitted
to tax their constituents for local pur-
poses. and will not their decisions con-
tinue to be subject to review and possible
rejection by representatives Of the CEN
trail government? According TO the
text of the ukase. a thorough reform OF
these Provincial and District Councils
is to be effected by the local representa-
tives. II remains TO be seen whether this
means more than that the suggestions OF
those representatives will be considered.
II Is scarcely likely that they will all be
sanctioned by the Car as a matter OF
course.
Whatever may be the practical out
come OF the ukase. the proclamation
Of IL proves that the Gar and the sd-
visers by whom he IL just now iniu-
enoed are i've TO the urgent necessity
Of doing something to sllsy the wide
spread and vehement discomfort Of the
rural population.