New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-21
RUSSIAN NATIONS CRISIS.
THE PEOPLES DEMANDS.
Zemstpos Force Question of Self
RuLe Before the Gar.


seEtatives' meeting to-day adopted the re-
remainder Of the memorial almost literally as
cnbled to The Associated Press yesterday, ana
besides considered several supplementary arti-
cles providing for practical cooperation OF the
zernstvo in the Red Cross work and for ex-
tension OF school facilities. The vote on the
question OF the adoption OF the memorial stood
IS 10 10. The meeting probably will be con-
;inued several days. The memorial and min
utes wifi be sent 70 Prince Sviatopok Mirsky
for transmission 70 the Emperor. What the re-
> suit win be IS a matter of speculation. but the
men who have taken part in this meeting are in
most cases the most influential and able men in
their provinces. and are resolved to press the
movement everywhere with the greatest vigor.
4 zemstyo dinner will be arranged for De-
cennber 4. the fortieth anniversary of the eman-
cipation proclamation issued by Alexander II,
and on this occasion speeches along the lines Of
the memorial wiz be made. Later the zemst-
vos. which are TO meet on December IA will be
urged 10 adept resolutions embodying similar
programme Of agitation.
The governments attitude is awaited with
great interest. The mere fact that a meeting
with such programme permitted, although
official auspices We're denied TO it. is unprece-
denied but the vigorous character of the memo
rial adopted and the resolution TO push the
agitation must compel the government to act.
4 parting Of the ways is again at hand, and
the au1ocracy, il would seem, must once more
choose whether the people shall have voice in
the government
Reactionaries. Of course, Mortified at the
mere suggestion Of anything approaching par
lament constitution. All their power and
influence already in the scale but matter
which way the balance swings the decision is
bound TO mark epoch IN Russian history.
The zemstvos representatives are far from
hopeful but they sincerely believe the saliva
ton Of the country depends upon the solution
they have TO offer and have the satisfaction of
knowing that, representatives Of the most
authoritative provincial Institutions OF the en-
pire. they have for once spoken out their views.
and have taken measures TO have them spread
before the world as well the government
which is addressed
The memorial is sure 10 give tremendous
impetus 10 the Liberal movement. With the
country in the throes of a great and hitherto
unsuccessful foreign war, and disturbed cond!-
lions at home. this measure which is aimed TO
arouse united action, may overrule all other
considerations.
It is said that recently the Emperor has
spoken much Of II. de Whites memorandum.
written just before his fall the ACCESSIBILITY
Of yielding TO the people a voice in the govern
ment. One thing which must commend itself
strongly to the Emperor is the fact that the
memorial represents the view of men who have
no sympathy with revolution. They have taken
particular pains 10 discourage the student
demonstrations which were planned for Satur-
day and Sunday in front Of the Kazan Cathedral,
and none occurred.
Not a single word about the meeting has
been printed in the newspapers here. and yet
The news has spread everywhere and created a
tremendous stir. To-day 1t almost the sole
topic of discussion in ST Petersburg
While The Associated Press is not at liberty to
give detailed report of the speeches. it is able
TO give the following summary of the chief
points Of the discussion preceding the adoption
OF the memorandum:
The chief characteristic Of Russias existence
IS complete enlargement OF rulers and people
due TO the lack OF mutual confidence. This con-
dition has been intensified in reoant vears and
has been especially noticeable since the out
break OF the war. which disclosed the true in
ternal condition Of the country. Under the ex-
listing conditions the government has no means
or knowing the truth about the country and
what the people want. and SO Is reduced to act
upon what il thinks is best for the people. Such
acton, however. only makes matters worse and
leads "a blunders and continued arrangement. .
The trouble IS, the people excluded from
any part in the government. Instead of en-
couraging self-reliance, foster tutelage by
centrahZing power in the hands Of bureaucrats.
The result of this is especially noticea Bile in
cities where the state of siege. renewed from
year 10 year, permits arbitrary rule, suspension
Of law and Interference with elective Assem-
plies' yet now there promises of a great
increase in the already wide authority OF pro-
Vincial governors
All this destroys the feeling of safety and
exercises a disintegrating influence upon all
oranches OF national activity Progress is inn
possible so long Bureaucracy blocks the
guarantee Of personal rights thereby paralyz-
ing the very essence Of individual initiative
ana press Is a prime factor IN the estrangement
Of rulers and people.
Restrictions bear grievously upon classes as
wen as the masses, intensity discomfort warn
ects ana opinions OF the ruling spheres and
roster lrresponsibility and arbitrariness
bureaucracy promotes religi0ls. intolera nee
tnAzzles the press and stiles freedom of sueect,
IN order 10 give specious appearance of solidity
70 the structure or the state The bureaucracy
enoFts TO imprison the peoples minds neyita hI,,
leads 10 the exercise of brute force We want a
free and independent administration of I,stJca
as an essential safeguard against this constant
individual. - ~
No real reform is possible without equality ~
al individuals before the law. For this reason
peasants must be rescued from their present
condition Of serVitude and have equal rights
Win orler classes Of the community. Pea SAINT :
must have the widest share in local govern
ment by The creation Of a small zemstyo unit
and the Zerrstvo system must be Thoroughly
revised 50 to bring IL into closer contact with
the people. The only method OF assuring Dar
manently these reforms lies in the regular mar
ucipation Of the people in the legislative gov
srnment OF the country.
WaRsHTPS LEAVE LsNGEIANo