The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1904-11-17
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
A New, Broad and Liberal Move
ment Under Way In Russia.
is CARING MOMENTUM DAILY

!
Propaganda. and Wss olVen I'M
petus BY New Minister Of Interior
Against Powerful influences.
ST Petersburg. Nov l4.-Russia IA
facing a great internal crisis. which, In
The minds OF intelligent Russians.
Dvershadows In importance all ques-
lions relating TO the war and foreign
politics A new. broad and liberal
movement seems not only under way
but gaining momentum daily. and the
best feature of il is that il IL entirely
divorced from any radical revolution
airy propaganda Prince Sviatopolk-
Mirsky. he minister Of the interior.
has given the movement impetus, but
has done 40 against the most powerful
Influences and behind the scenes "A
bitter struggle Ia waging for imperial
support During the coming week the
first test of strength is likely to occur.
tho result ~ which may mean much
fur the history Of Russia.
The policy OF reaction. which has
crown steadily since the accession Of
Alexander III seemed suddenly to lose
is main hulwark when Minister Won
Plehye fell With the advent OF Prince
Syiatopolk-Mirsky and his frank ap-
peal for a policy of mutual confidence
between government and people. a
tremendous liberal rebound occurred
RAISING perhaps unjustidaby, high
hopes and aspirations. An American.
enjoying absolute political freedom.
can hardly appreciate the full signifi-
cance Of what The changes that have
occurred since Prince Sviotopolk-
Nirsky's Inauguration means in a land
OF absolu,ism
Tho Russian policy as regards Fin
land il not reversed. has been greatly
ameliorated. and the Finnish national
diet will meet next month Only yes
terday prominent Finlanders who
were exiled under The Plehve regime
received permission 10 return 10 their
own country or 10 90 abroad ii they
desired so to do. The oppressive ac-
tivity OF the police throughout the en-
pre has been largely relaxed; Danish
ment by administrative order has been
abolished. hundreds OF political pris-
oners eXilcd 10 Siberia have been re-
called. the Jews have received assur-
ances Of the dawnlng Of brighter
day. the doors have been thrown open
al two Of the biggest trials proceeding
in Russia tthe Schaumann treason
trial and the Jewish trial al GOmeD:
and the method of treating student
demonstrations has been radically
changed. persuasion being substituted
for COssack charges. But nowhere are
the changes SO marked as in the mat
ter Of tho press After years OF the
strictest censorship. Russian papers
suddenly found their voices within the
last fortnight and were remarkably
plain spoken in the discussion OF in
ternal affairs. and especially in con-
nection with the forthcoming meeting
OF zemstvo representatives.
In the meantime about the head OF
Prince Sviatopolk- Mirsky has ragged a
storm Of opposition. All the reaction
airy elements. including the solid bu-
reaucracy. have used all the weapons
OF hand to undermine him. NJ. Pobie-
donosteft. procurator Of the Holy
SYNOD. has warned the emperor that
II rumors attributed to court circles
are credible. autOcracy and orthodoxy
will both be in danger if the present
movement is not stopped promptly.
The enemies oil the minister OF the
Interior are now moving heaven and
earth 10 postpone the meeting OF the
presidents OF IS provincial zemstyos,
which is scheduled for next Saturday;
and some OF the minister's own friends
are counseling him 10 allow a post
ponement until January fearing that
a too radical expression Of views in
the agitation raised might furnish too
much ammunition FOR the opposition.
The whole question will be decided by
the emperor early in the week.
The meeting Is purely unofficial.
without direct authority to act: but IL
Is the first time of an authorized as
sembling of representatives OF the
zemstyos from all over Russia The
meeting is not intended to be Of pub
lie character. The program includes the
discussion OF three points namely
First. the conditions which have
prevented zemstvo activity. giving
wide scope for consideration of the
very questions heretofore prohibited.
Second. the organization of CEN
trail administration of agriculture.
Third. cooperation OF local zemstvo
hospitals in the case Of wounded peo-
pie.
Although the subjects appear vague
and indefinite, all aim at national CO.
operation of the zemstvOs. which con-
tain a suggestion OF a sort of land par
lament. where the wishes Of the pro-
vincial zemstvos could be voiced. They
also raise the question Of the character
OF the central zemstvo unit and the
collateral question OF the elective prin-
ciple in the matter of representation.
However as the conference will be
private. its decisions will be more or
less academic.
SEN.KURoKPS DEATH CONFIRMED