Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-11-21
Russians Thoroughly Aroused
Over the Franchise.
CONFIDENCE IN MIRSKY
WAR AND ALL OTHER QUESTIONS
SECONDARY WITH PUBLIC.
Significant Meetings Of the Zemstvo
Representatives - Sympathetic De-
monstrations All Over Russia.

ST PETERSBURG, November 21.-The
interest in the meeting of the zemstvo rep
resentatives is intense. The war and all
other questions are temporarily forgotten
Nothing else is talked of. Liberals from
all parts of the empire are f1ocking hlthef,
including many from Poland and Finland
The hotel lobbies are crowded, almost re-
sembling convention times in American
cities The permission granted by Interior
Minister Sviatopolk-Mirsky was for an es-
sembly of three hundred
The participants friends display complete
confidence in the protection afforded by the
minister and his most outspoken senti-
ments The situation altogether is unpar-
alleled Nothing approaching such a gath
erIng has ever before been permitted IN
Russia. AS evidence Of the remarkable
state of affairs 1t is sufficient to mention
that one of the most prominent speakers
yesterday was M. Petrunkeivitch of TVer
who spent twenty-four years in exile, and
who had only been allowed since Prince
Sviatopolk- Mirskys advent to come to the
capital. Nevertheless, the most able men
in assembly are counseling moderation and
are doing everything possible to prevent
demonstrations which might compel inter-
ference One of the strongest members of
the conference said to the Associated Press:
1--WE want to make our position plain TO
the government but we desire to avoid
every appearance of lawlessness l sim
cerely hope the meeting will be productive
of great good. We hope and expect that
all provincial and district zemstvos will
follow our lead and demonstrate to the gov
ernment that the voice of the nation is
unanimous in asking for direct share in
the government by the people.
At the meeting of the delegates today sec
ton nine Of the memorial, by vote of 100
to 3, was strengthened into practical rec
ommendation for parliament, the language
being changed to a specific declaration IN
favor of an elective body, not to participate
In legislation, but to make the countrys s
laws.
Sympathetic demonstrations are reported
in various parts of Russia.
Public Wishes for Reform.
KHARKOFF, Russia, November H.-The
Law Society met at the university here to-
day in order to draw up telegram of con-
graduation to Interior Minister Sviatopolk-
Mirsky embodying also the wishes OF the
people for reform. Many who were not
members of the society, including ladies',
were present. A few members opposed the
dispatch of the telegram as uselss, Whlch
precipitated an uproar. In the midst OF the
tumult a large number of workmen entered
the hall and showered the audience with
revolutionary proclamations. The chairman
declared the meeting adjourned. A semi
panic followed and there was great crush
for the exit many ladies in escaping leaving
their wraps behind. The workmen and some
students remained and held an impromptu
meeting afterward going out in procession
singing revolutionary songs. Ihe process
sion however was soon dispersed No one
is reported 80 have been injured.