New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-11-30
A DEFENCE OF AUT0CRACY
Prince Mestchersky Points Out the
Dangers of a Constitution.

establishment of such reforms as are at present
possible I'm Russia has been prejudiced by the
irresponsible agitation for constitution which
is now in progress" He considers autocracy
vital to the life and future greatness of Russia
as a nation Liberal reforms he maintains, are
necessary but they cannot be introduced except
by the autocracy. Moreover. declares the prince
a broad plan of reform was already mapped OFT
for gradual introduction when the whole work
was thrown into confusion by the Liberal re-
bound accompanied by the discussion of con-
stitution, which followed Minister Plehve's
death. Prince Mestchersky said to-day:
The question is often asked: Why not intro
duce constitution? Russia might as well ask
an American a Briton, Why not introduce
autocracy? A constitution is just necessary
TO Great Britain the United States as autoc-
racy is for Russia Russia without autocracy
would cease to be Russia The greatest contem-
porary Russian statesmen, men of the most
commanding intellect, like NJ. de WHITE. are of
this opinion.
Constitutional government is impossible in
Russia for the simple reason that the vast ma
jority of the people have not the slightest con
Ception of it's meaning. There are, perhaps, lOo,-
600 Russians who want constitution. and as
they do all the talking, while the remaining loo,-
100000 are voiceless, the impression goes ABROAD
that the sentiment of the ma jority of the nation
desires a change in the form of government
If a constitution were introduced tomorrow IL
would he short lived. for the simple reason that
1t would not be based upon the wishes or IDEAS
of the people, and therefore it would only IMPEDE
real and lasting reform.
Constitutional government would prove an
actual danger because the nation includes races
like the Poles and those of the Baltic territory.
who are more advanced and developed than the
rest. They would consequently soon obtain a
predominance In the Parliament, which would
call forth the opposition of the great mass of
the population and lead to the disintegration oil
the nation
We want reforms not a constitution. con-
tend that reform is attainable only through
autocracy. The imperial manifesto OF FEBRUARY
fayI 1nx. CtC Of afO
government carefully preparing and grad
ually but surely carrying out when Plehves
uTtimely end put sudden stop to the work
The fundamental idea of this reform is 10 ex-
tend local government by the creation Of small
zemstvos, thus bestowing the widest possible
measure of self-government. The project con-
templated a complete reorganization of the pres
ent form of zemstvos. whereby local affairs
would be submitted to the control Of those dm-
mediately interested. and questions affecting
the provinces at large would be referred to
representative provincial council under the presi
dency Of the Governor.
Once local government should be established
upon a firm basis IT the intention Of the
sovereign to reform the central administration
at st. Petersburg. This would probably be be-
gun with the introduction of ministerial re-
sponsbility. The Council of the Ministry, which
is now a purely perfunctory body. would sit
doing away with the responsibility Of Min
listers. At present each Minister has his own
programme. or policy. often in conflict with
other Ministers.
The reforms would next include the introduce
ton of representative members in the Council
OF the Empire. giving the nation a voice in legis-
lation The Senate would be restored to the prf-
mary function for which 1t created by Peter
the Great, of controlling the administration of
the law, and thus becoming strong safeguard
against arbitrariness in administration.
This logical and comprehensive scheme was
suspended by Plehve's murder. His successor
who is the very embodiment of kindness and
honor marked his entry into office by ap-
peal TO the confidence OF the people. The ap-
peal, unfortunately, was misunderstood. The
effect has been to set tongues wagging and
newspapers talking; and the Russian press is
not sufficiently developed. owing to the
strictions under which it has suffered, to ap-
preciate the merits of sound conservatism. The
talk at once became wildly liberal in tendency.
Then came the meeting Of the zemstvo leaders,
who carried away by eloquence and fervor, out
ran the furthest ambition of their chairman,
NJ Shipon. and memorialized the throne for a
regular constitution. The result has been 10
confuse the whole issue of reform upon which
the autocracy was intent
Personally I do not attach great Importance
TO this movement, or anticipate anything in the
nature of crisis. movement OF similar char-
acter was witnessed in the, SOS, under Loris
Nelikoff but this time the government has &
we'll defined programme of reform. Further
more the governments programme corresponds
to the real needs of the country and the nation,
whereas the programme of the zemstvo lead
ers cannot be realized and is dangerous.
OF course, the Zemstvo representatives wneh
they meet next month, Will indulge IN further
talk and agitation. They will bring forward the
scheme pronounced in the memorial. some OF
them will vote for and some against 1t, but /
think II is lkelier that they will bestow greater
attention on their affairs than on affairs or
state which are beyond their comprehension.
The memoriasts inveighed a great deal
against the abuses of bureaucracy but the fact
is that they are not free from the same reproach.
Provincial zemstvos have been gradually as
Stunning bureaucratic control over district
zemstvos, till the latter are unable to devote one
cent of their own money for local needs with
out permission Of the provincial body. There Is
a serious split between the two, and 1t is more
likely that they will fight out their differences
tl-ot -1r-tl Law hpi
seriously work for a constitution
Meanwhile the real business OF reform rests
with the Emperor and his Minister Of the In
terror. What they will do and what influence
the present difficulties engendered by the war in
the Far East will have upon their decision /
cannot say. but l have rot the slightest appre-
hension regarding the future. and believe the
greatness and welfare of Russia are synonymous,
with autocracy.
The student bodies of St. Petersburg have
adopted resolutions to support Prince Sviatopolk-
Mirsky 1t now appears that the students de-
monstration planned for yesterday in ap-
prevail of the Minister'S policy
The prince will be received by Emperor
Nicholas to-moIrow. It is said in court circles
where the opposition to the Minister'S policy
is the greatest that when the Minister re-
minded the Emperor that he had taken Alice
under certain conditions and that he was resdy
t. resign If his policy did not receive his ma
jestys approval, the Emperor gave the Minister
the most complete assurances of his confidence
and Endorsement OF his policy.
The Grand Duke Sergius, Governor General
of Moscow, is reported to have arrived at Tsar-
s<oe Selo from Moscow. His presence at the
propaganda. He is considered to bitterly OPP
pose any concession