The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-29
TIM Hopr or RUSSIA.

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 The recent action of the Russian
 7sssrnmsnt is really iong step for ward and gives promise that one of the most intolcrant king-ridden coun- tries on the globe may yet enjoy the forms and substkncs of liberty to a greater extent than has been thought possibls. The ukase just issued by Nicholas grants more and greater con- sessions than might have been expect ed from him, when we remember the centuries of absoiutisfp under which Russia has existed. and the previous expedition of ruler and nobies to any thing approaching our ideas of liberty. Not the least important feature of the movement Is that relating to religious liberty. The Jews, especially. have reason to be gratifed at the promise of freedom from persecution on account of this faith. Heretofore these people have been absolutely at the mercy of the Russian people, and the frequent massacres and almost continual perse- GU tions have illustrated the unfortunate ccnditions under which they have ex- istsd. If the laws are to be 90 modi- fied that the Jews may enjoy the same reiigious iibarty and toleratton that Is granted to other faiths 1t will be a great boon to them.
 Another feature q this concession which will bs of wids-reachins import ancs is the psrt relating to freedom of the press. It is not to be inferred that this means. ct feast for the present, such absolute Independence of the press as ws ars accustomed to in this coun- try. for that would be an advance step not to ha expected at one movement. but 1t may be taken as the first dawn ing of the time when newspapers in Russia will be allowed to express theIn- selves without dread of Siberia or the knont. It may be but an entering wedge but 1t Is to be hoped that it will go on until there will really exist a l free press in that country.
 One of the greatest dangers threat ening this movement towards better things is in the Russian people them selves. It is to be feared that the in- tolerants and the extremists will be able to block the forward movement of the Government and thus nullify or neutrali3e the good intentions of the rulers. There are those among the revolutionists who will not be satis- fed unless at one sweep they can get everything they have contended for. They may not be satisfied with a par tial success, even though that success may elevate them far beyond what could have been expected or hoped for only a few years ago.
 It will be a great pity if these ex- tremists shall be able to undo the good work that has been started. or to efforts of the Czar to better the con- dition of his people. By making un- reasonable demands the people may lose all and find themselves back where they started. All the good things de- sired cannot be had at one movement. Revolutions never so backwards" and 1t is rare, indeed. that the effort of a people to better their condition Is not successful in the end. The Russian | people are not liable ever to find them selves occupying the position that the American people do. but they have 1t within their power. by moderation in their demands and by mutual conces- sions and forbearance. to reach a gov- ernment something like that of Great Britain. It rests with the real friends I of Russia and the Russian people to put down these extremists who endanger the really important work already un- der way. If that can be done and con- sefvatism allowed to control. there is
 much hope for Russia.