The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1904-12-27

The various subjects will be re-
= ferred 10 committees for carly =
= report.
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or. PETERSBURG. Dec. 26.-An i'm
y periaI Ikase issued tonight makes
decidedly liberal promises under a
number of heads. 1t promises an equal
and full enforcement of existing laws;
assures the zenstvos of the fullest pos
sible measure of lf-gOVernment and
the enforcement of the laws now eX-
listing in their behalf; promulgates a
scheme of W0rkingman's insurance:
extends the liberty of the press and
promises a full legal trial of all per-
SONS accused.
The imperial decree. which is enti-
tied, "A scheme for the Improvement
Of the administration of the state" is
addressed TO the senate, and is as fol-
lows:
Text of the Decree.
In accordance with the revered will
of our crowned predecessor, and think
ing increasingly of the welfare of the
realm entrusted 10 us by God, We re
gard it as our duty and the govern
ments duty IN conjunction with I'M
Geviating maintenance Of the immuta-
bility of the fundamental laws of the
empire, to nave untiring care for the
cOuntry's needs, distinguishing all that
is really in the interests of the Rus
sian people from tendencies not seldom
mistaken and Influenced by transitory
circumstances. When the need Of this
or that change as proved ripe, then we
consider il necessary to meet it, even
though the transformation to which
this leads involves the introduction of
essential innovations in legislation. We
do not doubt that the realization of
such an undertaking VIII meet with the
sympathy Of The We'll disposed section
of our subjects, whc see the true pros
perity Of the f1tnerland in the support
OF civil tranquility and the uninterrupt-
ed satisfaction of the daily needs of
the people.
Peasants Come First.
Placing in the forefront of our care,
thought for The best ordering of the
life Of the most numerous of our es-
tates, the peasant population, we may
remark that this matter is already I'M
der examination.
simultaneously with a detailed in
vestigation Of the initial proposals of
the ministry Of the interior. which are
being carried out locally conferences
are now beng held by commissioners
specially selected from among the most
experienced Of the highest administra-
tive officials regarding the most impor-
tant question Of peasant life, assisted
in the investigation of the general
needs Of the agricultural industry by
the knowledge and experience of local
committees. We command those of Ia
Dor TO bring the laws regarding peas
ants into unity with the general i'm
perial legislation, thereby facilitating
the task of attaining permanent securi-
ty of this estate which, by decree of the
car Hberatov, u recognized as consist
ing of free citizens possessing full
rights.
Needs of the People.
Surveying the wide domain of the
peoples uttermUst needs, we regard as
urgent i'm The interest of the legal
Strengthening Of civic and public life,
"First-The adoption of effective
measures Cor safeguarding the law in
it's full force Is the most important pill
lar. OF the throne Of the autocratic en-
pire, i'm order that its inviOlate fulfill
ment for all alike shall be regarded IS
the first duty ~ all the authorities and
in all places subject to US; that its
-fulfllmont shall inevitably bring
with it legal responsibility for every
arbitrary act, and that persons who
have suffered wrong by such acts shall
be enabled 10 secure legal redress.
"Second-ThaJ local and municipal
institutions shOIld be given as wide
scope as possible in the administration
of various matters affecting local vel
fare. and that they should have con-
ferTed upon them the necessary indie
peudence. within legal limitations, and
that representatives of all sections of
the population Interests in local mat
tiers should De called upon in equitable
conditions. to lake part i'm those insti-
tutiCns with d view to the cOmpletest
satisfaction 9ossible of their needs.
Beside the governments ZemstVO dis
trict institutions hitherto existing
there should De also established in con-
nection with them public institutions
for the administration of local AFFAIRS
in localities u smaller extent
Independence of Courts.
-Third-That in order to secure equal
itv Of persons Il all classes before the
law. steps should be taken to bring
about the ne eessarv publication Of jul
dicial proced1rc throughout the en-
pire and TO assure independence of the
courts.
"FoBrth-That for the future devel-
opment of the measures introduced by
us for the protection of workmen in
factories. workshops and commercial
establishments, attention is TO be given
to the question of the Introduction of
state insurance for Worhngmen.
.Fifth-ThaJ there should be a re-
vision of the exceptional laws decreed
a the time Of an unparalleled outbreak
of criminal ACTIVITY on the part of the
enemies of pupiic order and the appli-
cation Of which was attended with a
grave extension OF the discretionary
power of The administrative authori-
ties: and that at the same time steps
should be taken Cor circumscribing
their application within the narTowest
possible limits and for assuring that
imitation Of the rights of private per-
sons involved in that application shall
only be permitted in cases where the
actual safety of the state is threat
ened.
"Sixth-Thdt ia confirmation of my