The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-12-27
NICHOLAS ISSUES
REFORM UKASE
1t Promises FULLEST Measures of
Relief that Can Be
Granted

st. Petersburg, Dec. 27.-Emperor
Nicholas long expected reform ukase
was issued last night. The document
deals with practically all the subjects
brought to the emperor's attention by
the zemstvo presidents, and while not
carry out the various reforms in their
entirety as demanded by the memorial,
promises that all shall be referred to
the council of ministers, with orders to
report promptly on the fullest measures
of relief which can be granted.
One question not touched by the
ukase is that of the constitutional as
sembly. Neither is the Jewish religion
specifically mentioned, tho freedom for
otherwise, is among the subjects which
will be dealt with. The various sub
jects will be referred to committees for
early report. ss ,-5s@s& -aa@st5 e..
Naturally it has not met the fullest.
wishes of the liberals, but, on the other:
hand, it is regarded by the reactionaries
as promising entirely too much in the
direction of liberal reforms. It is COM
biguity Of exp ression in the various Sec
lions Of the document, which must be
left to Interpretation by those to whom
the various reforms are intrusted.
Points Covered.
In brief, the subjects which are re-
ferred by the ukase to committees Of
the council of ministers for early report
are: r
First-A Just and equitable enforcement
Of existing laws with view to securing
the harmonious administration Of all the
| courts.
Second-Zemstvo organization with a
txySo rr;yyi %I,1 lot
tonomy to the various zemstvos. calling
additional zemstvo representatives where
required and creating smaller zemstvo
units capable Of dealing directly with the
local needs Of the peasants. =. ~
Third-Equality of all citizens before
the law, this touching the much-mooted
question Of peasant equality before the
courts. .+
Fourth-Arranging scheme of work
mems assurance, for the benefit and par
ticipation Of factory workers thruout the
empire.
Fifth-TO secure citizens against arbi-
trary arrest and to accord immunity
from harsh action from the police except
in the cases of persons known to be con-
spring to commit overt acts against the
stability Of the state:
Sixth-The religious freedom Of all sub
jects Of the empire without respect tt
creed or manner Of worship.
Seventh-For resembling all unnecessary
repressive laws, leaving in force onl!
those designed for the participation O
peasants and for the benefit generally Of
subjects Of the empire. .[t.,.s[T ~. -,
Eighth-To accord the fullest possible
measure Of liberty to the press and the
removal so far as possible of various re-
strictive laws. - -. ,.,. .
The ukase promises full and equita
bic enforcement of existing laws, as
sures the zemstvos of the fullest posi-
BILE measure of self government and the
enforcement of the laws,now existing il
their behalf; promulgates a scheme OF
workmen s insurance, extends the lib
erty of. the press and promises a full
legal trial Of all persons accused. 7f'sHp
! Kuropatkin for zemstvos.r ~
General Kgropatkin, according to ar
interview With Prince Dolgorousky
head Of the Moscow Red Cross detach
ment at the front, has added his voice
in favor of broader activity Of the
zemstvos This later may be fraueh1
J with immense significance The reac
tianary Grashdanin publishes re
markable article against the bureau
cracy, declaring that it was RESPONSE
BILE for the French revolution, the fal
of the Roman empire and the decay o.
: China, whereas Japan has regretted, be
cause, while it overthrow the bureau
cracv If retained the nrincin1e of III,