The Savannah morning news., 1904-11-14
RUSSIA FACES CRISIS
THAT IS OF IMPORTANCE.
A New Broad and Liberal Movement
Seems Under Way.

seems Under Way.
St. Petersburg, Nov. 13.-Russia is
facing a great International crisis
which in the minds of intelligent Rus
slams overshadows in Importance all
questions relating to foreign politics.
A new, broad and liberal movement
seems not only under way, but gain
ing momentum daily and the best fea-
ture of 1t is that it is entirely divorced
from any radical revolutionary pro-
paganda.
Prince Sviatopolk- Mirsky, the min
lister of the Interior, has given the
movement impetus, but has done so
against the powerful influences and be-
hind the scenes bitter struggle is
waging for imperial support During
the coming week the first test of
strength is likely to occur, the result of
which may mean much for the his
tory of Russia.
The policy of reaction, which had
grown steadily since the assassination
OF Alexander III, seemed to suddenly
lose its main bulwark when Minister
PlehYe fell. With the advent of Prince
SViatopolk- Mirsky and his flank appeal
for policy of mutual confidence be-
tween government and people a tre-
mendous liberal rebound occurred rails
ing perhaps unjustifiably, high hopes
and aspirations.
An American, enjoying absolute po-
litical freedom. can hardly appreciate
the full significance of what the
changes that have occurred since
Prince Sviatopolk- Mirsky's Inaugural
ton mean in a land of absolutism.
The Russian policy as regards Fin
land. if not reversed, has been greatly
ameliorated, and the Finnish national
diet will meet next month. Only YES
terday prominent Finlanders who were
eXiled under the Plehve regime, receiv-
ed permission to return to their own
country, or go abroad if they desired
to do so.
The oppressive activity of the police
throughout the empire has been large
ly relaxed, Punishment by administra-
tive order has been abolished, hum
dreds of political prisoners exiled to
Siberia have been recalled the Jews
have received assurances OF the dawn
ing of brighter day. the doors have
been thrown open at two of the biggest
trials proceeding in Russia (the Schau-
mann treason trial and the Jewish
trial at ComeD and the method of
treating student demonstrations has
been radically changed.
Persuasion is being substituted for
Cossack charges. But nowhere are the
changes so marked as in the matter
of the press. After years of the strict
est censorship, Russian papers suddenly
found their voices within the last
fortnight and were remarkably plain
spoken in the discussion of internal
affairs and especially in connection
with the Forthcoming meeting of Zem-
stvoe representatives.
Such an unprecedented publication
made the Russian public rub its eyes
In amazement. Prince Ouktomsky
editor of the Viedermosti, said to the
Associated Press that never within his
memory had Russian newspapers been
allowed such liberties. Yet, these
things had been done quietly and with
out public proclamation. AS a rule
he said these laws had been modified.
For instance the old press law is still
hanging above the heads of editors
like the sword of Damocles. The ma
chinery of repression exists, but is not
in operation.
In the meantime about the head of
Prince Svfatopolk- Mirsky has ragged a
storm of opposition All the reaction
airy elements, including the solid bu-
reaucracy, have used all the wea pons
at hand to undermine him. NJ. Pobic-
donoslen. procurator of the Holy Synod
has warned the Emperor that If rum
ors attributed to court circles are cred
ible, autocracy and orthodoxy will both
be In danger II the present movement
is not stopped promptly
A week ago 1t was actually beliey-
ed that Prince Sviatopolk- Mirsky had
been overthrow, but subsequent de-
velopmehts proved the contrary Never