Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-12-27

ST. Petersburg. Dec. 27.-Emperor
Nicholas long expected reform ukase
was issued last night The document
deals with practically all subjects
brought to the emperor's attention by
memorial of the congress of the zem-
stvos presidents held here last month,
and while not specifically pledging the
government TO carry out the various
reforms in their entirety, as demanded
by the memorial. it promises that each
shall be referred to a council of min
listers, with orders to report promptly
on the fullest measures of relief which
can be accorded upon the various sub
jects.
One of the questions not touched by
the ukase is that of constitutional as
sembly. Neither is the Jewish religion
specifically mentioned, though freedom
for all creeds or sects, whether chris
tian or otherwise, is among the sub
jects which will be dealt with.
The various subjects will be refer
red to committee for report.
Admits Need of Reforms.
The ukase says in part:
Surveying the wide domain of the
peoples uttermost needs, we regard
as urgent in the interest of the legal
strengthening of civic and public life:
First The adoption of effective
measures for safeguarding law in its
full force as the most important pillar
of the throne of the autocratic empire,
in order that its inviolable fulfillment
for all alike shall be regarded as first
iDc nd In, oil
subject to us, that it's non-fulfillment
shall inevitably bring with it legal re-
sponsibility for every arbitrary act.
and that persons who have suffered
wrong by such acts shall be enabled to-
secure legal redress.
More Power 10 MunIcipnIifies
"Second-That local and municipal
institutions should be given as wide
scope as possible i'm the administration
OF various matters affecting local wei
fare, and that they should have con-
ferred upon them necessary independ-
ence, within legal limitations. and that
representatives of all sections of the
population interested in local matters
should be called upon, under equable
to take part in those insti-
tutions with a view to the compietest
possible of their needs.
Besides governments and zemstvos
district institutions hitherto existing,
there should also be established I'm
close connection with them public In
stitutions for the administration of To-
cal affairs in localities of smaller ex-
tent.
Courts should be Independent.
"Third-That in order to secure the
Of persons of all, classes be-
fore the law, steps should be taken to
bring about the necessary unification
Df judicial procedure through the en-
pire. and TO assure the independence
If the courts
"Fourth-That for further develop-
nent of measures introduced by us for
protection OF workmen i'm factories.
workshops and commercial establish
nents. attention is TO be given to the
question OF the introduction OF state
for workmen"
Revision of Laws.
The fifth paragraph suggests revis-
on Of the laws enacted "at the time OF
he unparalleled outbreak OF criminal
activity on the part of the enemies Of
public order" so as to circumscribe the
application of these laws within the
larrowest possible limits and for the
assurance that the limitation of the
rights OF private persons involved in
nat application shall only be permit.