The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1905-01-18
CAR ISSUES hAN|FEST0|
Pledges Liberty For Peasants and
Press and in Religion.
PRESENT AGITATION MUST END

Decree in Eight Divisions Given Out by
pecially With the Lower Peasant
Classes-Conccssions Preceded by Sharp
Declaration Against Demonstrations
st. Petersburg, Russia. Emperor
Nicholas long expected reform ukase
has been issued. The document deals,
under eight heads, with practically all
the subjects brought to- the Emperor's
attention by the memorial of the Con-
sress of Zemstvos Presidents held
here last month, and, while not spe-.
officially pledging the Government to
carry out the various reforms in their
entirety, as demanded by the memorial,
promises that each shall be referred to
the Council Of Ministers. with orders to
report promptly on the fullest meas
ures Of relief which a be afforded on
the various subjects.
One question not touched by the
ukase is that Of the Constitutional AS
sembly. Neither is the Jewish religion
specifically mentioned. though freedom
for all creeds or sects. whether Chris
tan or otherwise, is among the SUP
iects which will be dealt with.
The various subjects will be referred
to committees for early report.
The Imperial decree. which is en-
titled "A Scheme For the Improvement
of the Administration of the State" is
addressed to the Senate and is as fol-
lows: -.
In accordance with the revered will
Of our crowned predecessor, and think
ing increasingly Of the welfare of the
realm instructed to us by God, we re-
gard it as our duty and the Govern
ment's duty, in conjunction with the
undertaking maintenance of the lmmu.
liability Of the fundamental laws of the
Empire, to have untiring care for the
country's needs, distinguishing be-
tween all that is really in the interests
of the Russian people from tendencies
not seldom mistaken and Influenced by
transitory circumstances.
when the need Of this or that
change is proved ripe, then we consider
it necessary to meet it, even though the
transformation to which this leads in
wolves the introduction of essential in
novations in Iegislatiop3 We do not
doubt that the realization of such an
undertaking will meet with the sym.
patty of the well-disposed section OF
our subjects. who see the true prosper
tiy of the fatherland in the support OF
civil tranquility and the uninterrupted
satisfaction of the daily needs of the
people.
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 4 detailed in
vestigation Of the initial proposals OF
the Ministry of the Interior. which are
being carried out locally. conferences
are now being held by Commissioners
specially selected from among the most
experienced Of the highest admlnistra-
tive officials regarding the most import
ant questions Of peasant life. assisted
in their investigation. Of the general
needs of the agricultural industry by
the knowledge and experience of local
committees.
1--WE command these to labor to. bring
the laws regarding peasants into unity
with the general imperial legislation,
thereby facilitating the task of attain
ing permanent security Of this estate,
which, by decree Of the Gear Liberator
is recognized as consisting of free cit
liens possessing full rights
Here follow the eight divisions or
suSheads of .the manifesto.