New-York tribune., 1905-11-13

St Petersburg Nov 12-With each days de-
velopments ii becomes more apparent that Rus
sian reformers have learned little Of the lessons
of history and that Russia is destined. like other
countries before her. 10 travel a thoTny oath
10 freedom She seems determined 20 pay the
heaviest price for her political education. This.
perhaps is not strange. considering that ali the
intelligent classes are engaged in a revolt
against the old order of things the moderatis-s
for the moment casping hands with the ultra
reyolutionists to accomplish the downfall of the
autocracy The result is that all the reform
Clements are dstrustfui of the government and
take pride ir holding aoof. il everybody con-
nected with the government was contaminated.
and there is no solid conservative element to
act as a brake upon those who shrink from no
political exp:ri llents. no matter row reckless.
The various groups into which the Liberals
splitting ans even those who advocate the
very constitutionalisr. into which Count Witte
is seeking TO conduct the government. seemingly
would rather let the co;ntr, drift into anarchy
than lift d finger TO ala him The leaders AIS
play anything but disintereS-ed patriotism haN-
ing political ambitions and being convinced that
The present is only stop gap government unti
the Douma meets. They prefer not 10 jeopardize
their own futures by taking office in a govern
rnent marked for sacrifice, yet they appreciate,
ruled SO long a. court would like to renew the
struggle for reaction. unhorse the new Premier
and jettison the whole reform programme They
admit that Count Witte is the only man in the
present stage Of transition capable of coping
with the court eamarilla: nevertheless. they re-
fuse 20 assist him 10 get firm seat i'll the
saddle
DANGER OF REACTION NOT SERIOUS.
The danger of reaction is hardly worth serious
consideration. however. Even the discounted
advocates of the old regime reailze that the
Einreror's step is irrevocable: that he could
ao' withdraw it if he would. ana mat any at
Tempt 10 place him in the attitude of a usurper
Of the peonle,s liberties would precipitate an
immediate crash in which he wonio De sure
to lose the throne Nevertheless. the failure OF
the reform elements to break with the Social
Democrats and cooperate with Count Wltte
may prove disastrous and encourage the eS-
trenae aeitators which would be apt to provoke
continuance of clashes and excesses' anu ~
the end force the government 10 resoi' 10 60
irene measures. which. being Interpreted as
return 10 the policy of repression might pie
ciptate uprisings.
Fortunately. something like a realizatioi VI
these dangers is coming home TO shldIi oI'
growing class of Liberals For instance Prince
EGgelle Trouhe:sNoy. who declined 10 a-osp' -
portfolio Of Minister of Education because the
party with which he is affiliated is committed
10 q constituent assembly, in an open ie'.e' -
tae public advises the people TO support 'io
.ew eoverrn,er,t in SITS effort to restore uail-
i..iity. AID DI-itri sh2on and NJ Gu'cnspil'
9yhc also declined portfolios. have returned 70
Aoscow with the intention of organizing a ans
.:nct party of aioderates 70 aid count "i'ee
The influential .'Slovo" has become the organ
90 -.he party ~ order. and even the htuss,
while 1ndorsing the action Of the zenistVolsts III
refusing Offices thinks that they cou!d win
propriety select committee to ACT IN an az
risory capacity with the government
(c-tirGed On safouh