The Black Hills union and western stock review. [volume] (Rapid City, S.D.) 1904-19??, 1905-02-03

shown towards the establishment OF
anything like self government
Article III.-That the bureaucracy anG
Capitalization of government in ST Pc.
tersbur2 has to a great extent alicnateC
the people from the throne.
Article lV.-Not yet worked out in detail
Article N.-That, in order that Russia
may may be ;, governed I,l properly, there must
be absolute freedom of conscience, re-
ligion, speech and press.
Article NI.-That all inhabitants of Rus
STA, without regard being held to posi-
ton and religion, and no matter to what
class they belong. must enjoy equal and
the same civil and political rights: in.
asmuch as the bulk of the Russian ma
ton consists Of peasants. these latter
of justice as other people
Article Nll.-That every person, prospect.
I've of position, shall have the right tC
vote for members of the zemstvoS or be
himself elected thereto
Article Nlil;-Not yet worked out, but
deals with the recommendation that
there shall be two legislative houses, not
on the British plan, but a lower house tc
consist Of members of the zemstvos and
an upper house to be modelled on that of
the American senate. AS it is OF such
under discussion.
Article lN.-That every person shall have
the, right, through his member of the
legislative body to have a voice in the
d
control of the government and confirma-
ton of the budget
Article X.-That IN order that the recon-
mendation made by the commission may
be brought into force in such a way as
to he of the greatest benefit to the peo-
pie, general plebiscite should be taken
all over Russia.
These demands, openly avowed by the
Zemstvos, created amazement In reaction
airy circles. Prince Mestchersky editor of
the Grashdanin, angrily voiced the bu-
reaucracy's hostility to Prince Sviatopolk-
Mirsky. Referring to his encouragement
of the zemstvos 1t said:
we are living in a madhouse. To give
such opinions more than five minutes dis
2ussion Is a symptom of a disordered
mind"
The cars answer to the demands Of the
zemstvos was published in an imperial
ukase on December 26. 1904. He granted
some OF the reforms asked for by the
zemstvos conference which assembled
here November 10, promising to consider
others. but ignoring the appeal for an cleo
tive constitutional assemblage.
The zemstvos asked the car to equalize
the civil and political rights of peasants
and to release rural self-government from
administrative bureaucratic tutelage. He
promises this independence within legal
limitations.
The Zemstvos asked, as a guarantee Of
personal rights, that no one In the empire
should be subjected to punishment or re-
striction of right without the decision Of
the courts. The czar grants the appeal.
The zemstvos complained of the arbi-
trary acts of the bureaucratic chiefs, who
Ignore the law and govern by personal
caprice. The car declares that the au-
thoritics charged with the administration
Of the law shall be held responsible for
every arbitrary act and that persons who
Wa emf fn,s
enabled to secure legal redress
The zemstvos asked for the creation of
smaller zemstvos, to insure the independ-
ence of the peasants. The czar says it
shall be done.
Promises Reform in Courts.
The car further promises a unifica ton
of Judicial procedure throughout the en-
pire.
He promises to maintain inviolate the
independence of the courts.
He promises legal trial for every per-
son accused Of crime or misdemeanor.
He promises to take up the question of
state insurance for workmen in factories,
workshops, and commercial establish
ments.
Finally. the car declares that repressive
laws shall be repealed. This secures a
less rigorous censorship of and more free
dom for the press, and will extend the
privileges of public assembly.
Principle of Autocracy Upheld.
The ukase makes no direct reference to
the constitutional assemblage asked for
by the zemstvos. He makes 1t clear that
the principle of autocracy Is to be upheld,
declaring for the "undevia ting mainte-
nance of the immutability Of the funda-
mental laws of the empire"
The czar makes it clear that he rejects
the plea for a constitution, asserting 1t IS
his duty to distinguish "all that is really
in the interests of the Russian people from
tendencies not seldom mistaken and infu-
enced oy trans.tory circumstances"
AS for the future, the car holds out
hops. in the promise that when "the need
of this or that change Is proved ripe, then
we consider 1t necessary to meet it, even
though the transforma ton to which this
leads involves the Introduction of essen
tial innovations in legislation"
Summary of Cars Pledges.
In brief the subjects which will be re-
fcrred to committees of the council of min
listers for early report are:
First-A just and equable enforcement
of existing laws, with view to securing
courts.
Second-Zemstvo organiza ton, with a.
view to giving the widest latitude and a,l-
tonomy to the various zemstvos, calling
required, and eating smaller zemstvo
units, capable Of dealing directly with the
local needs of the peasants.
Enthusiastically of all citizens before the
law, this touching the much mooted ques-
ton Of peasant equality befor the courts
Fourth-Arranging a scheme of work.
mems assurance for the benefit and par
tic.pation of factory workers throughout
the empire.
Fifth-To secure citizens against arbl-
trary arrest and to accord immunity from
harsh action Of the police, except in the
cases of persons known to be conspiring
to commit overts acts against the stability
of the state
Sixth-The religious freedom of all SUBJ
iects of the empire without respect Of
creed or manner of worship.
Seventh-For resembling all unnecessary
repressive laws, leaving in force only
those designed for participation Of peas
ants and for. the benefit generally Of sub
jects Of the empire.
Eighth-To accord the fullest possible
measure Of liberty to the press, and the
removal, as far as possible, Of the various
restrictive laws.
Under the direction of M. WHITE a num-
Der of committees from the grand council
Of state are now engaged in drawing up
laws carrying the cars pledges into exc
cution.