New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-04-13
POLICE OPENLY DEFIED.
La1Oyers Start National League to
OUerthrozc Bureaucracy.

ST. Petersburg, April 13.-The formation Of a
National Professional Reform League to unite
the activities Of lawyers. doctors, teachers. en-
gineers and other professional classes of Russia
to bring about form Of democratic government
and the institution Of a representative parlia-
ment and a responsible ministry has been
started by the National Congress Of Lawyers.
which finished its work here last night. The
plan proposed is the formation OF national asso-
Citations of the various professional classes. each
Of which shall elect delegates to a central
bureau. which is TO direct and coordinate the
efforts Of the Intellectuals in the direction Of
reforms.
Other classes which have openly manifested
liberal tendencies on many occasions and not
ably the doctors at their recent congress in
Moscow. are likely to accept the invitation, and
unless checked. powerful reform force is like
ly to spring into being soon.
Deliberations Of the lawyers were carried to a
conclusion IN direct disregard Of police orders
One hundred and seventy-three delegates. rep
resenting every judicial district in Russia
cept Siberia, were present The meetings re-
suited in the organization OF the National Legal
Association and the election Of a central bu-
reau Of thirteen. which is empowered to select
representatives for a central committee to draft
preliminary plans for the organization Of that
body
The leaders OF the movement declare that their
plans do not contemplate any assault on the
monarchical form Of government or disloyalty
TO the empire. They desire TO eliminate abso-
lutism and TO establish the right OF the people
TO have a share in legislation affecting the
budget and taxation. The rejection. though by
a small majority, of a resolution committing the
assembly to ''extra-lega! measures to show
hatred of the existing order and bring about
democratic and legal mode of government in
Russia" bears out this declaration. A feature
Of the meeting was the special honor shown the
Polish delegates at the first session The Poles.
however. did not take part in the following
sessions. which were held in defiance Of the
police. merely sending their cards each day.
The delegates met, in accordance with secret
arrangements. at different private houses.
sembling before the arrival Of the police and
disregarding orders 10 cease their sessions At
yesterdays session. however. the police placed
a Gordon around the house in which the dele
gates were to meet prevented all except fifteen
from entering and sent word TO these that all
delegates not residents Of ST. Petersburg must
leave the city Immediately. AS the congress
had finished its programme adjournment sine
die pronounced, the lawyers final
thrust drafting a statement to the chief Of
police that this general order to delegates TO
leave the city was illegal. and that they would
recognize the withdrawal Of permission TO re-
main in the city only If il were delivered to
each delegate personally.
Another ZeTnstVo congress has been called to
meet IN Moscow May s. in which representa-
tives of the nobility also Will take part From
three to five delegates from each provincial
zernstvo have been invited. 1t is reported that
an endeavor will be made 70 align the Moderates
with the nobility in favor Of reforms