The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-03-02
GAR NICHOLAS
 STILL UNDECIDED Divergent Views Held by His
 Advisers TALK OF TEMPORARY PLAN Emperor Realizes That Something Mus. Be Done and Announcement Will Be Published When
 Conclusion Is Reached.
TALK OF TEMPORARY PLAN

St. Petersburg, March 2-Q2:H a. m.)-- The great and overshadowing question for Russia, that of granting the people a voice in the governments remains unde- cided at Tsarskoe-Selo. Emperor Nich- olas has not yet given the final word
 In view of the many conflicting state ments printed abroad, the Associated Press is authorized to make the foregoing definite announcement. At the same time 1t can be said that the recent develop ments in Russia, which brought the so- cial. the economic and he educational life of the empire almost to standstill, have left the Emperor no illusions re- garding the strength of the popular de- mand for something in the nature of con stitutional government. In addition to the addresses voted by the zemstvos, doumas, educational and other bodies, he has received thousands of private memor- ials. In consultation with his advisers the Emperor has displayed sympathy with the aspirations of the people and ex- pressed concurrence in the opinion that something must be done to bridge the chasm between himself and the people. Since the death of Grand Duke Sergius some influences at court which former ly were antagonistic, take the same view. Nevertheless the grand ducal party as whole still holds out, yielding nothing.
 Divergent Opinions Are Held.
 The ministers with whom the Emperor has been discussing the problem since the opening of the cabinet council three weeks ago. entertained divergent opinions. but by process of elimination two pro- posals have been definitely rejected. the frs. constitutional monarehial regime based on weitern models. with parlia- ment to frame laws and control the budget and the second the converting Of the zemsky sobor. The former proposal has been rejected, on the ground that Russia is not yet ripe for constitutional government, and the second because the zcmsky sobor is now an an=chronism. In substance the proposal which the Elm peror is now considering with the council or ministers Is the establishment of a na- tional assembly, based on direct class reT resentation, to sit in a consultative ca- pacity and propose laws; in other words, yielding the form while retaining the es- sence of autocracy. The majority of the ministers have joined in expressing the opinion to his majesty that such meas ure, coupled with the reforms enunciated in the manifesto of December 9, 1904, guaranteeing equality before the law. re- sponsibility oi officers and freedom of the press. will meet the present situation
 Can Only Be Temporary.
 All however, recognize and so advise his majesty that solution can be only temporary. An assembly of this kind would be an anomaly in the Russian government, and must soon give way to a regular parliamentary body. This fact Is equally recognized by the liberals, whom the proposed form would not sat- isfy, but who are convinced that this would be a forward step. and who would hail 1t as a victory for future con- stitutionalism.
 Cannot Back Down.
 M. witte, president of the committee of ministers, whose position Is not yet clearly defined, but who is said to hold that the country is not yet prepared for a constitution, is said to have told the Emperor bluntly that no backing is pos sible after a step has been taken. It is the ultimate rather than the immediate step which will apparently make the Elm peror pause. It is thought he may an- nounce his decision at the next meeting of the cabinet council, Friday night but a minister with whom tho Associated Press talked last night, was not sanguine that an agreement would be reached. When decision is reached It is ex- pected that it wll be announced immed- lately for its effect on the country, though naturally some time must elapse before a representative assembly can be convened as election machinery, de1ni- tion of duties and other details must be