The Caucasian. (Shreveport, La.) 1900-192?, 1905-01-19
CIRCULAR SENT OUT.
Document Goes to the Governors of
Certain Provinces.
ABOUT THEPEASANTS
Ukases Issued From Time to Time
Are Referred to and Conference
Members Urged to Send la
Their Ideas.

/ st. Petersburg. Jan. 19.-Minister q
the Interior Svfatopolk- Mirsky ha.
sent a circular to the governors Of
provinces In which conferences have
been convened to consider reform o.
peasant laws. pointing out that thu
idea that the imperial ukase Of Dec q
has radically changed the principles Of
the laws is due to misapprehension
The ukase, proceeds the circular, con-
firms a new necessity for necessarily
striving to attain the goal marked OF,
therein. The decree Of Jan. II, I.04
provided for the revision of peasant
laws on the basis of reforms Of 1861.
and ordered that due consideration be
given to the inviolability Of communal
property. while at the same time sacili-
tatfng the removal of individual peas
ants to- their respective communities
without appropriation of their holdings
therein. These principles are fully
preserved by the ukase of Dec. 2a.
which ordered the revision of peasant
laws with the object OF bringing them
In unison with the general legislation
OF the empire. enabling the peasantry
to fully enjoy their rights in accord
ance with the laws of 1861.
The circular adds that the ukase by
no means nrecludes the preservation
of the old statute Of peasants. which
had been evolved from ancient times
There can be no question of The com
plete abolition of recognized statutes If
the peasant, which Is requisite for the
fulfllment of his own special needs.
Proof may be cited that other classes
existing under the general laws have
also special communal organizations.
that the ukase Of Dee. 25 specially
dwelt on the urgent necessity for uni
forndty in judicial procedure in order
to secure the legal equality Of all
classes and assure necessary independ-
ence of judicial authorities. and pre-
ceeds: This. however. must not be
regarded as an absolute predetermina-
ton Of the question OF the abolition OF
peasants courts, present abolition OF
which may be remedied and their In
dependence assured. The imperial de-
cree OF Dec. Is does not makA change
Of any kind On the contrary. 1t d.
rectly suggests the maintenance OF Inn
portant functions committed to provin-
cial conferences. Regarding the inqui-
~ mention In the ukasA into the most
important questions Of peasant life
Ind the needs OF agriculture by special |
conference, this inquiry ID confined to
considerations OF communications OF
,rinions Of local committees and can
3nly contribute to the elucidation OF t
he needs Of peasants without depriv-
ng officials OF their Importance. as re
ports OF provincial conferences doubt-
ess will serve az basis for final elab-
,ration of peasant laws
In conclusion the circular says:
Considerations above set forth by the
minister Of the interior have been ap-
,roved by the emperor. The minister.
hertfore. directs the governors to take
u measures to assure Us that the work
4 provincial conferences Is continued
nd brought to q conclusion with the
Utmost rapidity and that members of
differences are granted power To free
Y state their opinions no that full ex-
ression may be given to the true
Jews OF those conversant with tie
eeds Of the peasantry.,'