Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1905-08-23
RETAINS ALL HIS POWERS
Gar Grants National Assembly
but Safeguards Maintenance
Of Autocratic System.
FOR A FEEBLE PARLIAMENT
Emperor Has Full Control Over Legis-
la tive Body-Text Of His
Manifesto.

st. Petersburg, Aug. 19.-The emper-
or's manifesto promulgating the national
assembly and the details of the project
is published in the Official Messenger,
and this morning were read to the Rul-
ing Senate, which met in special session
at noon today.
These important documents were not
given to the morning papers but special
editions of the afternoon papers copied
them for the Official Messenger. These
editions were soon bought up and eagerly
L-fuSed.
The feast of the TRANSPORTATION of
Christ is being celebrated today. All the
shops are closed and the city wears a
holiday aspect, but the PRONUNCIATION OF
the reforms is not being deeply cele-
the churches today. This will be done
tomorrow.
No More Zemstvo Meetings.
In the imperial ukase ordering the rul-
ing senate to promulgate his manifesto
for the creation of an assembly, the en-
peror rescinds the ukase of March 3, as
he considers that all questions relating
to the perfecting of the system of gov
eminent would be submitted to the assem-
bly, This decision was emphasized by
Gen. Burnovo, governor general OF Mos
cow, yesterday at his reception which
was attended by members of the zemstvo
congress. The governor general in
formed them that in view of reforms now
granted all privileges accorded by the
previous ukase had lapsed, that private
conference would be no longer necessary
and that he would not permit in Moscow
private meetings of zemstvo congresses
or the discussion of constitutional ques-
tons.
Retains All His Powers
st. Petersburg, Aug. 19.-The text to
the document constituting a Russian
parliament, disclosed many points of
special interest to foreigners enjoying
constitutional government.
Safeguards for the maintenance of the
autocratic power of the Emperor
cropped out continually in the course of
the lengthy document Although the
members are to be elected for a five year
term, paragraph three provides that the
Douma "can be dissolved by the EN-
peror before the expiration Of the term
or i've years and new elections ordered
by imperial uI1ase''
Paragraph four sets forth that the
length Of the sessions of the Douma and
its adjournments during the year shall
be determined by the Emperor.
Paragraph ten provides that the presi-
dent Of the Douma shall report to the
Emperor Paragraphs provide that in
case the dispute between the cabinet
and the Douma in regard to bills the
Emperor shall have the. final word as
to the disposition thereof.~ -
80 Oath of Office.
An oath is to be taken by the members
as follows: I'VE promise to perform our
duties to the best Of our knowledge and
ability in all loyalty to his majesty and
mindful only of the welfare Of Russia"
Members of the Douma can only be de-
g +lo,,, ~ -
by order Of the judicial power and they
may not be arrested for debt. Their pay
ment is provided for at the rate Of 10
roubles (about So per day during the
session and members will receive for
travelling expenses kopecks per verst
twice yearly to and from st. Petersburg.
The usual provisions are made for the
removal or suspension Of disorderly
members and for holding executive ses-
sions.
Paragraph Al debars the public from
admission to either the general sessions,
but gives the president Of the Douma the
right to admit representatives Of the
press to open sessions.
Another clause provides for the prep
aration by sworn stenographers Of re-
ports Of all sittings of the general session
of the Douma with the exception of the
executive session. These reports may be
made up with the supervisal Of the
Donna.
Methods of Election.
The elections will be held under the
general supervision of the minister of the
interior governors and police projects,
while each electoral wards in the princi-
pal cities will have an electoral commits
sion consisting of a president and two
members chosen by the mayor from
among the possessors Of the franchise.
Civil functionaries may not be elected to
the Donna unless they resign their posts,
nor may anyone be elected who is not
acquainted with the Russian language.