The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-06-20
Assures Them of His Sympathy
 With Their Wishes
SHAKES HANDS WITH THEM
Nicholas Is Deeply Moved and Says His Determination Is Unalterable to Have Representatives
 Elected By People.

St. Petersburg, June 19.-Emperor Nich- olas received the zemstvo deputation this morning
 The reception took place at noon in the Alexandria palace at Peterhof Prince Troubetskoy, president of the zemstvo congress of the Moscow government. in behalf of the Moscow delegation, address, ed the Emperor in long speech in which he described the serious . ~aitions ex- isting in Russia which have caused the zemstvos to approach his majesty d- reetly.
 The Emperor was evidently much im- pressed M. Federoff represently the St. Petersburg delegation. also spoke. His majesty replied expressing deep regret at the great sacrifice consequent on the war and above everything the disaster of the Russian navy. In conclusion the Elm peror said
 The Emperor Speaks.
 T am happy to have heard you. have no doubt you are guided by an ardent sentiment of love for the fathe-.and in addressing me directly.
 q have been grieved in my whole 9Cbi WiAh aii Ah9 HtOpit dA Nht Nhit-sslt- ties which the war has brought upon Russia as well as our internal distur- | bances.
 T dissipate your doublts. My will is 1 sovereign and 1t is my unalterable will that the admission of elected representa- tives to the works (. the state shall be regularly accomplished. am in touch daily | and devote myself to this work You may announce that to all your friends in the country and town.
 "I am firmly convinced that Russia will emerge strengthened from the trials she is now enduring; that she will be soon, as formerly, a union between the Elm peror and all Russia. communion be- tween myself and the men of Russian soil This union the communion must serve as basis for the original princi- pies of Russia. l have faith in your desire to hold me in this task
 Shakes Hands With Each.
 Upon completing his remarks he greeted the individual members of the delegation, shaking hands with them and having a few cordial words for each. even such radicals as M. Petrunevitch president of the Moscow Agricultural society, who has spent many years in exile as the re- suit of his liberal views; M. Rodicheff and Prince Shakoffskeri. known as the anarchist prince" being greeted without the slightest evidence of imperial dis pleasure.
 The fact that the Emperor not only received the bold plain spoken address without so much as an indication of dis appreciation. but expressed full sympathy with the efforts to ameliorate the de- plorable state of affairs depicted therein and in the most direct and explicit fash ion renewed his promise to summon the representatives of the people, made the deepest impression on the delegation. Princes Troubetskori Lvoff and Dolgoru- kon, whom the correspondent of the As- sociated Press saw. not only showed by their manner their delight as the result of the audience, but they expressed them selves as fully satisfied with the im- perial assurances. So far they are concerned, they indicated that they are now ready to await the fulfllment of the Emperors promise which 1t Is believes will not be delayed.
 The delegation is now preparing an account of the audience which will be presented to the St. Petersburg Douma tomorrow, and in accordance with their instructions as well as the imperial wish, it will be communicated to all the zems- tvos and mayors of Russia.