Perth Amboy evening news., 1905-08-19
ASSEMBLY
FOR RUSSIA.
Gar PrOCIaimS National Repre-.
sentative Body All Russia
Celebrates.
READ IN CHURCHES.


imperial edict proc!aiming the creation
Of natfonal representative assembly
was read in all the churches of Russia
and at meetings of zemstvoists and
municipalities. The day was observed
is asnAtional fete day, and all govern
hent offices were closed. The edict
evoked great popular enthusiasm.
EThe first paragraph of the first sec
ton of the emperor's edict sets out the
purpose of the new legislative body, as
follows: THE douma is established for
the preliminary study and discussion
of legislative propositions which, ac-
cording to the fundamental laws, go
UP through the council of the empire to
the supreme uutocratic authority"
Paragraphs = and 8 explain the COM
position and organization of the dou-
ma, which is to be formed of members
elected by the population of the Rus
sian empire in accordance with the
election regulations.
The term of the douma is to be five
years, but it can be dissolved by the
emperor. There is to be Il general SEES
sion, but the douma will also meet by
sections, the length of the sessions be-
ing determined by the emperor. The
president and other officers arc to be
elected by the members.
Paragraph II of section 3 provides
that members of the douma shall en-
joy freedom in expressing their opin-
;o,. 80 ,,,t@o,s ,r,Ibi, tln oo,,,,,ntn,,no
of the body and are not to be respon-
sible to the electors"
Several sections are devoted to the
exemptions to be enjoyed by the mem
bers and the reasons for and the occa-
sions on which they can be deprived of
their membership.
Ministers and chiefs of departments
cannot be members of the douma, but
they can attend it's sessions and make
explanations OF delegate that right TO
others. The douma n demand eXpla-
nations from the ministers.
Section ) deals with the competence
of the douma, which is as follows:
"a. All questions relating to new
laws or to the modification, amplitica-
tion or temporary suspension or repeal
of existing laws and also relating to
appointments made on the staff of min
listers and the expenditures thereby in
J vclved.
"B. Departmental, ministerial and
national budgets; also other eXpendi-
lures not provided therein.
&c. The financial report of the comp
troller of the empire.
I'D. The appropriation Of any portion
| of the oil property of the
state.
l "E. The construction of railways by
( the state.
, IF. Questions regarding the organi-
} zation of stock companies involving
l exceptions from existing legislation.
sc. Matters submitted by imperial
decree
The douma has jurisdiction in the
matter of taxation in the provinces
where there are no Zemstvos and also
in the raising of the rate above that
fixed by the zemstvos and city coun-
q ellis.
The douma will have initiative in the
matter of appeal or modification of
9 old and the adoption of new laws, but
the fundamental laws of administra-
Y ton are not to be touched by it. The
ministers and chiefs of departments
and the secretary of the empire will
: submit questions to the douma for dis
! cussiOn.
e Many sections are devoted to the
method of procedure. The public will
2 not be admitted to the sessions. Rep
l resentatives Of the newspapers will be
admitted by the president to open sos
sions, but not to the closed sessions.
Reports of the meetings may be pub
lished by the president.
After passing the douma bills will
go to the council of the empire and then
to the emperor. Should the douma and
the council of the empire disagree the
question at issue will be submitted to
a joint commission. Should this bring
no conclusion the question will again
be submitted to the council of the en-
pire. Should the emperor call atten-
ton to delays in the consideration Of
any specific question thu. council of the
empire shall appoint a date on which
the douma must reach a conclusion,
failing which the council of the empire
will act alone.
Legislative bills may be introduced
When indorsed by thirty members.
Should a minister differ with the
dounm respecting Il bill and the douma
~fn general session pass the bill by Il
t~wo-nlftds majority the question will
be refdrfedto the emperor.
Relating to the electoral system the
project states that elections are holda'
bleA firstly, in the provinces and ter.
ritories; secondly, in the principal
towns, Which are named. In Poland
Siberia. the Caucasus, Turkestan and
some provinces Special regulations will
govern the elections. The total mem
bership will be 412, of which twenty
eight will be returned by the towns.
CrOker Admits Mnrrfar e