The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1905-02-23

decision of the student body OF the
great University of St Petersburg to
suspend studies for the remainder of
the university year almost the whole
educational system Of Russia has en-
tered upon period Of stagnaton, the
protest of the youth of Russia against
the bureaucratic system and other gov
ernmental grievances. Other universe
ties of Russia. gymnasia and even
grammar schools were already on
strike. and the military in various poT-
tions of the empire have been obliged
10 resort to force to restrain school
boys of tender years who are joining
the general movement
The meeting of the St Petersburg
students. at which over 5000 partici-
pated. besides voting with practical
unanimity to suspend studies until
September l. adopted a set of political
resolutions demanding the formation
of constituent assembly and charac-
terizine the proposed summoning OF
the Zemsky sober as inadequate for
the emergency The resolutions. after
speaking OF the progressive demorah-
zation of Russia under the influence Of
the absolute regime declare for free
dom of speech. the press. conscience.
the right of association and assembly
and to strike. which are described as
necessary conditions for the further
progress OF Russia.
Some of the professors tried to stem
the tide with moderate cOunsels, ad-
yisine the students to 20 back to their
studies. but their advice was howled
down
When Professor Speranzi, ono OF the
speakers. revealed the fact that Coy
einor General Trepoff had threatened
not 10 permit any student who left his
studies 10 re-enter any of the big uni
yersijies the statement was received
with a veritable howl OF rage
But the speeches in the auditorium
We're mild and temperate compared
with those delivered at the overflow
meetings in the class rooms. where
even the murder Of Grand Duke Ser
gins was gloriied. An attempt Of few
reactionary students 10 hold an oppo-
sition meeting ended in dismal failure
Less than 80 students responded to the
call. and the meeting was abandoned
1t seemed strange. with the soldiers
outside ready 10 crush anything in the
nature Of street demonstration, that
such meeting was allowed. II is ne
cessary to explain, however. that under
the law once a meeting IS authorized
the police cannot stop 1t unless the
university directors call them in.
When a recess was taken the whole
student body began singing the Rus
sian "Marseillaise." which begins:
You fell victims Of love of your coun-
try"
A wild scene followed The students
unfurled a red flag on which was writ
ten: Hail to the constituent assem-
bly," With this flag the students began
parading the auditorium and adjoining
corridors.
A portrait of Emperor Nicholas was
also taken down from the wall and
carried in the procession. The portrait
was torn in a slight skirmish, but this
called forth a protest from the vast
majority Of those present, who were
careful to avoid even the appearance
Of disrespect to the emperor. Many
proclamations were distributed
When the meeting reconvened IT
was decided to divide on the question
of joining in the general strike and
vote first on the resolutions explaining
the motives of the action of the stu
dents and afterwards vote on the ques-
ton Of the strike.
The Russians demand
"First-A constituent assembly on
the basis Of universal suffrage and I'M
der conditions of liberty of speech, of
the press and of association and the
freedom Of laborers to strike.
"Second-Full amnesty for the reli-
gious and political offenders.
"Third-Autonomy fer each part Of
the country not of Russian nation
atty"
In conclusion the Russians call on
every self-respecting citizen to strug-
gle for the achievement of the above
aims.
After the meeting broke up band
of the more violent students tore up
the emperor's portrait. stripped and
demolished the frame and carried of
bits of canvas and gliding as souvenirs.
Grand Duke Vladimir Seriously III.
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