New-York tribune., 1905-02-21
REVOLT SWEEPS RUSSIA.
STUDENTS JOIN STRIKE.
STRIKE.
Directors and Professors Vote to
Close University at Capital.

he student body of the great University of 6,
petersburg yesterday to suspend studies for N.
reuainder Of the university year almost The
whole educational system of Russia has en-
tered upon period OF stagnation. due 10 the
protest OF the youth of Russia against the b,,-
reaucratic system. Other universities Of Rus
sia, gymnasia and even grammar schools. were
already on strike, and the military fin various
parts Of the empire have been obliged to resort
70 force to restrain schoolboys OF tender years
who are joining the general movement.
The meeting OF st Petersburg students in
which over three thousand persons took mar.
besides voting with practical unanimity 10 sus-
pend studies until September 1. adopted a set
q, political resolutions demanding the fo,-ra-
Eun OF constituent assembly and characteriz-
hg the proposed summoning Of the zemsI,v
sobor SIS inadequate TO the emergency. The
resolutions. after speaking Of the progressive
generalization OF Russia under the influence OF
the absolute regime" declare for freedom or
speech the press. conscience. the right of asso-
ciation and assembly and the right to strike.
which are described conditions necessary TO
The further progress of Russia.
The meeting also unanimously decided TO ex-
press disapproval OF the action of the govern
nent in dealing with the yorkmen who at
tempted 10 present their petition to the EN-
peror on January %, and sympathy with the
victims Of the soldiery. A large faction voted
II favor Of stopping the war A strong revo-
lutOnary feeling manifested at the meeting:
the red flag was waved, and the Russian Mar
seIllaise" and other revolutionary songs were
sung \ large portrait Of the Emperor in the
great auditorium Of the university. where the
meeting was held. was torn in strips The DO
lice did not interfere
Strong forces OF police and Cossacks had been
posted outside the building to prevent an ex-
pected street demonstration, but none occurred.
Many professors and instructors in the uni
Esrsty we're present at the meeting most of
whom were in full sympathy with the objects
Of the assembly. Two tutors and a small num-
Der Of students who wished to obtain their di-
pIOunas this year made an Intellectual attempt to
stem the general tide
St Petersburg Feb 2O.-The spirit of revo
meeting Of professors students and directors
Of the University OF St Petersburg, who assem-
bled at noon to-day 90 discuss the question of
joining the general strike Of similar institutions
IL Russia II was decided TO close the univer-
sity TIL fall In anticipation OF trouble when
the meeting broke up. squadrons of Cossacks
again paraded the streets, especially the Nevsky
Prospect and the neighborhood Of the Kazan
Cathedral which is always point for student
demonstrations.
# was the first joint meeting of students and
grofessors ever authorized, but in view of the
gravity Of the situation IL was hoped the pres
snce Of the professors. most Of whom are in
sympathy with the Liberal movement, would
exercise q restraining influence.
The meeting held in the auditorium Of the
university. sprawling pile of yellow buildings
on Bash Island. Neva Hall being incapable of
holding z fifth Of the four thousand students
assembled The auditorium was packed 10 suf-
location with earnest looking young men and
women, and the doorways and window ernbras-
ures were banked with students who held Others
On their shoulders
1t was strange gathering Most of the
students were poorly clad. and all were in a
state Of intense excitement A small rostrum
IN q corner was occupied by the speakers A
oeA with which the student who presided tried
70 stop the thunders Of applause with which
the orators were greeted was completely useless.
FROM the outset student orators set the mag
nation OF their auditors afame with the spirit
o. liberty, unsparingly denouncing the course Of
The government, declaring that promises could
no longer avail and that the only satisfaction
would be freedom Of speech. conscience and the
press. and the convocation of national as
senbly. The majority coupled this with a de-
nand for ending the war. Almost every orator
went back to the French Revolution for paral-
les Again and again Russia was declared to
Dc Oh the eve Of revolution.
INFLAAMATORY SPEECHES MADE.
In burning words one of the students de-
scr10ed the affair of January % which he said.
had ~ last solidied the interests OF the Liberals
and those Of the workingmen. Amid storm
q cheers he announced that a continuation Of
study impossible while such struggle was
n progress and said ii was the duty of the
young men there assembled and others like them
10 return TO their homes in the provinces and
spread the agitation.
Some of the professors tried 10 stem the tide
with moderate counsels, urging the students to
howlsd down.
" hen Professor Speranzi one of the speakers,
revealed the fact that Governor General Trepof
hao threatened not to permit any student who
ieit MS studies 70 re-enter any of the big unver-
slues. the statement was received with veri-
iable howl Of rage
ne speeches in the auditorium, however, were