Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-18

St Petersburg, Jan 1S-The minister of the interior Syiatopolk- -Mirsky mas sent circular to the governors of the provinces in which conferences have been convened to consider reform peasant laws pointing out that the idea that the imperial nkase of December D has radically changed the principles of the laws is due to misapprehension. The ukase, proceeds the circular. con firms anew the necessity for incessant- ly striving to attain the goal marked out therein. The degree of January II, 1904, provided for revision of the peasant laws on the basis of the re- forms of 1861 and ordered that due consideration be given to the invioln- bility of communal property while at the same time facilitating the removal of individual peasants to their respect i've communities without the expropri- ation of their holdings therein. These principles are fully preserved by the ukase of December p which order el q revision of the peasant laws with the object of bringing them in unison with the general legislation of the empire enabling the peasantry to fully enjoy their rights as free countrymen in ac- cordance with the spirit of the law of 1861.
 The circular adds that the ukase by no means precludes the preservation of the old status of the peasant which had been evolved from ancient times. There can be no question of the con- plete abolition of the recognized status of the peasants which is requisite for the fultilment of their own special needs. In proof of this may, be cited that other classes existing under the general laws also have special con- munal organizations.
 The circular calls attention to the fact that the ukase of December p specially dwelt on the urgent neces- sity for uniformity in the judicial pro cedure in order to secure the le fil equality of all classes and assure lne necessary independence of the judicial authorities and proceeds:
 This, however, must not be regard ed as absolute predetermination of the question of the abolition of the peas ant courts the present isolation of which may be remedied and their ip- dependence assured. The imperial de- cree of December 9 does not make change of any kind. On the contrary, it directly suggests the maintenance of the important functions committed to the provincial conferences.
 Regarding the inquiry mentioned in the ukase into the most important questions of peasant life and. .tile. .ReeSss of agriculture by1H special conference this inquiry is confined to the consider atiOn of communications of the opin- ions of the local committees and can only contribute to the elucidation of the needs of the peasants without de- priving of their importance the reports of the provincial conferences which doubtless will serve as the basis for the final elaboration of the peasant laws
 In conclusion the circular says:
 'The considerations above set forth by the minister of the interior have been approved by the emperor. The minister therefore directs the govern. Ors to take all measures to assure that the work of the provincial conferences is continued and brought to d conclu- sion with the utmost rapidity and that the members of the conferences are granted power to freely state their opinions so that full expression may be given to the true views of those conversant with the needs of the peas. nntry."