The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1905-01-06
Gar Nicholas Recognizes That His
Subjects Have Rights.
EXTENDS LIBERTY OF P":55ss'
Document Takes up Many Points
Broached One Point Omitted -
Does Not Mention the Constitution
al Assembly. .GisiiA2A~

| Nicholas long expected reform ukase
was given out tonight. The document
| deals, under eight heads, with practi
cally all the subjects brought to the
emperor's attention by the memorial
of the congress of the zemstov's presi'
dents, held here last month, while not
specifically pledging the government
to carry out the various reforms ID
their entirety, as demanded by the
memorial, promises that each shall be
referred to the council of ministers,
with orders to report promptly on the
fullest measures of relief, which can
be accorded on the various subjects.
One question not touched by the
ukase is that of the constitutional as
sembly. Neither is the jewish re-
Iigion specifically pledging mention
ed, though freedom for all creeds or
sects, whether christian or otherwise,
is among the subjects which will be
dealt with.
In brief the subjects which Will be
TCIcTIGu W VI tho OON'>
Gil of ministers for early report are:
Tirst-A just and equitable enforce
ment OF existing laws with view to
securing the harmonious administra-
ton of all the courts.
Secold-Zemstvo organization with
6 view to giving the widest latitude
and autonomy to the various zemst-
vos, calling additional zemstvos repre-
sentatives where required and Great
ing smaller zemstvo council capable
OF dealing directly with the local
needs of the peasants.
Third-Equality of all citizens be-
fore the law, this touching the much
mooted question of peasant equality
before the courts.
Fourth Arranging a scheme OF
workmens insurance for the benefit
and participation Of factory workers
throughout the empire.
Fifth-To secure citizens against
arbitrary arrest and to accord immun-
ity for harsh action of the police ex-
cept in the cases of persons known to
be conspiring to commit overt acts
against the stability Of the state.
Sixth-The religious freedom of all
subjects of the empire without re-
spect or creed of manner of wor-
ship.
Seventh For resembling all I'M
necessary repressive laws, leaving in
force only those designed for the par
ticipation of peasants and for the
benefit generally of subjects of the
empire.
Eighth-To accord the fullest posi-
BILE measure of liberty to press and
the removal as far as possible of the
various restrictive laws.
The ukase was issued so late that
its contents were not generally known
even in the newspaper offices till long
after midnight.
Among those able to express an
opinion it was considered to be a
document whose ultimate value de-
pended upon the Interpretation given
by the various committees a to the
measure of liberty which it is possible
to grant under the various heads
named. Naturally it has not met
the fullest wishes of the liberals, but
on the other hand it is regarded by
the reactionaries as promising entire
ly too much in the direction of liberal
reforms. 1t is complained also that
there is some ambiguity of expression
in the various sections Of the docu-
ment which must be left for inter-
probation by those to whom the
various reforms are entrusted.
The various subjects will be refer
red to committees for early report