New-York tribune., 1905-03-05
THE CZAR'S PESCRIPT.

The signing of the Cars rescript on Friday
is said to have marked the climax of q dra-
matte scene 1t would be difficult to imagine
any circumstances more dramatic, in a para
doxical fashion. than the issuance of this re-
script so closely upon the heels of the imperial
appeal to the people. Two utterances could
scarcely be in stronger contrast to each other,
or. indeed. present each within itself more
marked contradictions. The proclamation to
the people was almost pitiful in its appeal for
sympathy and aid, and yet was the very es-
sence Of autocracy In its reassertion of the
EXTREMIST form Of Divine Right. The rescript
was strong and self-reliant In tone as befitted
q great ruler, and yet made concessions to
liberalism which, If interpreted at their face
value would seem to mean a practical re-
nunciation of autocracy. 1t would be interest
ing to know which of the two more truly set
forth the real mind Of the Czar and the pur-
pose Of his government, or whether the Russian
mind, with its strange blending of European
and Asatic qualities, was set forth with equal
truth by both.
We are told the rescript is received with
great JOY, and is regarded as a long step in the
direction Of liberalism. At the same time, we
are reminded that it effects no sweeping change,
but leaves the autocracy in full power as be-
fore There is no real incompatibility between
the two statements There is no sense in Tex
pecting all things IN an hour" in Russia or else
where. We have frequently expressed the opin-
ion that Russia is not ready for a constitution
and representative government as those things
exist in other European lands. The instanta-
neous bestowal Of them upon her would proba-
bly, prove disastrous. We must remember how
long Journey it was from the French Conven-
ton Of the Revolution to the ordered republic
of the present time, and how severe were the
education and the discipline that lay between
them. What is desirable is not sudden revo-
luton in Russia, but a definite, consistent and
sustained movement toward preparation of the
people for self government. The Indictment of
autocracy has been that it not only regarded
the people unfit for self government. but also
insisted upon keeping them so. 1t practically
said to them; "YOu are too ignorant to take
part In government, and we intend to keep
"you ignorant" It Is the auspicious feature of
this latest rescrpt that 1t seems to promise the
people an opportunity of becoming educated and
experienced and fit to govern themselves.
The most grave question concerning the re.
script-after we have accepted it as meaning
what it says and as being meant for fulilment
is whether it comes in time to save the situa-
ton, or Is too late. Three months ago there
would have been no doubt about it. But things
have happened since then. There many
who will regard this concession not as vol
untary and gracious grant from benevolent
sovereign to his loyal people, but as one made
in fear, reluctantly, in a desperate effort to
avert impending revolution. There can be no
doubt that time and circumstances give color
to this latter view, and there is reason to fear
that some leaders Of the insurrection will argue
to their followers that, since they have already
wrung so much from the autocracy, all they
need to do is TO keep on fighting and they will
gain everything 1t will be gratifying if more
moderate counsels prevail and If the advocates
Of reform and liberal progress give the pro-
posals of the rescript a fair trial before they
condemn them or make further demands. 1t
will be q great thing for Russia really to have
"the worthiest men, possessing the confidence
"of the people and elected by them, TO partici
pate In the elaboration and consideration OF
Legislative measures" There can be no doubt
that such a system truly administered, will
Insure fruitfuness TO legislation for the real
benefit of the people