Evening journal., 1905-02-21
RUSSIAN SCHOOLS
WILL NOW CLOSE
Students Suspend Their
Studies and Adopt Politi-
cal Resolutions
WILL CONVENE ztMSEY SOIOR

Il. Petersburg to the Reuter- Telegram
company says that Emperor Nicholas
aas decided to convene the zemsky
sobor, and that an imperial manifesto
announcing the convocation probably
will be issued on March 6, the ami
gersary Of the liberation of the serfs.
A later dispatch from ST. Petersburg
lays there is no confirmation Of the
lbove. In we'll informed circles there
t is believed that the question Of the
.onvoking of this ancient form Of land
parliament has not yet been decided.
st. Petersburg. Feb. 21.--With the
iecision Of the student body of the
great University Of st. Petersburg 10
suspend studies for the remainder of
he university year, almost the whole
educational system Of Russia has en-
.ered upon period of stagnatlon, the
protest of the youth Of Russia against
he bureaucratic system and other gov.
srnmental grievances. Other universi-
ties of Russia, gymnasia and even
grammar schools were already on
strike, and the military in various por-
ions of the empire have been Obliged
% resort to force to restrain school,
Boys of tender years who are Joining
he general movement
The meeting Of the St. Petersburg
students, at which over 5000 partici-
pated, besides voting with practical
lnanimity to suspend studies until
September /, adopted a set of political
resolutions demanding the formation
If a constituent assembly and charac-
.erizing the proposed summoning OF
he Zemsky Sober as inadequate for
The emergency. The resolutions, after
speaking of the progressive demorai-
sation of Russia under the influence OF
he absolute regime" declare for free
iom 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-
yising the students to go back to their
studies, but their advice was howled
down.
When Professor Speranzi. one Of the
speakers, revealed the fact that Gov
srnor General Trepoff had threatened
not to permit any student who left his
studies to re-enter any Of the big uni
versities 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
sven the murder of Grand Duke Ser
gius was gloriffed. An attempt OF few
reactionary students to hold an oppo-
sitlon meeting ended in dismal failure.
Less than so students responded TO the
sall, and the meeting was abandoned.
It seemed strange. with the soldiers
outside ready to crush anything in the
nature of a street demonstration, that
such a meeting was allowed. It is ne
eessary 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
dnfurled 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 II
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.
hNAe7 oAa aANNA " al 10 NOAN Oh NAAN A4NI'
ton OF the strike
The Russians demand:
"First--A constituent assembly OF
the basis Of universal suffrage and un.
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 for each part o.
the country not of Russian nation
ality."
In conclusion the Russians call OF
, every self-respecting citizen to strug
gle for the achievement Of the abov'
aims.
After the meeting broke up a bant
Of the more violent students tore VI
the emperors portrait, stripped ant
demolished the frame and carried OF
bits Of canvas and gliding as souvenirs
Grand Duke Vladimir Seriously III.
Tsarskoe-Selo. Feb. 21.-Grand Duk
II.