The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1905-02-24
emperor Calls A
Special council
SUMMONED TO CONSIDER STU
ALTON ARISING FROM KILL
ING OF GRAND DUKE.
RUSSIANS AWESTRICKEN
AT THE BLOODY CRIME
Bells Toll and Masses Read for Re
pose of Soul of Murdered Man
Empress Dowager Said to Be
Slated as Next Victim.

st. Petersburg, Feb. 20. An extraor-
binary sitting of the council of the en-
pire has been summonedito consider the
situation resulting from the asassina-
ton of Grand Duke Sergius.
Gloom Hangs Over Capital.
Oppression like the shadow of doom
seems to be hanging over the Russian
capital. Bells are tolling and people in
the streets are awestruck at Fridays
bloody crime. Everyone seems to shrink
before the contemplation of what may
happen next. The tragedy struck deep
in the heart of the perplexed and tried
emperor and many who have been I'M
sparing in their criticism now have only
expressions of sympathy for his I'M
happy lot. The bitter cup which during
the last year has been pressed again
and again to his lips is once more filled
to the brim and in almost pathetic words
he implores his subjects to pray for the
soul of his murdered uncle. Death is in
the air and no one knows where the next
blow may fall, although precautions
have been doubled in every direction
for the preservation of the lives of the
imperial family and the ministers and the
secret police are seeking out and arrest
ing those known to be associated with
the fighting organization. The author
tiles realize their impotency to ward Off
the swift acts of terrorism, murder in
the streets being possible at any in
slant The only safety seems to lie in
seeking refuge behind palace walls and
all the imperial family have been warned
not to venture out.
Fear Reign of Terror.
Although only the official papers and
the Grashdanin appear with black Dor
derS the editorials of all of them are
strangely sober. Some papers which in
the past have been ready to lay almost
any charge at the door of Grand Duke
Sergius are drawing back before the
prospect of a reign of terror, fearing that
it may. destroy the bright prospects of
reform and lead to an era of repression.
But even in the midst of universal rep
rotation of the crime the majority eX
press the hope that after all the darkest
hour comes just before dawn. Among
the revOlutionarieS there is a sentiment
OF elation. They openly glory in the
deed. proclaiming that it removes the
most reactionary influence at court and
also proclaim the general theory that,
in the absence of armed resistance, only
by terror can concessions be wrung from
the hands of the autocracy. According
to their view any weapon is justifiable.
AS matter of fact it is too early yet TO
say what the political effect will be. For
the moment everything is alta standstill.
Expressions of coincidence have
reached the emperor direct from practic-
ally all governments. those of President
Loubet, Emperor William and King Ed
ward being especially warm and sympa-
thetic in tone. Emperor William has or
dered eight days court mourning. 1t
will send representatives to the funeral
o. Grand Duke SERIOUS.
Mass Held for Sergius.
A solemn state requiem mass for the
repose of the soul of Grand Duke Sergius
was celebrated at St. Isaac'S here Satur
day afternoon at which the Metropolitan
OF St. Petersburg officiated and the rep
resentatives of the foreign powers, the
ministers and other dignitaries were
present in full uniform, but not single
member of the imperial family attended
The great square in which the imposing
cathedral is situated presented a re-
markable spectacle. The surrounding
sidewalks were packed with people held
back by solid wall of police drawn up
in lines. Inside the square row upon
row of gorgeous carriages and sleighs
faced the portal. At IL 1rvals were post
ed mounted sentries and in each corner
of the square was squadron of red Cos
sacks of the guard.
Cars Mother Next
According to reports in circulation
the empress mother has received 4
threatening letter warning her that she
will be the next victim. This is only ona
OF the many rumors atioat, among which
Is that at meeting of the grand dukes
Friday night it was unanimously decided
to withdraw all opposition to the assem-
bling of the Zemsky Sober and to recon-
mend its immediate summonng by the
emperor.
Gear Issues Manifesto.
The car has issued manifesto stating
that heavy sorrow has fallen upon the
imperial house in the lamented death OF
his uncle, Grand Duke Sergius, in the
forty-eighth year of his age. HE was
stricken down." the manifesto says, by
the ruthless hand of an assassin, who
aimed at his life, so dear to us. Mourn
ing in him an uncle and friend whose
whole life of activity and care was al
ways devoted to the service Of our house
and fatherland. we have firm confidence
that all our subjects will share and
sympathize in our sorrow, and will unite
their heartfelt prayers with our own for
the repose of the soul of the departed"
Moscow Church Bells Toll
Moscow, Feb. 20.-The bells of Mos
cows 500 churches tolled Saturday,
requiem masses were celebrated and be-
fore many shrines priests ceaselessly
chanted prayers for the repose of the
soul of murdered Grand Duke Sergius.
His remains still rest in the Choudoff
monastery whittier they were removed