New-York tribune., 1906-04-25
CZAR WILL OPEN D0UMA
NAY GRANT An AMNESTY.
Changes in Fundamental Lascs to
Strengthen His Authority.

ST Petersburg April 2s--After much hesita-
ton Emperor Nicholas has finally decided to
come 20 St Petersburg. greet the representa-
tsves OF the people and personally open the first
Russian Parliament on May 10. His maJesty's
decision comes as q surprise. as IL was supposed
that after his long absence from the capital he
would not dare TO leave the shelter Of Tsarskoe-
selo. But Premier Witte and other advisers
urged that it would be a great blunder to miss
such an opportunity.
A most elaborate programme for the opening
of Parliament has been prepared. Imperial
heralds VIII pass through the streets summoning
the representatives Of the people. and an i'm
posing military escort viii accompany his
majesty 10 the Tauride Palace. where Parlia-
naent viii assemble.
II is rumored that the Emperor In greeting
Parliament viii announce general amnesty for
political prisoners and the abolition OF martial
law
The final draft Of the Fundamental Law" was
published to-day. 1t consists Of seventy articles
and constitutes Russia's constitution" The
main point gained by the people is the incor-
poratson in the "Fundamenta! Law" OF the pro-
visions Of the imperial manifesto Of October 20
creating Parliament. and thus making IL m
possible for the Emperor hereafter without
usurpation withdraw what he has granted
Otherwise the notifications OF the 'Funda-
mental Law are entirely in the direction OF sup
porting the Emperor's present powers against
the assaults Of Parliament. He not only retains
absolute control OF the army and navy ana for
eigp relations. with power TO declare peace or
war, but he keeps in his hands the vital pre-
rogative Of declaring cities. districts and prov
inces under martial Law or liz a state OF rein
forced security" Inasmuch any exceptional
state of security involves the suspension of civil
rights and ns normal conditions have not eK-
ssted in Russia fo= years. ST. Petersburg having
been sin a state % reinforced security" since
1852 the personal guarantees granted can be
wiped out by stroke Of the Emperors pen.
An important provision makes no law opera
tive until published by the ruling Senate, a
purely bureaucratic institution, which there
fore becomes the Judge Of the constitutional
;ty" Of the acts of Parliament. Immunity from
arrest and eomiciliary visits. etc, is spoiled
by many exceptions. The right of freedom OF
residence. which seems freely granted, is sub
sect 70 the existing regulations" This, Of
course. leaves the Jews confined 10 the pale ana
the peasants chained 10 the glebe unless Parlla-
ment later changes the existing regulations.
There restrictions against Parliament m
terfering with the expenditures for the court or
Other allowances Of the imperial family unless
they exceed the amounts included in the budget
of 1906. and interpretations of ministers are
strictly confined to violations Of the law.
A suspicious feature i'm connection with the
EmpCrors power 10 dissolve Parliament and
for fixing a time within which the new Parlla-
rnent must he convened. With the existing pop
ular distrust of the government every equiYo-
cable word is eyed suspiciously