New-York tribune., 1906-07-23
STEP FORCED ON CHR.
Statement of the Governments Po-
sition To1card People.

DAtfOs X UeNEt0 a tOp
81. Petersburg. July 22-General Won schwane-
bach. Controller of the Empire. and one OF the
members OF the Ministry who remains in Office.
tonight gave The Associated Press the govern
ment's explanation Of the motive which caused
the dissolution of parliament. in a most en-
phatic fashion he tried to impress upon the cor
respondent the idea that dissolution did not
mean return to the old form Of government,
and that the Emperor had not abandoned his
purpose to introduce a representative govern
ment in Russia. He said:
You can tell the American people that this
step was forced upon the government as the only
way Of extricating the country from the horr1-
bic reign Of blood and terrorism which prevails.
The dissolution of the present parliament does
not mean a return TO irresponsible absolutism.
The past is dead. forever.
From his majesty's own l!ps can assure you
that he still believes in the principle OF popular
representation and firmly intends 20 adhere TO
parliament was elected under abnormal condi-
tions and did not represent the true sentiment
OF the country, and that it was necessary 70
make another appeal TO the nation
In reply to a question in regard TO the history
OF the ukase, the controller said:
Ever since the assembling Of parliament the
uncompromising temper displayed convinced US
(neaning the ministry that the principal object
OF those in control was 10 make il the centre OF
revolutionary agitation instead of settling down
TO constructive work. and therefore that sooner
or later its dispersal would be necessary. But
we wished TO wait until its incapacity and true
character burned themselves into the minds OF
the people. AS anticipated. parliament pro-
ceeded 10 write its own death sentence by de-
monstrating that IT neither was nor desired 10
be a legislative body, but simply revolutionary
tribunal Nevertheless, Emperor Nicholas con-
fnued TO hope for change of tactics and only
consented to dissolution when every other al
ternative had been exhausted.
Ten days ago his majesty was prepared TO ac-
cept parliamentary ministry but the Constitu-
uonal Democrats by their mad insistence on i'm
possible conditions deliberately rejected the op-
portunity- Thereupon the Emperor conferred
with men Of all shades Of political opinion
dozens Of them every day-and finally became
convinced that dissolution was imperative.
Does the delay in announcing the date for
the new elections involve the intention Of a
change in the basis Of representation to general
suffrage?" was asked.
Not necessarily" replied General Won
sehwanebach. -'On that point no definite decis-
ion has been taken"
Where do you anticipate that disorders viii
break out?"
Certainly not in ST. Petersburg. Probably
they will he worst in the south. am convinced
that the army is loyal The dissensions which
occurred among the troops have not sapped their
fidelity as a whole. and once they are engaged
against revolutionists who do not hesitate to
resort to the throwing of bombs they will do
their duty"
What is the governments intention in the
matter Of suppressing street rioting and an
armed revoIt?'
For answer the general raised his arms in imi-
taton Of soldier bringing his rifle TO his shoul-
der, adding but in orderly fashion, recalling
the opinion he expressed at the time of the riot
ing in October, when he contended that bullets
and bayonets were the kindest means for ending
the trouble
General Won Schwanebach was not certain
what other changes in the Cabinet were involved
by the accession of NJ. stolypin to the Premier
ship. All the ministers. he said had placed their
designations at the disposal of NJ Stolypin, as he
was entitled to make any changes he deemed
wise
The general pointed out that NJ. Stolypin was
not bureaucrat of the old school and never
could be induced to attempt to execute slavishly
policy of repression like that which marked the
careers OF Ignatief and Plehve OF NJ Goremy-
kin. the retiring Premier the general said he had
good intentions, but was too old and inactive tc
cope with the situation
The general said there would be no final meet.
ing Of parliament tomorrow to hear the ukasc
ordering its dissolution. He said
The life of parliament has terminated. A ses
sion tomorrow would simply be made the occa
sion for seditious speeches. perhaps making
bIoOdshed necessary. If the members attempt
TO enter the building they will find it in tn,
possession Of troops.
General Won Schwanebach added that tn,
members Of parliament would not be arrested
either for their acts or speeches in parliament
however reasonable these might have been, al
they were covered by legislative immunity. but
he did not conceal the purpose of the government
hereafter to hold the members strictly account
able for open acts of treason.
In conclusion. the general expressed the hope
that the dissolution of parliament bad Il
looked. would out for the best, and did no
conceal the JOY with which the government
al the present moment would welcome the sup
port of the Constitutional Democrats.