New-York tribune., 1906-05-12


ton was skilfuIIy guided both by the sovereign
and the parliamentary chief so that friction was
avoided
To The Constitutional Democratic members Of
The House who awaited his return from Peterhof
sf the Constitutional Club. Professor Mou-
ronntsef spoke only briefly, laying especial en-
phasis on the Emperors courtesy and considera-
ton and his thorough knowledge Of the senti-
rnent IN parliament and society. Professor
AIourontseH said political questions were not
discussed. as he had regarded IT as not fitting
that the president OF the representative cham
Der should present at an official audience the
views Of any one group or body.
The debate on the reply to the speech from
the throne viii probably not be reached at to-
viii be taken up with the election Of officers. the
adoption OF necessary rules Of procedure and the
appointment Of a committee on credentials. A
commission TO investigate the egrarian problem
may he appointed Both the vice e-presidents will
be Constitutional Democrats, the peasants,
though al first insisting that they should have
one place having been unable to agree upon
e candidate The vfce-presidents probably Will
Be Professor Grodeskul, Of Kharkof. and Prince
Peter DolgoroukofE-
The reorganized Council Of the Empire, or
mouse
opened at 2 o'clock this afternoon in the Hall
Of the MOBILES. az the Winter Palace. The pomp
and ceremony characteristic Of the old Russian
Official life. the absence Of which at the opening
meeting Of the lower house at the Tauride
Palane yesterday was significant Of the new
spirit in Russian affairs. were marked in
the c0nvocafion Of the council. which forms
the connecting link between the new and
cid systems. The ministers were in full
regaia- the members Of the Chancellery wore
court dress and swords, the doors were guarded
by servants in picturesque livery, and the boxes
we're occupied by diplomats, high officials and
ladies Of the court. Most Of the elective mem
bers who came from the landed nobility and up
per ranks Of commerce and industry. Wed with
the appointive members in richness of decora-
non- Only q sturdy little group of Liberal pro-
fessors, pledged 10 move the abolition of the
legts ative body 10 which they were elected.
were present in civil garb. without ribbon or
medal
While the lower house is distinctiveIy a body
Of new men. the names of the members Of the
council include Lgnatieffs, AIexiefs. Pobiedonost-
SETS and the Dolgoroukoffs Of the old regime,
and many retired ministers and soldiers.
The ceremony at the opening was uneventful
ard unimportant historically. After Count
sosky. president Of the upper house. had de-
clare3 the session open. the transaction of bust
ness began It consisted Of the announcement
Of The appointments Of officers and the signing
of the oath Of Office. The only surprise was the
reading o1 announcement that Count Witte
was q working member Of the Council The
omission Of his name from the previous list had
been Interpreted as a deliberate slight which
The Emperor evidently took pains to correct
The unexpected appearance Of the former
Premier at the door caused buzz Of excite
ment- The explanation OF his appearance came
kter when a ukase was read, appointing Count
"it'7 and NJ Manukhin. former Minister Of
Justice. TO be members Of the Council
The organization Of the upper house, which
Followed the programme OF the lower house YES
terdsy, was preceded by a religious service
After the members had signed the oath the house
adjourned.
Il Is officially announced that NJ Isyvolslv.
forrner Russian Minister at Copenhagen. has
0een appointed successor TO Count Lamsdorn
az Minister OF Foreign Affairs, and that the
latter has been nominated member OF the
Council OF the Empire
The impression left By yesterdays historic
Gay Is on the whole. optimistic Even the radi-
ca papers assume rather hopeful time The
taech, organ OF the Constitutional Democrats
nov rhe most powerful paper IN Russia while
hoe concealing disappointment at the fact that
--N'91- "ss not granted, expresses 56z sasfs-
Iaetlon that the Emperor did not use the yzor1
'autocTacy-" 1t regards his ra1estv.g snaacb
as an adroit refusal 70 grant any further con-
oessions. leaving the new fundamental Ian 4bo
platform OF the government. adding. The ,,oI-
Icy of marking time while events are roarcL,-,,
60 rapidly really means retreat
The Constitutional Democrats hovray.- -, 4.
no wise dismayed- II IS apparent that thew ,n-
tend 70 nail the flag Of a constitutional mon
srehy to their masthead but their first ergor.s
Wil be directed 70 forcing general political am
nesfy
The central committee OF the Constitutional
Democrats is working out reply TO the EN-
perors speech The principal points will be am
hesty and equality Of political and civil rights
faction is insisting on a demand for the abo-
htion Of the Council Of the Empire. An attempt
VII be made 70 reach an agreement with the
peasants. who are drawing up independent
reply Their chief demands are amnesty new
iaoor laws. the reorganization Of the army the
e-spanding Of the Cossacks the separation Of
~nureh and State. a general extension Of the
.enool system and equal rights for ali national