The Washington times., 1906-05-27
RUSSIAN CRISIS
NEARING POINT
OF CIVIL WAR
Douma VIII Ignore Cars S
Expected Order of
Dissolution.

ST. PETERSBURG, May 27.-The
expected conflict between the gov
ernment aid the douma has come,
and as a result Russia toda- faces
another crisis, and perhaps the most
dangerous that the nation has yet
encountered.
Only the most diplomatic han
ding of the situation and the back
down Of one or the other Of the
opposing forces can avoid an utter
break of relations between the as
sembly and the governing powers.
which may bring about a greater
revolution than that which has kept
the country in agony Of suspense
for months.
Disgusted with the tactics adopt-
ed by the governmental authorities
IN trying to nullify their power and
make of the douma a plaything, the
deputies yesterday took the bit in
their teeth, so to speak, and bolted.
Where they will end and drag the
great mass of the people who sup
port them can only be surmised.
Demands Refused Outright.
The speech Of Premier Goremykin In
reply 20 the address Of the douma to the
Car was the final straw which broke
the camers back While q pretense of
reforms was outlined by the premier in
the governments program for the
douma's work. the real demands OF the
dOuma were rejected outright or ig-
nored. Amnesty for political offenders
now confined In prison pens throughout
the country and the appropriation Of
land. so that the peasants may have an
opportunity to earn an honest living.
the two vital demands OF the douma
were refused outright. Instead, the sop
OF a universal suffrage bill was handed
out grudgingly TO the deputies.
Angered beyond control by this fresh
affront which was piled on top of tt
other insults to which the deputies have
submitted patiently during the few DAYS
the douma has been in session, the
members determined 20 assert them
selves
A vote OF lack Of confidence in the
ministry, the usual method employed in
constitutional monarchies, which Russia
now pretends TO be. to INFORM the ruler
that a change OF administrs- ion which
is in harmony with the majority of the
people must be appointed. was accord
ingIy taken
The motion came after an extended
debate in which fiery speeches denounc-
ing the government were made by a
score of deputies. and it was carried by
a practically unanimous vote, only
eleven members objecting to the pro-
posal. Even the leaders of the Consti-
tutional Democrats. who have cautioned
moderation from the time. the douma
opened, supporte1 the motion. asserting
that the time has come when the
Couma must know whether it is a real
legislative body or merely the tool Of the
Gar, TO be denied all real authority.
Issue Brought to Head.
The adoption of this motion brings af-
fairs to head Either the Car must
take cognizance of the douma's action
and appoint q new ministry. recogniz-
ing the principle that the majority party
shall dominate TIE government. or the
deputies. IL they adhere to their present
plans, VIII resort to an open assault
upon the position OF the autocracy, which
IS almost certain to bring about an arm
I'd conflict
Today the gravest apprehension is felt
throughout this city snd in other parts
Of the country where the events of yes
lContlnued on Second Pase)