New-York tribune., 1906-05-15
FIRM REPLY TO CZAR.
P4RLIdlIENTvS DEM4NDS.
Il Threat Regarding Annaestg-The
AgTarian Plank.

81 Te4ersrurg May 14.-After struggling the
whole dav until late this evening over draft
OF the reply 20 the speech from the throne. the
members OF the commission Of the lower house
postponed the final work Of phrasing the docu-
rnent until IL O'Clock tomorrow morning The
nrospects are that accord on several points will
not he reached before the opening OF the house
az 2 O'Clock. and that the reply WIFI be thrown
into the FUN house for final discussion. The
struggle has centred mainly on the agrarian
plnnk The peasant members found that the
recommendations OF the Constitutional DEM
ocraaic convention, though calling for large
measure OF forced appropriation. were not
sweeping enough.
The debate on the address will be protracted.
probably occupying two days. Besides the
points Of general amnesty and abolishment Of
the death penalty laid down in the instructions
nf the lower house. the document adroitly intro
duces the subjects Of abolishment of the Council
OF the Empire and ministerial responsibility.
Taking as fits text Emperor Nicholas's pledge III
his speech from the throne TO maintain inviolate
the institutions which he has granted the ad-
dress expresses the hope that this signifies tnat
the country is on the road 20 strictly constitu-
tionaI system. This being true, the parliament
wishes 20 call attention TO the fact that the
Council OF the Empire Is wall OF separation be-
tween the Emperor and the people Then. advo-
eating a responsible ministry. selected from the
dormant party In parliament, the address
points out as a great advantage Of that system
'the cessation Of attacks on the monarch.
Behind the respectful tone OF the address there
isye in tbs paragraph regarding amnesty these
significant words: There are some demands
which cannot be refused and this is one'
The TVorlzmen are remembered by reference
itn the address 10 the need Of improving condi-
ltions % labor. In regard 70 the Poles and other
.nati0nslities. the address, though avoiding the
word ''aut0nomy" and insisting on the MAIN
fenance OF the bonds OF the empire in full
strength speaks for the right Of each nationality
30 its own language, customs and local govern
znent.
Il Sc reported that the Cabinet has practically
decided upon an amnesty measure which, though
falling far short Of the demand Of the lower
house. conforms to the idea Of the Council Of the
Empire OF granting pardon to all political Of
tenders except such as have been convicted OF
DsraTian murders or attempts to murder.
Count Witte the former Premier again took
a prominent part to-day in the conferences OF
members of the Council Of the Empire. success
fully insisting that the adoption of a reply to
the speech from the throne should be postponed
until regular meeting OF the council, at which
representatives Of the press should be present
sn order that the country might be informed Of
the arguments advanced either side. Never
fheless the projected reply to the speech from
the throne. which probably will be adopted al
ready has been drafted. and has been seen by
The Associated Press. Though deicately ex-
pressed, the reply virtually contains q demand
FOR the amnesty OF political prisoners who are
not guilty OF murder or robbery. In other re-
spects the reply seems to be especially designed
20 disarm the suspicion that Il Is TO be the part
Of the upper chamber TO block legislation pro-
posed by the lower house. After expressing. the
deepest loyalty to the Emperor. the reply of the
Council of the Empire contains these three prin-
oipaI points:
Tristan unequivocal Endorsement Of a liberal
regime.
6eoond-Declaration OF the intention 70 work
In harmony with the lower house for large re-
forms.
Third-Amnesty, the suggestion being SO
Worded as not to wound the SensibiIity OF the
Emperor. calling attention to the fact that all
remarkable occasions in Russian history have
been marked by an act of grace and urging
the strong claim to cIemency OF those who
striving for liberty. transgressed lawful limits
without being guilty Of crime