The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-03-07
GAR HOLDS FIRM
GRIP ON RUSSIA
Nicholas Swaps National Assem-
bly, and Grants No Written
Constitution,

st. Petersburg, March THE full
text of an imperial manifesto and laws
relative to the national assembly end
the reorganization council Of the en-
pire throws a flood Of light on the pur-
pose, OF the government to keep. flrm
check on the new Russian parliament
and to exclude certain subjects from
consideration by the people s represen-
tatives. The composition of the. coun-.
Gil Of the empire or upper house of |
the national assembly, with one-half ap-
pointed by the emperor and twenty SIX
elected from the nobility and clergy,
not counting scattering supporters from
servative if not pliable majority IN
the council to block the national as
sembly, should the majority of the lat
ter be in opposition to the crown.
sg Czar's Power Retained.
The government carefully retains the
power to promulgate Temporary
laws during recesses Of the parliament,
and as the parliament is subject to dis
eminent is thus in position in time
of stress to rid itself of an obnoxious
legislature and proclaim such laws as
1T deems necessary to meet the emer-
gency.
A feature of the2law which seems to
| aefectually bar "reds - from member
ship in the national assembly, is "a pro-
oath Of fidelity to "emperor, autocrat
| and holy Russia. -
| .,,=.@ The Chief Grip.
| The most significant article, however,
is one retaining certain provisions Of an
existing law which is mentioned only
by number. This innocent-looking pro.
vision IS far-reaching, placing beyond
the jurisdiction Of the parliament and
| the council Of the empire, composed
solely Of members appointed by. the
| crown, for consideration, the following:
First-Reports Of the minister OF
finance upon the state Of the treasury.
i Second-Charges of malfeasance
against members Of the council of the
empire, ministers, governors general and
forces. i Z -. TX
Third-The esta blishment Of stock
companies with special privileges.
Fourth-Questions relating to en-
tailed estates, titles of nobility, etc.
e.. Not Written Constitution.
Attic yesterdays manifesto and
ukases referring to the national assem-
bly, leave considerable vagueness re-
garding the exact status Of the par]ia-
menteunder the new political scheme of
the government-the 1vagueness, per
haps, being international and intended
for future definition, according to the
development of cvents-it.i is made clear
that Russia has not been granted a
written constitution. The cabinet, as
in the German system, remains quite in:
dependent Of the emajority in parlia-
| ment. ->.s& .rsz.u;e. : -, - 49, e. =
The hope expressed after the nantes
to Of Oct. 80 that the cabinet would be
responsible to. the national assembly
after the British system, has not been
| realized Even Interpretations of the
l ministers are restricted to alleged VIC
! lations of the law and the apparent
: causes of eVents.J sa@1 @-IS Z. - s.....
= White Will Not Retire. :
The government, believes it will con
troll the new parliament and proposes II
l fight further concessions to the radica
parties. That it expects to succeed il
evident by the fact that Premier White
. has definitely changed his plans ani
t will not retire 1.-The opening of. tn,
h national assembly. Il He had frequentl,
a declared that his task would be con
) fined to tiding over the government til
+ the representatives of the people wer
convoked, but having accomplished thi
r. task. the revolutionary storm hav1n,
a somewhat abated, and conditions bein|
! altered, he has decided to continue a
" the head Of the government. His de
: cision is expected to aid in the negotia
i ton of the new foreign loan of Whicl
% the treasury standstin urgent need.