Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1906-05-31
CARS REPLY TO THE DEMANDS
OF THE LOWER HOUSE BIT.
TERLY DENOUNCED.
Russian Ruler Refuses Practically Ev.
cry Request Made in the Answer to
the Speech From the Throne and
the Legislators Retaliate by De-
manding the Resignation of the Blu
reaucratic Ministry.
reaucratic Ministry.

st, Petersburg, May 26.-Premier
Goremykin's speech, in answer to the
reply of the lower house of parlla-
ment to the speech from the throne,
was unexpectedly firm in tone and
produced such a vivid impression that
a conflict is nov considered inevitable.
To the demands made in the address
of the lower house in reply TO the
speech from the throne it was almost
a complete non possimus. 1t relter-
ated that general amnesty was impos-
sible, but promised the release as rap
idly as possible of those who had been
arrested by administrative order.
There could be nc question, it was
pointed out, of the abolition of the
council OF the empire, or upper house,
as that is an institution covered by
the fundamental law and is beyond
tLe competence OF parliament.
Most important OF all the premier
declared that the basis for a solution
OF the agralian problem proposed by
the lower house VAS completely i'm
possible. There could be no forced
appropriation of land. He promised,
however. the distribution OF some OF
the appanages OF the state domains
and outlined a broad programme for
popular education. the revision of the
tax laws aud the institution Of polit.
ical liberty.
Speech Heard in Silence.
Premier Goremykin evidently was
not used to public speeches. as he
labored under a considerable strain
and spoke in a low, weak voice, which
at times. though deathly silence pre-
vailed. failed to reach the rear of the
great hall except as an indistinct NUT
tering. The reading, which was
rapid, as ii the premier had been in
a hurry to get through with a disa-
greeable task, lasted eighteen minutes.
The members in the meanwhile sat
stolidly silent and when the premier
had finished and bowed TO the assem-
bly, not a murmur OF approval was
heard throughout the house.
A wonderful scene followed when
M. RoditcheIT, the leader OF the Con
stitutiOnal Democrats. mounted to the
rostrum to reject in behalf OF his
party the governments reply. With
burning words he flung down the
gauntlet to the government. thunders
OF applause greeting his sallies of de
fance.
Grand Duke Nicholas Nicholaieyitch.
who occupied the imperial box, shrank
back into z corner as the orator fayed
the administration and the premier
and the other members Of the cabinet
seemed to shrink lower down in their
chairs.
Members Wildly Enthusiastic.
When NJ. Roditchef turned toward
the benches occupied by the ministry
and with arm outstretched menacing-
~ declared that 1t is not the govern
nent but the representatives OF the
people here assembled who must de-
eide what is best for the welfare OF
the country the members were wild
with enthusiasm.
Time and again the house roared
with ironical laughter ct the orators
sarcastic denunciations of the policy
Of the government.
NJ. Roditcheff concluded with a de
mand for the retirement of the bu
reaucratic cabinet and the creation OF
a responsible ministry from the PEG.
pies chosen representatives. He said
The government can destroy the
country alone, but it is impossible fol
it to restore it without the co-opera
ton OF the people and we call upon
you" turning again to the ministerial
benches, TO ODE: the dictates of youl
conscience and give way to a min
istry in which the nation can have
confidence"
AS NJ. Roditcheff ended the mem
bers sprang 10 their feet and TO,
three minutes wildly cheered him an(
his speech.