The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-05-11
OPEN The PRISONS,
RUSSIANS DEMAND
Delegate Goes to Gear to Insist
on Sweeping Re-
forms.
Constitutionalists Declare for Po-
litical Amnesty and Freedom
of Patriots Now Jailed.
} DESPERATE CONFLICT.

Lon,ton, May 1.-THE Daily Tele-
graphs correspondent at St. Peters
burg sees in the opening of the national
parliament the beginning of a desperate
conflict between autocracy and democ-
racy. The correspondent says the word
the lower house that the peasants have
been sent thither solely to get land for
themselves, and if they return home
without having obtained it, they will
be beaten and stoned to death.
St. Petersburg, May 11;-(3:ao p.m.l
upper house Of parliament was opened
by Count Solsky, its president, this af-
ternoon with elaborate ceremonies.
Professor Mouromtzeff has gone to
Peterhof to notify the emperor Of his
election to the presidency Of the lower
house of parliament. It is known he
expects to speak plainly to his majesty
Oh the views of the country, and the
constitutional democrats hope much
good will result from the audience.
Besides demanding amnesty Profess
sor Mouromtzeff will present in behalf
of the constitutional democrats a major
ity suggestion that the council of the
empire be made. a purely consultative
the representatives of the people and
the sovereign.
Optimism Prevails. .'.
The impression left by yesterdays
historical events is on the whole opti-
mistic. Even the radical papers as
sumo a rather hopeful tone The Rech,
Gratis and now the most powerful paper
in Russia, while not concealing it's dis
appointment at the, fact that the ex-
pected amnesty was not granted, on the
other hand expresses its satisfaction
that thesempeFor did not use the word
'autocracy.'2 =. = ~ Sfa + :,
It regards his maiesty,s speech as
an adroitS <refusaI,to grant any further
concessions, leaving the, new funda-
mental law as the platform of the gov
eminent, adding:
; E'But ( the policy of marking time
while events are. marching SO rapidly
really means retreat.' - ~ r.
Want Political Amnesty. ;,.
The constitutional democrats are il
no wise dismayed at the prospect Of
having to continue the struggle. Il
is already apparent that they intend t.
nail the flag of a constitutional mon
archy to their masthead; but their frs
efforts will be directed to forcing gen
eral political amnesty from the unwill
ing hands Of the emperor.
Inc uellV6TdnCe OIL Iue pOllClCdl pllS
oners and those who have suffered TO
freedom s cause is now passion will
the masses, and it is difficult to Sc
how the government will be able t.
resist. 49,. - ....-
Prepare Reply to Throne.
The central committee Of the consti
tutional democrats is. working out
reply to the speech from the throne
The principal points will be amnest
and equality of political and civi
rights. But a fraction is insisting O
a demand for the abolition of the cou1
Gil of the empire. ,-..--.
An attempt will be made to come t
an agreement with the peasants, VIII
are drawing up an independent reply
Their chief demands are amnesty, tn
reorganization of the labor laws, tn
reorganization of the army, the dix
banding Of the Cossacks, the separs
ton Of church and state, a general e1
tension Of the schools and equal right
for all nationalities.