The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-03-20
STOLYP|N ISSUES
AN ULT|MATU I'M
IF House Cries Hands Up
Let Il Beware"
FIREBRAND TACTICS BARRED
Russian Ministerial Declaration Set.
ting Forth Programme of Leeisa-
tion-Angry Alterations
Over Lereteli's Speech.
FIREBRAND TACTICS BARRED

ST. Petersburg. March 19.-The minis
terial declaration setting forth the pro-
gramme of legislation was read this aft
ernoon by Premier stolypin before the
lower house of parliament, assembled
in the hall of nobility. Later in the day
the declaration was read before the coun-
ell of the empire, or upper house, a a
special session.
The declaration of policy which was
studously courteous in tone, and avoided
all reference to drumhead courtmartiai
and other causes of contention, was re-
ceived in respectful silence.
The projects of law enumerated are
summarized az follows:
j. Freedom of speech and OF the press.
? Liberty of faith habeas corpus, on
the same basis as other states.
3. The substitution of a single form OF
martial law for the various deerees of
exceptional security.
L. Local government.
5. Reform Of the zemstvos. Reaponsi-
bility of officials.
8. Agrarar reforms; the abolition of the
free entry of goods into Nladivostok;
completion of tho Trans-Siberian rail-
road in Russian territory; popular educa-
tion.
Hearty Applause.
NJ. Stolypin was not once interrupted
and at the. close of his address received
hearty applause. M Stolypins statement
opened with a recital of the difficulties
which faced the government. He elabor-
ated on the laws suitable for country
passing through period OF reconetfuc-
lion. and announced that all the bills
mn with the same general idea of up
holding the new legal conditions arisihs
from the recent reforms,
Our country" said the premier, must
he transformed into Il constitutional state
Real measures must be adopted to define
and determine the rights or fhe state'
and of private individuals. ana 10 apohsl
the contradictions between the ola ana
new laws and the arbitrary interpreta-
tions placed upon them by private per-
sons as well as officials. The govern
ment therefore, has decided that 1t Is
necessary to submit a series OF blils es-
tabshing the new regime in RUSSIA.
NJ. Stolypin then enumerated the laws
nromulgated before the meeting OF par
lament. and said they are now submitted
to the house for its consideration re
emphasized the urgency OF the laws ue-
termining the civic status of all CLASSES
and legislation by which the peasants
could obtain more land and otherwise
improve their lot.
The government, the premier added
was now preparing a series OF bills slN-
ing effect to the portions of the emperor ;
ma nifesto of October 30. 1900 regarding
liberty of conscience. and the lhNloiabh-
inv of the person. Before leSislatlng TOT
the people assuring religious tolerance
the government deemed il necessary 70 70
firmly lay down the principle that an
logislatiye changes must recognize the
fact that Russia Is a Christian state III
which the orthdox church Is privileged.
Naturally. the rights Of the orthodox
church must not infringe upon the llHhis
of others, and the government was lntro-
dncine a series of laws dealing WIN
nroselvtism. the holding Of divine serN-
ices. etc.
Abrooate Administrative Exile.
rhe promier said the government had
decided to abro2ate administrative eAue.
M Stolypin promised complete re-
organization Of the zomstNos' muhclpal
and other local administrations the pre-
,,,ier said that the reform OF the local
eourts would be based on the election OF
the justices Of peace by local popula
tion The ministry of justice would pre-
sent bills patterned on the proc'dure u
civil and criminal law in other Euro.
naan states proposed the enforcement OF
On entirely new criminal code, as well
as laws relating to mortgages ana rtai
estate The premier then outlined inc
nlans for the control OF agricul,ural ao-
mlnistraton to assist the peasants III es-
1 tabtishin2 themselves on the newly pur-
! chased lands.
or the labor problem he said:
.The government must sateeaun i'1
! i,,orests i'm order to protect IL asalhs'
excuses, but the government WIN ,.isu. ,s'ar.
| f,n, liberty Of action both to employers
- ,heir workmen, including the mat
Ter OF economic strikes
! aAs nositive measures the government
,,+ende 10 introduce workmen hSur-
ance. and old age and medical rehei y
nrobibIt night and underground work ioi
women and children, provide shortei
hours for all working people
| In conclusion the premier ASKED thV
house to deal with the puoset i'iii'i' i'n
L. and thus furnish adequate nnances u
| carry out the reforms, addlns'
.tyybetever our efforts are to preserve
| .oana u,hateyer the necessity 10 pdchy
the corntry, II we desire to regain ou'
military power and the dignity OF ou'
| country if we will not consent TO loss
| the place we occupy among ihs srea'
! nowers we cannot reeoil before Tue heS's
| siiv OF the expenditure Imposed on "
~ R,.ssia's past THE extraordinary
| character Of the requirements oefha h'
a,traordiuary resources, The minister o
unsnc,. therefore. Will propose rfesii TAX
stinn including an income tax ana
! ,nndi6cation OF the death duiies.
Angry Alterations.
D.spite the courteous reception siVei
the premlers declarations. The mrs
speecl. that OF Prince Zeretell. in be
hair q, the social democrats. provoke,
an angry alteration between the mem
bers Of the right and left parties Prime
Zereteli proposed resolution In behal
Of the social democrats which arraigne'
fhe government for vioiatng all tn
rights of the people promised In the i'm
perjal manifesto Of October ~, 1890, Wit
hlijng the prisons with liberals. the in
PRODUCTION Of drumhesd eourtmsrtial Law
proteoting the organizers OF riots, am
! countenacinS the minister Of the interlo