The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-03-31

voted in the negative. No other county is likely to follow it's example. The fact is that the election in Mar shall was held before the people were ready for it. Many voters did not fully understand the proposition. When that county comes to try it over again there will be a good majority on the right side
 If 35 or 40 counties vote the tax levy during the year 1917 it will be reasonable to think that few, if any, of the others will be left out of line by the end of 1918. With practically the whole state provided with good schools and with full school terms the rule in sparsely settled rural districts as well as in populous communities, illiteracy will soon disappear.
 Russia Planning
 For a Republic
 THE bloodless revolution in Russia
 3 was distinct success. It was, indeed, nothing short of marvellous. The provisional government is only a little more than two weeks old, but it is apparently thing of stability. The leaders in the Duma have shown themselves to be statesmen of ex- ceptional ability and the people have borne themselves with admirable cool ness.
 At first those who favored a con- stitutional monarchy seemed to have substantial following, but now pub lie opinion is overwhelmingly for republic. It will be republic of the French type, with a nominal Presi- dent, and responsible cabinet, rather than of the American model with chief executive of large power within the limits of the constitution, and a cabinet without responsibility to the electors of the nation. But a republic Russia will have. All fears of re- action or turbulence have passed. The provisional government machinery at Petrograd seems to be working smoothly, and when a constitutional convention submits an instrument em- bodying the organic law to the "quali- fled voters" which will be all adults, including women, it will doubtless be ratified by an enormous majority.
 In the new Russia there will be complete religious freedom. The educated classes and the masses are, as rule, members of the Greek Orthodox church. They are known for their spiritual fervor and their loyalty to Russia's ecclesiastical dig nitaries. It is believed the majority will continue their allegiance to the Greek church. But they are now free to change their religion whenever they may see fit without any danger of being ostracized.
 One of the greatest outcomes of the Russian revolution is the freedom of the Jews. The Jews have suffered persecution in other countries, but never have they been so oppressed as in the empire ruled by the Czars. They are now freemen, in the fullest sense of the term, with all the rights and privileges of other citizens. They will no longer be humiliated. On the other hand they will be esteemed for their true worth The Jews in Russia are now eligible to hold any civil or military office and they are already receiving commissions in the army.
 It was a great day for the onmarch of democratic principles when Russia threw off the yoke of autocracy. AHnaericam Patriot
 Drops His Hoe
 TT HE "spirit of '76" is not dead in
 H New Jersey, on whose soil in revolutionary days American patriots shed their blood for the colonies. Ac- cording to dispatch from Newark, Andrew Miller, young farmer, walked 25 miles to enlist. He had no money and was too proud to beg a