A Demand for Reform in Russia
By L. A. S.
THE movement for the overthrow of autocratic government in Russia, whatever may be its outcome, is one which naturally excites much interest in all countries where constitutional government exists. Russia, as now ruled, is the chief obstacle in the world in the way of the spread of liberal government. As Russia spreads out, popular government in her pathway is crushed out, and autocratic despotism substituted in its place. Finland and Poland may be cited as examples. A revolution from autocracy to popular government in Russia itself would be an affair of vast moment to all Europe. Such a revolution is now attempted, in a peaceable way, by the intelligent, peace-loving portion of the Russian people, represented by the presidents of the local assemblies known as zemstvos. Through these, this class of Russians have voiced a demand for such a change in the government as will make it a constitutional monarchy. We quote the following on the subject from The Outlook:— ‘The full details of the proceedings of the heads of the zemstvos have not been reported, but it is quite clear that, for the first time in many decades, the Russian people have spoken, and the czar will have the opportunity of knowing what they think, and what they demand. They have carefully separated themselves from the Revolutionists, and their declaration will undoubtedly be couched in the most respectful language; for it is a high offense to criticize the Russian government in any form, and many attending the conferences might, under ordinary conditions, be sent to Siberia. The memorial was presented to the czar by Prince Svistopolk-Mirsky last Wednesday, and declared, in effect, that there now exists a complete estrangement between the ruler and the people of Russia, due to the mutual lack of confidence, and that this has never been so apparent as since the outbreak of the present war; that the government has no means of knowing the truth about the country and what the people want, because the people are excluded from every part of the government; that tutelage by bureaucrats is encouraged and self-reliance discountenanced; that many cities are in a state of siege, under arbitrary rule, with a suspension of law; that a disintegrating influence is at work on society; that the bureaucracy promotes religious intolerance, ance, stifles freedom of speech, and will inevitably lead to a revolt of brute force. The representatives of the provincial assemblies declare themselves the opponents of the Revolutionists, and urge a complete understanding between the government and the people; they profess firm faith in the monarchy, but pray that it may become constitutional. They ask for the concession of the inviolability of the person and private domicile; the inviolability of regular legal procedure in all cases, and of the decisions of independent law authorities; they pray for the abolition of the state of siege in many of the cities, for amnesty for all persons punished by administrative processes, and for a share in the government by the people through some form of national representative assembly. In other words, they propose a constitutional monarchy in place of the present system of absolutism.’ It is reported that some of these demands have received favorable consideration from the czar. L. A. S.