French and Russian Revolutions
Under the heading “A Startling Parallel in the Two Revolutions” the Washington Times of January 24 prints the following article concerning the situation in Russia:— Most remarkable is the parallel between the outbreak in Russia and the French Revolution, not only in the conditions of the uprisings, but also in the physical aspects and the progress of events. Both movements, beginning merely as protests against conditions which imposed discomforts and hunger upon the working classes, soon burst all bounds, and became political revolts. The march of the Russian mob on the Tsarskoe-Selo and the seizure of the royal family would almost make the parallel complete. Louis XVI. Heir, 4 years Old Causes: Poverty of the people, high taxes, no voice in the government, oppression by the nobility and the church. Makeshift parliament known as the Third Estate, organized under royal edict, but its rights curtailed. Necker, minister of finance, looked upon to regenerate France, dismissed by the king. Louis XVI retires with royal family to Versailles, just outside Paris. Masses call upon Louis XVI to save them from the rapacity of the nobility, promising him safety. Bastile stormed by frenzied mob, and destroyed. Disturbances in all parts of the country. Barricades in the streets of Paris. Mob goes to Versailles and compels king to return to Paris. Reign of terror. King and Marie Antoinette beheaded. Democratic government established. Nicholas II. Heir, 5 Months Old Causes: Poverty of the workmen, excessive taxation, no voice in the government, oppression by the grand dukes, bureaucracy, and holy synod. Zemstvos, representing the peasants and workmen, demand more liberty, but powers are modified by the czar. Prince Mirsky, minister of interior, who suggested many reforms, discredited by czar, and threatens resignation. Nicholas II retires with royal family to Tsarskoe-Selo, a few miles outside St. Petersburg. Strikers appeal to czar to right their wrongs, assuring him that he shall not be harmed. Vast crowds of men and women march to the Winter Palace to demand redress; troops open fire, and thousands fall; streets barricaded and terror reigns.