Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 May 1881 — Birth of Russian Constitutionalism. [ARTICLE]

Birth of Russian Constitutionalism.

The political prophets who have said that Alexander 111, of Russia, was not a liberal,bid fair to be proved false in their estimates. The new ' Emperor has shown in his first act of domestic policy that he will not belie the traditions of his house, and he, therefore, starts out on his reign with liberal concessions. In the Council hrMlnisters ft appears that the proposal to convoke a quasl-popular legislative body met with nine favorable and five unfavorable voices. The Emperor would therefore be justified by Erecedent if he took no further action r the matter. It will be seen that he acted promptly and firmly in ordering an ukase convoking a committee of Represenaiives for the discussion of State matters. This is the first step toward a constitutional assembly which may be expected to follow in due time. It has been said by many . writers that Russia is not ready for a constitution and is not fit to act under one. This, is not so. In addition to the large number of educated men who belong to the "philosophical revolutionists” there already exists a popular school from which may be graduated men fit for any representative assembly. That school is the Belski Skhou or Village assembly, with Its Btartchina or mayor, and Starastas or Elders, Aidermen, as we cajl them. This is the organisation of the Miror Village Commune and its workings, which are those of a representative constitutional govern riient of the extreme democratic type, as Mr. Wallace clearly points out, are understood by fiVe-sixtns of the Russian people. In the Bkhod nearly every municipal measure known and some unknown to a model New England town, from Which our own Congressmen graduate, Is familliar to the Russian peasant. Heretofore the trouble with the Miror system has been, as we find iw our ow’n cities, , that local bosses have arisen, who have carried things with a high hand, knowing that the Individual peasant could appeal to no one except Co hid great “little father,” the Czar. Now if Alexander JJI. summons an assembly for discussing State questions it is not by any means unlikely that the peasant will appreciate his opportunities and make the most of them. The human mind is progressive, and the peasant will noon understand his rights and duties; and to soon as a Russian Joseph Arch arisesto impress nis countrymen with a scheme of their duties and rights, so soon will they exercise them, and it would be contrary to all history, phiU orophy and precedent to suppose when the time is at hand the man will not be.— Philadelphia Press.