AFFAIRS IN RUSSIA.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1396, 6 March 1905, Page 2

AFFAIRS IN RUSSIA.

iTI-IjE TRICK Y. CZAR,

REVERSING IMS FORMER ATTITUDE OF REFORM. By Electric Telegraph—Per Press Association—Copyright. ST, PETERSBURG', March 3* It is official ly. notified that the Czar hast issued a manifesto expressing confidence that the nation will secure victory, in a campaign involving the Russian iionor and command of the waters of the Pacific, and •Which in the interests of Christianity should manifestly be upheld. The manifesto upholds the autocracy, sanctioned .by the people’s devotion, and denounces the revolutionaries seeking to set up an unstable admini sir ati on.

It calls upon l the nation to defend the throne from external enemies. Strikes have been ordered on the Vilna and Moscow railways, isolating St. Petersburg. The Russian workers’ ultimatum of March 2nd was rejected.

A general strike is regarded as inevitable.

LONDON, March 3. '~ Tho New York Herald states that the Czar’s yacht Stainidart Is kept ready lor use. The’Committee or Ministers is disposed to greatly mitigate the grievances of Russian; religions dissenters. ?' Reuter’s St, Petersburg correspondent says that well-informed society circles state that the Czar is| again opppsed to reform, Reuter’s St. Petersburg correspondent explains that the Czar’s manifeseo implies that the Minister who was elaborating a scheme for a national assembly, has fallen into disfavor, while the Grand Ducal party, .and those who maintain absolutism, have secured .the Czar's car.

THE CZAR’S MANIFESTO. ' A remarkable' RESCRIPT. By Telegraph—Presß Assooiailon —Copyright Received 4.38 p.m., March 5. Bt. Petersburg, March 4. The Czar's manifesto describes the war aDd the command of the waters of the Paoific as urgently.nehessary for the consolidation and peaceful prosperity of the Russian and other Christian nations. It recognises the strain on Russian resources, and contrasts tho heroism of the soldiers in the Far East with the blind pride and insolence of evil-minded revolutionists assailing the pillars of State. The Grand Duke Sergius’ death was a shock to every patriot. ■

The manifesto appeals to all authorities to rally round the Throne, overcome the stubborn foreign foe, and eradicate the revolt at home, hoping in a period of tranquility to realise the aim of strengthening prosperity and perfecting the administration of the State.

A special rescript addressed to Bulygieue acknowledges the nobility’B, zemstvos’, and nation’s congratulations on the birth of an heir, and announces the resolve, with the help of God, to convene people’s elected representatives to participate in the elaboration and consideration of legislative measures, while preserving the immutability of fundamental laws. London, March 4.

The Times says the appoaraneo of the rescript creating a legislative assembly after a general strike was announced was received with amazement and incredible enthusiasm.

The Daily Telegraph says the rescript is vague, and little importance is attached to it.