THE DISTRESS IN RUSSIA.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2371, 18 June 1892, Page 3

THE DISTRESS IN RUSSIA.

Renter's special correspondent, who .has been visiting the famine-stricken districts of Russia, in his last letter, dated Kazan, April 3, says that he has now travelled over most of the famine-stricken provinces, and has been struck by the sameness of the picture. "Everywhere reckless extravagance meets the eye, the forests have been cut down wantonly, the rivers are neglected, the climate is ruined, the peasant, who pays on the average taxes to the tune of £4 per head, is simply regarded as a revenue-producing unit. His welfare, his future, his mind and b»dy, are matters of supreme indifference. I am preparing to leave Russia, much saddened by my visit. The country seems face to face with bankruptcy. The land is exhausted, the climate has changed, the existing agricultural system is a hopeless failure. The peasant and the o-entleman do not understand each other. They are as widely separated as if they belonged to different nations. Instead of profiting by his emancipation the peasant lias grown poorer. In many districts he has reached starvation point- Tfye present distress has brought matters to a head, and it is everywhere acknowledged that something must be done. But what I That is the question." There is no doubt that the Nihilists have been eagerly taking advantage of the discontent caused by the famine to extend their propaganda. Practical reformers, on the other hand, are divided in their opinions. Same still repose high hope in the paternal guardianship of the Zemski Natchalniki. A good many hold that in Mr Henry George's land system lies the only remedy. Others, again, wish to abolish the Mir, or communal assembly ; and a few are even suggesting the introduction of a law of primogeniture for the peasants, to prevent further subdivision of the land. Those who favour the doctrines of Mr Henry George declare that the nobles have more land than they can profitably till, and tljat the Government h<is enormous tracts of arable land lying absolutely waste. " Therefore," they say, "Mr George is the man for us; let us nationalise the land and expropriate the landlords," Amid all these conflciting theories there is a very general feeling that the famine may prove a blessing in disguise. It is regarded as one of those cajaiuaties that iti'C !!!? u it?. I, !y .succeeded by reforms. There can be no doubt that the distress }>as been the means of illustrating in ffiany staking ways sh,e r.qtie.nne.ss of the whole system of Government. An immense amount of corruption has been discovered and the officials have been stirred up to a sense' of tfyejr duty towards the dejstitijte peasantry.. These are' important results, and thoy are regarded by many as the silver lining of the dark cloud which now hangs over the Russian Empire.