THE Evening Star. PUBLISED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1880.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3442, 6 January 1880, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1880.

A change appears to be coming over the spiritof Russianaffairs—the administration is to be directed in future by the Czar and the Heir Apparent. This is a new feature in the government of the Kussian Empire' but the events of the last few months, the wide-spread dissatisfaction of the people, and the operations of the Nihilists have called for unusual efforts on the part of the administration. Alexander, comparatively speaking,, is a liberal-minded monarch, and since hit occupation of the throne has introduced reforms and made advances towards placing his people on an equality with those of other nations in Europe. And this course he has taken in direct opposition to the traditions of his family, and the policy of his predecessors. But even his liberality has not sufficed; his subjects having once tasted the sweets of liberty, are now clamoring for more extended privileges. Alexander, with an evident wish to meet \ the demands of his subjects, yet objects to the violent measures taken by the malcontents, and owing to the repressive means employed by his Government has, instead of being looked upon as the Father of his people, the representative of their God on earth, is now looked upon by the more advanced thinkers of Russia as an oppressor and a despot—the enemy of progress and enlightment. The rapid advance of learning, the more frequent intercourse with the nations of the west of Europe, and the knowledge of tne freedom allowed to the' inhabitants of these lands, ha 9 had a wonderful influence upon the subjects of the Czar, more than is fully recognised by the administrators of the Government, and thus the demands of the people for reform, instead of being treated with fair consideration, are termed the outcome of sedition and rebellion. While such a state of affairs exist nothing but anarchy and discontent may bo anticipated. A feeling of late has been gaining ground that the Czarowitz is disposed to grant the reforms asked for by the Nihilists, or at least is more liberal in his view* than his father . and the old men surrounding his throne, and attempts have of - late been made to assassinate the Emperor, with a view of having the Government placed in < the hands of the younger man. This feeling has given rise to a coolness between father and son, which it is said of late has . ended in a quarrel. This quarrel has been happily ended, and our telegrams state that the Government is to be' for the future under the joint control of the Emperor and the heir-apparent. Whether this concession will satisfy the demands of the discontented, or will only lead to farther disagreements, it is hard to say, but it may be surmised that while it may for a time content the advanced party, it will Only have the effect of encouraging them to demand further privileges from the Government. " For freedom's battle once beo^m, Bequeath'd by bleeding sire to son, Though baffled olt is ever won."