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Show THE CZAR AND HIS PEOPLE. Czar Nicholas Is said to be Inclined to the summoning of a Zemskl Sobor. This ls the anclont "Assembly of the Nation," composed of eminent men called to the capital to confer with the Czar at critical times. Czar Alexander II. established and made permanent, out of this ancient order, with modifications, modifica-tions, the modern form of Zemstvos, which comprise the deputies chosen In each province every year by all classes, combined with a permanent body elected elect-ed by thin assembly nt Its annual sessions, ses-sions, this select body holding for three years. In these Zemstvo sessions, nobles, no-bles, landed proprietors, and peasants sit together and determine local questions, ques-tions, such as schools, roads, and determine deter-mine neighborhood matters. The powers pow-ers and functions of this body are yet In a fluctuating condition, the Czar endeavoring en-deavoring with complete success thus far, to hold them to purely local functions, func-tions, and the leading spirits -in them striving to obtain a voice in general affairs. af-fairs. The summoning of Zemskl Sbbor would bo an admission, according to precedent, that the empire Is in a critical criti-cal condition. Those summoned would not necessarily be members of the Zemstvos, though the general expectation expecta-tion of these bodies undoubtedly would be that thoy should send the representatives representa-tives called. On the other hand, the Czar, who has mercilessly snubbed the aspirations of the Zemstvos to reach out into national affairs, would probably prob-ably avoid calling their members into his Zemskl Sobor, as far as possible. But however made up, the calling of a Zemskl Sobor would not in any way be an advance in constitutional or parliamentary par-liamentary policies for Russia; many such have been called at need or the will of the Czar, but never have those composing It been elective In this function, func-tion, and never have the people had any voice In determining when or where the bodyshould meet, who should comprise It, or what Its functions should be. And they will have no volco in any of these thlncs now. All will be at the will of the Czar. He summons whom he will, at such time as he sets, and sets forth and strictly limits what matters mat-ters they will be called to advise upon. For In no case will the Zemskl Sobor determine anything; It can advise, but nothing more; the determination of what shall be done will rest with the administration, and ultimately with the Czar alone. |