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Show RUSSIA SLOW IN GRANTING PROMISED REFORMS. Even under the liberal leadership of Count Witte. the Russian Government is giving up slowly the freedom promised the people. The way to a constitution after centuries of anarchy is a hard one, und it appears that Russia would withdraw if possible from the step already taken. She wishes to placate the people and at the same time keep in force the present order of things. She is trying to create a popular form of government in name only. It would not be surprising if a bloody revolution were yet necessary to bring the autocracy to a full realization of the power of the people and an understanding un-derstanding of the desperation which fills them. As an example of Russia's dilatory tactics in carrying out the reforms she has pledged herself to accomplish, is her recent warning to the Poles. Poland is not so strong as Finland and has not made tuch a strong bid for independence. The two countries have been in similar relations with Russia and when Finland was recently granted her freedom, the Poles hoped to be treated likewise. But yesterday's ukase will stop such thoughts in Poland for the time. The people are warned that any acts of violence in efforts to secure independence will 'iead into sorrowful paths;'' they cannot expect to wrest autonomy from the Emperor, and any attempt to do so will be considered an act of violence. |