It is difficult to be certain whether there has been
a great recrudescence of Nihilism in Russia or whether recent events have deepened the Czar's conviction that he is the object of incessant attempts at assassination. Perhaps both events have happened together, the second being a consequence of the first. At all events, the Czar has created by public decree a regular department of State, with its own Minister, its own police, and its own exemption from any control, except his own, to guard the safety of the Palace and his person, especially on railway journeys. The new department, to justify its existence, must increase precautions already exces- sive, and will doubtless become the depositary of endless secret denunciations. An Emperor of Russia has not only a right to protect himself, but is bound, in the interest of his State, to do it; but it is difficult not to doubt if this is the wisest method. Where is the guarantee that a separate police and a separate Minister will be either more faithful or more shrewd than the grand staff of Ministers, officers, soldiers, and police by whom the Czar is already surrounded? It would be simpler to live in a camp.
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