Self-Government in Russia. By Paul Vinogradoff. (Constable and Co. 23.
Peg—Whatever Professor Vinogradoff writes, whether of our own law and custom or of Russia, is appreciated by English readers. This last publication, based upon three occasional lectures, is slight in comparison with much of his work, but of particular interest to us now. The first three chapters are historical, and show the conflicting influences of the bureaucracy, which tends to centralize all government, and of the vast size of Russia, which makes it natural that localities should live their own lives and settle their own affairs. The third chapter, dealing with education, is full of encouragement, though the war is acting as a severe check and the struggles between the Holy Synod and the secular influences remind us of educational strife elsewhere. The fourth chapter is more topical, and gives us some idea of the single-minded determination of the whole people to defeat its enemies; in particular, it deals with the spontaneous Unions of the Zemstvos and Municipalities formed to deal with the sick and wounded and to do other war work. Before these tasks all differences have sunk and a most efficient and generous devotion has emerged. If Professor Vinogradoff finds other points to regret besides delay in the establishment of the Dums, if he fears that confidence between the Government and the people is still Imperfect, can we doubt that the war is hastening the march both of opinion and action towards the accomplishment which he desires?
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