26 FEBRUARY 1916, Page 2

Wednesday was a great day in Petrograd. Not only did

the Duma meet, but for the first time in its history it was opened by the Emperor in person. After prayers had been offered, he delivered a speech to the assembled members. Alto- gether, his Majesty spent over an hour in the precincts of the Duma, and when he passed through the Chamber it was, wo are told by a correspondent of the Morning Post," amid frantic scenes of enthusiasm." The impression seems universal in Petrograd that a great advance has been made as regards the position of the Dunne, and that this public recognition by the Sovereign is intended to indicate that the Duma has ceased altogether to be on probation and has become one of the essential and permanent institutions of Russia.