The fear of the Nihilists in St. Petersburg is on
the decrease. The Czar has quitted Gatschina, and is giving entertainments at the Winter Palace, during which he moves freely among the guests, who, however, are closely scrutinised at the gates. It is even rumoured that he has appeared walking in the streets, but this requires confirmation. It is, how- ever, true that he has by public decree fixed May as the month for his solemn coronation in Moscow, and has summoned thither all the notabilities of the Empire. The- ceremonial will be most magnificent, and it is rumoured in. Berlin that after it the Czar may make some great concessions.. Nothing is known, however, of this idea in St. Petersburg, where little is expected, beyond an amnesty for certain classes of offenders. The cause of the diminished fear of the Nihilists,. which is evident, is not explained, the popular theory that they have all been arrested being unsupported by any evidence. If it were true, the Government would be eager to announce such a complete success. It is more probable that some concession has at last been made in return for immunity, or that the Czar, weary of imprisonment in his own Empire, has resolved to face- his fate, whatever it be.
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