The confusion which reigns in the highest quarters of the
Russian Government has recently received a new illustration. M. Pobiedonostzeff, the head under the Czar of the Russian Church, alarmed by the movement in favour of representative institutions, has been pressing the Sovereign to declare once more his unflinching adherence to the autocratic principle. On Friday, the 3rd inst., therefore, the Emperor signed and issued a Manifesto drawn up under instructions from the Procurator, in which his Majesty acknowledges that " an in- scrutable Providence" has visited Russia "with heavy trials," especially a bloody war for the honour of the Empire, and "for the command of the waters of the Pacific Ocean, so urgently necessary for the peaceful prosperity not only of our own, but of other nations." " Blinded by pride," the " evil-minded leaders" of revolution make "insolent attacks on the Holy Orthodox Church" and the "pillars of the Russian State "- for example, the Grand Duke Sergius—but with the help of prayer, "under' the banner of the autocratic might of the Czar," Russia has frequently survived such dangers. The Czar therefore appeals to all officials and the whole people to aid him in overcoming "the stubborn foreign foe," and in " eradicating revolt" at home. " May God," concludes the Manifesto, "send down on the clergy holiness, on those in authority justice," and "on faith strength to the consolidation of the autocracy and the welfare of our dear subjects."
