M. Guchkoff, an Octobrist Member of the Duma, created a
•
sensation last week by denouncing the Grand Dukes, and in
particular demanding that four should resign their adminis- trative posts. The sequel to this daring outburst, all the more significant in view of the political antecedents and party of M. Guchkoff, has been most remarkable. So far from exciting protests, it has been cordially welcomed by all parties excepting a few extreme reactionaries. More significant still, however, is the fact that of the four Grand Dukes assailed for incompetence, two have left St. Petersburg on leave, while two more are travelling in the provinces. M. Stolypin is credited with the intention to act on M. Guchkoff's demand, which has greatly added to the prestige of the Daum. The majority of the Russian newspapers, it may be 'added, in commenting on the incident, have not hesitated to connect the improvement in the internal situation with the meeting of the Sovereigns at Revel.
