The petition which was to be presented to the Czar
was evidently drawn up by workmen and Socialists together, and contains, besides requests for reasonable improvements, such as a minimum wage of 12s. a week, many unreasonable demands, such as a transfer of the control of all factories to committees of workmen, the creation of a Parliament by universal suffrage and by secret ballot, and a general support of Labour against Capital ; but its special note is one of prayer that the autocrat will cause the suffering of the poor to cease. The loyalty is complete, though Government officials are accused as " embezzlers and brigands," and the Czar is asked if it were not better that the workers should die, and employers and officials "live and revel." His Majesty is adjured to " take from off the people's neck the intolerable yoke of officialdom. Break down the wall between thyself and thy people, and let them govern the country along with thyself." " Their _true requirements are known to themselves alone." The framers of the petition, if freedom of the Press, of meeting, and of religion were granted, would evidently be content with the German system, which leaves all executive power to the Sovereign, and u Supply, once voted, cannot be withdrawn, makes of Parliament rather an advisory than an executive body.
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