NEWS OF THE WEEK.
THERE is hope—as yet it is only hope—of much better days in Russia. The new Emperor, Nicholas II., has appointed Count Shouvaloff, an experienced diplomatist with Western ideas, Governor-General of Poland, publishing beforehand a most honorific letter in which his character and achievements are eulogised in the warmest terms. That looks like a milder regime in Poland ; and the hope is strengthened by a series of stories all of one complexion. The Czar, it is stated, has informed all officials that he will have am one persecuted, or even boycotted, on the ground of religion or nationality. He has even gone the great length of striking out the descriptions of religious belief hitherto appended to the names of candidates for office. His Majesty has also summoned a great number of provincial notables to St. Petersburg, and will ask them to state definitely what reforms the population of their districts are most anxious to secure. It is not, of course, certain that great changes will follow, and we may expect determined resistance from the bureaucracy to any scheme of representation, but the Czar is evidently inclined to be impartial towards all creeds, and that of itself will greatly reduce the apprehensions which poison life in Russian society. The next step should be the grant of a little more freedom of speech and writing, and then some protection against preventive arrest, unless ordered by the Czar, a Governor-General, or a Judge. It is oppres- sion by the small which it is most necessary to terminate in Russia, and it is that which is protected by the regime of silence.
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