NEWS OF THE WE EK.
,rrlHE aecounta of the Duma are not very encouraging. -L The unprofitable'ingotiations on the agrarian question have caused persistent rumours that the Dania has a very short life before it. The one hope of salvation seems to lie in an understanding between the Government and the strong Centre. But so far, contrary to expectation, the Government have refused to have anything to do with the Centre or moderating party; and it seems likely that the peasants, who might easily declare themselves moderate if wisely guided, will throw themselves into the arms of the Left. Then there will be more occasion than ever for reactionaries to declare that the Dania is a revolutionary assembly and must be dissolved. Already, according to the Times correspondent, the reactionaries think it worth while to pour petitions into Tsarskoo Selo praying for dissolution and a new electoral law. The Constitutional Democrats or Centre meant well by letting the proposal to abolish field Courts- Martial take precedence over the difficult agrarian question. but now the Toil group have made the latter their own and their measure is highly Socialistic. On Tuesday the Budget was discussed, and there seems at least a fair hope that this business will be expedited. The estimated revenue will scarcely cover the ordinary expenditure, and a loan of £29,000,000 is contemplated.
