In these circumstances one is not surprised to find the
correspondent maintaining that the Bill " does not aim simply at modifying the Constitution ; it will, if passed, practically annihilate it." As for the effects of the measure, he predicts a repetition of the history of the Bobrikoff era. The Diet will dispute the validity of the new provisions ; Judges and officials will be summarily deposed ; private persons imprisoned, exiled, or deported. "Already emigration from Finland has increased in anticipation of the times to come." While fully sharing the misgivings aroused by this misguided and mischievous measure, we cannot feel the slightest surprise at Count Bobrinsky's vigorous protest in the Duma against the British Parliamentary Memorial. Count Bobrinsky said he was sure that the British Parliament would particularly resent any outside dictation respecting Ireland or India. Those who signed the Memorial should have credited the Russian Deputies with equal patriotism. It is impossible to contradict Count Bobrinsky on these points. The Members who have signed the Memorial have done no good to the Finnish cause by affronting the Duma, and enabling the Nationalist and Reactionary sections to appeal successfully to the sense of patriotism.
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