During the week the trial of the ex-Members of the
first Duma for disseminating the Viborg Manifesto has been pro- ceeding in St. Petersburg. The scene at the trial has, accord- ing to the Times correspondent, been most moving, " for there sat all the office-holders and a quorum of Russia's first Parliament, and the same proud, defiant ring characterised their utterances." All the accused declared that they acted in obedience to their solemn duty towards the nation. The sudden brutal dissolution of the Duma, and the uncertainty whether the Government would reassemble the representa- tives of the people, demanded a vigorous protest; but that protest, they contend, did not pass beyond Constitutional limits. "History would show whether they erred, and to its verdict they confidently commended themselves." It is sincerely to be hoped that no vindictive punishments will be awarded to these Pyms and Hampdens of Russia. Even from the autocracy's own point of view it is most unwise to prosecute men whose powerlessness against physical force had been so clearly indicated. The ease with which the first Duma was dispersed was surely proof enough of the Government's authority. This is a moment when the Execu- tive should show magnanimity rather than revenge.
