explosion
of a dynamite bomb. The Tsar, recognized the meaning of these events,
and quickly appointed Prince Mirski, known by his liberal tendencies,
to Von Plehve's place in the Ministry of the Interior. One of the
first acts of the new minister was the authorizing of a meeting of all
the Presidents of the _Zemstvos_ for consultation over national
conditions. When it is recalled that the _Zemstvo_ is a Peasants'
Court, that it is a representative assembly of the humblest class in
the Empire, and a gift which accompanied emancipation bestowed for
their own protection--when this is remembered, we realize the full
significance of this act of M. Von Plehve's successor. This first
conference of the heads of the _Zemstvos_, which met at Moscow, Nov.,
1904, by permission of Prince Mirski, contained the germ of a
representative government. It was an acknowledgment of a principle
hitherto denied; a recognition never before made of the right of the
people to come together for the purpose of discussing measures of
governmental policy.

In the meantime the Japanese, irresistible as fate, were breaking down
one after another of the supposed impregnable defences about Port
Arthur; climbing over hills of their own dead, fathers, sons, and
brothers, in order to do it. Within the beleaguered fort the supply of
ammunition was running low, only one-quarter of the defenders were
left, and disease was slaying and incapacitating these. Nearer and
nearer came the rain of fire. In vain they listened for the booming of
Kuropatkin's guns sweeping down from the north. In vain they watched
for the smoke of the long-promised Baltic fleet approaching from the
south. No rescue came. On the last night of the year, after
consultation with his officers, General Stoessel signed the conditions
of capitulation to General Nogi. The key to the Russian power in the
East was lost. When the new year dawned the Japanese flag floated from
the Citadel on the Golden Hill, and the greatest siege of modern times
was ended.

On Jan. 1, 1905, General Stoessel wrote to his Imperial Master: "Great
Sovereign, pardon us! We have done everything humanly possible. Judge
us, but be merciful!" He then goes on to state the conditions which
would make further resistance a wanton sacrifice of the lives of those
remaining in the garrison.

St. Petersburg was stunned by the receipt of this intelligence; and
every day added to its dismay: Oyama, leaving the capt