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as follows:—(1) The introduction of the Zemstvo institution
(a kind of local board); (2) a public judiciary system; [1]
(3) personal liberty and the inviolability of personal property;
(4) liberty to move from one place to another, and (5) the
abolition of the exile system.
These very modest demands, in which the De profundis
cry of the Siberians on their day of jubilee breaks out,
are significant enough of the state of things in that unhappy
country, and point out some of the fundamental causes of
its lack of progress.
In studying the history of Siberia two epochs are
distinguishable: that of the conquest of the country, and that
of the beginning of colonisation and social organisation.
Through both of these epochs there runs as a red line the
system of reckless plunder, which, unmitigated by any
redeeming feature whatever, and without the modifying
influence of a budding and growing spiritual culture,
continues to this day. Says Yadrintseff, one of the men
most thoroughly acquainted with Siberia:—
“Even to this day we look in vain for an epoch of
intellectual and spiritual awakening among the population.
One of the greatest historical missions for us to accomplish
is to infuse the spirit of life into this colossal body.”
The conquerors of Siberia—the trappers and the
Kossacks—and those that followed in their footsteps, were all
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