8o RUSSIA THEN AND NOW 



the Cabinet Council at imperial headquarters, at which 

 it was understood that the project of introducing a 

 bill in the Duma legalizing this departmental order 

 was favourably considered. 



The circular issued by Count Ignatieff, Russian 

 Minister of Education, abolishing the system of bal- 

 lot for Jews desiring to enter Russian secondary 

 schools was regarded as an excellent omen for the 

 further enfranchisement of Jews. Alexis Aladin, one 

 of the best-known members of the Duma and now in 

 London, said today that not only was the present 

 report true, but he considered it quite likely the bill 

 for equal rights would be passed. 



"It is a step of immense importance and one that 

 must arrest the attention of the whole world," said 

 Aladin, "I am unable to reveal all I know, but I am 

 able to say I am confident the bill will be introduced 

 in the Duma and passed. ' 



There recently visited London two prominent 

 members of the Russian Government. Vice-Presi- 

 dent Propopoff, of the Duma, and M. Gourko. Both 

 these men, your correspondent learned in intimate 

 talks, looked with favour on speedy legislation giving 

 the Jews equal advantages with all Russians. Their 

 attitude is extremely significant of the change that 

 has been taking place in the inner councils of Russian 

 affairs since the beginning of the war. 



Here we have Propopoff, a nobleman and capitalist, 

 swinging around to the idea that the time has arrived 

 to put the Jew on an equal footing with his fellow-men 

 in Russia. As Vice-President of the Duma, he is a 



