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Russian local government during the war and the Union of Zemstvos

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Monograph

Identifikator:: 1774764512

URN:: urn:nbn:de:zbw-retromon-160421

Document type:: Monograph

Author:: Nitsch, Harry http://d-nb.info/gnd/117023272

Title:: Das Hotel- und Gastgewerbe

Place of publication:: Düsseldorf

Publisher:: Floeder

Year of publication:: 1928

Scope:: 804 Seiten; Ill.

Digitisation:: 2021

Collection:: Economics Books

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Chapter

Document type:: Monograph

Structure type:: Chapter

Title:: 2. Der Wert zielbewußter Propaganda

Collection:: Economics Books

INTRODUCTION 7 vest often led to numerous deaths by starvation. The situation, how- ever, was greatly improved after the administration of relief was taken over by the zemstvos. As soon as there were definite indications that a famine had assumed such dimensions that local resources could not check it, local zemstvos took the matter in hand, gave it wide publicity, asked the support of the Government and of the Treasury. They were invariably supported by the “Organization of the Zemstvos.” Public appeals were made. Russians are very respon- sive to appeals for the suffering. Donations would begin to arrive at once. With the sums so assembled the Organization immediately would set up relief machinery and would then approach the Gov- ernment arguing that it could not without endangering its prestige remain indifferent. Usually by the middle of the winter, sometimes as late as February or March, the Government would allow itself to be convinced, and would then make the necessary appropriations. The psychological effect was always the same—the victory of truth over hypocrisy. Every famine undermined the prestige of the central government and strengthened the position of the zemstvos and of the democratic elements. The moral effect of relief work in the famine-stricken areas was more far reaching in the struggle with the autocracy than any political victory. One must know what fam- ine really means, what are the psychological conditions of the people affected by it. In time of famine, real power is in the hands of those who can produce bread. At the outbreak of the Great War the zemstvos had gained in strength and experience. Driven by a common feeling of patriotism they sent their representatives to a conference in Moscow and or- ganized the All-Russian Union of Zemstvos for the Relief of War Sufferers. The Union was joined by forty-two provincial zemstvos, and by the Cossack territories of the Don, Kuban, and Terek. Si- beria, which was still waiting for the introduction of zemstvo insti- tutions, nevertheless kept in touch with the Union through her municipal organizations. In this way the whole of Russia, irrespec- tive of the fact whether certain portions of it did or did not enjoy the benefit of local government, joined hands in helping the army. The direct participation of the masses in the work for the army stimulated patriotic feelings and brought home the realization of the national importance of the War. In order to carry out the new work, special committees of the

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