As the new system, on account of the inevitable multitude of changes it involves, cannot be at once introduced, but requires time for adjustment, therefore in order to avoid disturbance in public and private affairs, the order existing until now shall be preserved for two years, when, after the completion of the necessary preparations, the new laws shall go into force.
A Woman of Kamchatka
For the lawful attainment of this, We have considered it well to command that:
1. In every government a government council on peasant affairs shall be opened, having the supreme direction of the affairs of the peasant societies installed on the landowners’ territories.
2. Arbiters of peace are to be nominated in the districts, and district assemblies formed from them in order to investigate on the spot into any misunderstandings and disputes which may arise in the fulfilment of the regulations.
3. Besides this, communal councils are to be established on the landowners’ estates, in order that, while leaving the village communities in their present formation, Volost[69] councils should be opened in the principal villages, uniting the smaller village communities under one Volost administration.
4. A charter shall be drawn up in each village specifying, on the basis of the local regulations, the quantity of land appointed for the perpetual enjoyment of the peasants, and the dues to be paid the landowner.
5. These charters shall be executive, and brought into operation within a space of two years from the day of the issue of this manifesto.
6. Until the expiration of this term, the peasants and menials are to remain in their previous condition of subjection to the landlords and indisputably to fulfil their former obligations.