Governor is generally ex officio a member of most of them. Thus, theoretically, a most complete administrative system is in operation in almost every part of Siberia, modelled on European lines; but it must be remembered that a great deal of this exists on paper only.
Representative institutions are but little developed in Siberia. Eight members are elected to the Imperial Duma from Siberia by indirect vote. In view of the enormous difficulties of establishing electoral systems in such a vast continent, the chief representation naturally falls on the traders and citizens of the towns.
Local representative institutions have not been formed in Siberia. Zemstvos or provincial councils elected by popular vote are as yet unknown. The chief towns, however, possess their town councils elected by the residents who pay the "Apartment Tax" (Kvarterny Nalog). In the rural districts administration is under the control of a "peasant affairs" official appointed by and responsible only to the Uyesdy Nachalnik, or local representative of the Governor.
The "Zemsky Smet," which is a proportion of the Imperial taxes allotted by the Imperial Treasury for such local purposes as roads, bridges, hospitals, drainage, etc., is administered in the rural districts by the peasant officials, and in the towns by the elected town councils.
As yet, however, slight interest is taken in public matters by the peasants, but there is no doubt that public opinion is developing slowly in Siberia. The more advanced classes of the urban population, influenced by the free and independent life in Siberia,
