Reforming the urban governance system of the Russian Empire in the scientific and journalistic discourse of the late 19th – early 20th centuries

Abstract

Abstract. The objectives of the study are to analyze the peculiarities of the perception of the urban management system of Russian Empire in scientific and journalistic discourse; find out the public's attitude to the reforms of 1870 and 1892; to characterize the proposals of scientists (economists, jurists, historians) of the late 19th – early 20th centuries to change the current legislation. The methodology is based on the principles of comparative-historical and interdisciplinary analysis, classification and typology, methods of prosopography. The scientific novelty is formed by a comprehensive (on the basis of a wide list of publications and publications in the media) study of the evaluations of scientists and the public regarding the activities of city self-government bodies, their powers. Conclusions. The segment of the analyzed literature was presented by authors who had different professional and political backgrounds, representing the interests of the authorities and the opposition, burghers and higherofficials, workers and financial circles. Regardless of the publication (article, brochure, book over several hundred pages), each author showed signs of imperfection and spoke of the need to reform the city government. On the eve of the World War I, the conviction of the need for changes in the system of local self-government was voiced in the scientific circles and periodicals. The radical nature of the proposals depended on political views, loyalty or opposition to power, experience in clerical work, etc. The main disadvantages were limited suffrage and dependence on administration. The government sought to maintain and even strengthen the control of the municipalities. The criticism did not bring practical results, except for public discussion.