Deputies from Nizhny Novgorod in the III State Duma of the Russian Empire (1907-12)

This article is devoted to the activity of deputies from Nizhny Novgorod Province in the IIIrd State Duma (1907-12). The author examines the social origin, property status and experience of political activities of Nizhny Novgorod deputies. A conclusion is made about the influence of the new electoral legislation on the class composition of the deputies in the IIIrd State Duma. The distribution of Nizhny Novgorod deputies in the Duma political parties is considered. The main features inherent in the policy of these parties are indicated. The article shows the representation of Nizhny Novgorod deputies in the Duma committees. Official documents of the State Duma, including verbatim records of its meetings, serve as a source base. The article discusses the activities of Nizhny Novgorod deputies during each of the Duma sessions. The analysis of frequency, periodicity and content of speeches reveals the most active deputies from Nizhny Novgorod. These are G.R. Kilevein, A.A. Saveliev, A.E. Favorsky, V.V. Khvoshchinsky. The author comes to a conclusion that the activity of Nizhny Novgorod deputies in the IIIrd State Duma, as in the Duma of previous convocations, depended on their experience. This shows in the activity of the deputies G.R. Kilevein, A.A. Saveliev, A.E. Favorsky, V.V. Khvosh-chinsky. Deputy A.V. Ikonnikov, in spite of his experience of a deputy and a provincial figure, looked rather pale on their background. In fact, deputies N.V. Zuev and M.N. Grishkin with little experience in the discussions at the national scale also were in the shadow. Starting with the third session, only four of the Nizhny Novgorod deputies do the bulk of the work: G.R. Kilevein, A.A. Saveliev, A.E. Favorsky, V.V. Khvoshchinsky. A.A. Saveliev and V.V. Khvoshchinsky were the most active deputies of Nizhny Novgorod. During the IIIrd Duma, the most active Nizhny Novgorod deputies had a certain thematic niche (though sometimes spoke on other issues): V.V. Khvoshchinsky's niche was problems of the state defence capacity and army functioning, A.A. Saveliev spoke on the issues of law and self-government, G.R. Kilevein on economic development, A.E. Favorsky on the development of entrepre-neurship. The participation of some deputies in the conciliation committees of the State Duma and the State Council shows their high political authority. The activity of active Nizhny Novgorod deputies was quite productive and highly appreciated by their factions. This is confirmed by their delegation to a large number of committees, as well as their presentations on various draft laws.

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