By Tuesday morning, March 13, the revolution was generally accepted as a
_fait accompli_; it was believed that the old despotism was gone never to
return. This was followed by an outburst of idealism and patriotism such as
comes but once or twice in the life of a nation. Every Russian was bubbling
over with enthusiasm over the glorious future of his country. Liberty so
greatly desired, so long worked for, so much suffered for had at last come.
The intelligent and persecuted Russians, they who had spent years under the
shadow of the police, in prison, in exile, and in Siberia, had their day at
last and they were eager to realize their Utopia. Their first demand was
that all prison doors should be opened and that the oppressed the world
over should be freed. The Russian Revolution was not a class revolution, it
was brought about neither by the proletariat nor by the bourgeoisie and
the aristocracy; all classes contributed, it was a national revolution. So
worthless had the monarchy become that all the people were glad to get rid
of it and see it go. They who helped to bring about its ruin were the first
to deny it and seek safety; and even the Synod, in an almost unseemly
haste, took out the names of the imperial family from the prayer book.

The revolution was picturesque and full of color. Nearly every morning one
could see regiment after regiment, soldiers, Cossacks, and sailors, with
their regimental colors, and bands, and revolutionary flags, marching to
the Duma to take the new oath of allegiance. They were cheered, they
were blessed, handerchiefs were waved, hats were raised, cigarettes were
distributed as mark of appreciation and gratitude to these men, without
whose help there would have been no revolution. The enthusiasm became
so contagious that men and women, young and old, high and low, fell in
alongside or behind, joined in the singing of the Marseillaise, and walked
to the Duma to take the oath of allegiance and having taken it they felt
as purified as if they had partaken of the communion. Another picturesque