Manifestation der Loyalitat der litauischen Oberschicht anlässlich der Enthüllung des Denkmals zu ehren Jekaterinas der II. am 10. September 1904 in Vilnius
Controversial events occupy an important place in the history of Lithuania. One of such events, which Polish historians more often recollect, is the unveiling of the monument of Catherine II on 10 September 1904 in the Cathedral Square in Vilnius. The article analyses the implication of this event. As the result of privileges provided by the Tsarist policy, the layer of land owners of noble origin became more active in the north-western region in the late 19th–early 20th c. New possibilities for limiting or repealing decrees of the second half of the 19th c. discriminating the nobility were sought for. The policy of the new Governor General P. Sviatopolk-Mirski was characterised with tolerance, comprehension and “liberality”. During a meeting at the Governor General’s on September 1, the delegation of land owners made it clear that they will participate in the solemn unveiling of the monument hoping that the Governor General will keep his word and their equal rights will be restored. The political implication of the solemn unveiling of the monument of Catherine II on 10 September 1904 in Vilnius demonstrated political aims and goals of the state administration represented by P. Sviatopolk-Mirski and landowners from the north-western region. In demonstrating its loyalty, part of the Lithuanian nobility confided in P. Sviatopolk-Mirski’s promises and decided to participate in the solemn ceremony. The announcement of a decree of 1 May 1905 of the Committee of Ministers was determined not only by revolutionary events, but also by the solid influence of Minister of Internal Affairs P. Sviatopolk-Mirski and efforts of loyalists of the north-western region, which became clear during the September negotiations with the Governor General
