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The ten years which Prince -Vorontsov-Dashkov spent as the governor of Transcaucasia (1905-1915) were characterised by a noticeable mitigation of government oppression, and neutral administration of current issues, regardless of ethnic affiliation. The crown-prince, instead of pursuing the policy of "divide and conquer, which up to then had been the slogan of the men in power in St Petersburg, invited ethnic groups of people under his power to cooperate for an improved situation." 61 On the argument that without order and justice there can be no ruling or government, -Vorontsov-Dashkov ended the anti-Armenian bureaucracy and ordered that the confiscated property of the Armenian Church be returned, using his influence in St Petersburg to alter the position of the government on the Armenian Question. Regarding this matter, he wrote the following to the Tsar: "Your Excellency certainly knows that the policy of Russia in these regions, since the time of Peter the Great, has been based on friendship with the Armenian people. This policy of ours has been rewarded by the Armenians through their assistance to our soldiers. Through the protection of the Armenians we have found loyal allies who have constantly served us well. In my opinion the time has come for us to return to our traditional Russian policy." 62

When Stolypin, took power in St Petersburg in 1908, however, Prince -Vorontsov-Dashkov could not impede the revived aggressive policy regarding the russification of the non-Russian people in the empire. 63

In December 1908, mass arrests and the imprisonment of many Armenian nationalists began, extended to the incarceration of more than 20 000 Armenians, of whom the majority were intellectuals. The Russian tsarist government, on the strength of a groundless accusation, began a noisome trial against the Dashnaktsoutyoun. 64

The accused 146 Armenians, after several years in prison, at the start of 1912 were finally allowed to stand trial in the Senate in St Petersburg and were defended by Russian lawyers, from whom Alexander Kerensky deserves special mention. Paul Melikof, whom the Russian government tried to remove for his participation in the trial 65, never lost his affection for the Armenians.

Among the accused, Dr. Hamo Ohanjanian 66 distinguished himself for particular attention, with his practical yet bold appearance winning him the respect of the Russian judges. On April 2, 1912, the Senate issued its sentence, decreeing exile or forced labour for 52 out of the 146 persons. The trial became the last symbol of Russian government oppression towards the Armenian people prior to the First World War.

The domestic and foreign policy of this administration at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, was in direct contrast to the traditions of the old tsars. During the reign of the great rulers and founders of the Russian Empire, Peter the Great and Catherine II, the cooperation and friendship of the Armenians were always sought for.

The rule of Russia, once an historical power, creator and developer, was regressing. 67 The end of the regime after two years was the inevitable conclusion of the narrow-minded and aggressive rule, a command which no longer upheld the interests it had defended for centuries. The demise of the empire confirmed the fears of the great Armenian politician, General Loris Melikian, who had warned the St Petersburg government of the importance of order over progress and development. 68