-

The article focuses on the issue of the Russian society attitude to the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, its reflection in the memoirs literature. The author brings to light three viewpoints on the tasks the Russian Empire has been facing then. The views of V.P. Mescherskii, D.I. Ilovayskii, G.K. Gradovskii and K.I. Voronitch are represented in the article.

In the article the method of historical-semantic analysis in used. Natural language is understood as a sign system of public consciousness. The change of the meaning of the conception «liberalism» in Russian public consciousness of 1855–1858 under the influence of social practices and political processes, which proceeded in Russia, is shown.

The report considers the role and impottance of russian advocature in the second half of the 20th century. The author analyses process of struggle of russian and advocators with the authorities for their existence also models of Russian and foreing advocature are compared.