Previously the tsar had been seen as the champion of the people: in dire situations, the masses would appeal to the tsar, traditionally through a petition, and the tsar would respond to his people promising to set things right.
Previously the tsar had been seen as the champion of the people. The masses would appeal to the tsar through a petition. This is in dire situations. This is traditionally. The tsar would respond to his people. This is in dire situations. These people are promising to set things right.