SERGIUS ASSASSINATED

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 42, 18 February 1905, Page 5

SERGIUS ASSASSINATED

IN THE STREETS OF "MOSCOW^ CARRIAGE BLOWN TO PIECES BOMB THROWN .FROM A SLEDGE > ■» [N\Z.. Pbess Association.—Copyright.] (Received 8.24 a.m.) LONDON, February 17. The Grand Duke Sergius, the third uncle of tiie Czar o2 Kasaia, baa been assassinated in the streets of Moscow. Vague rwaonrs were persistent ta the old capital for some time before the real facts were discovered. The first report was to the effect that an explasiosa liad taken place ia the sacred enclosure known as the Kremlin, the siost holy and revered spot in all Russia. Hardly was this story, wiiicJi oansed grave consternatica. in the city, disposed of, before it was followed hy tlie esciiisig report that the Grand Enke Sergius had been driving thrensh the streets, when a bomb was thrown under Ms carriage, csid thai: the Prince had been instantaneously killed. A few aiiuiztea of excited suspense on the part of the puMic was followed by full confirmation of the later report, and it was announced that the two murderers of the Czar's uncle had already been arrested. Beyond the bare facts of the murder, and vague accounts of a terrific explosion, there is little at present to be learned an to what actually occurred. The populace is in a tense and nervous state, and it is as yat hardly possible to conjecture the effects of the assassination.

NEWS IN ST. PETERSBURG. BOMB THBOWN FROM A SLEDGE. GRAND DUKE KIT.T.EP DfSTAHTANEOUSLY. (Beceived 10.51 turn.) ■*- ST. PETERSBURG, February 17. Despatches have been received in the capital, fully confirming the fate of the Grand Duke Sergrue, and adding some details. It seems that the Prince was driving towards the Kremlin v/iten he met his death. Just as his carriage was passing the Law Court a. sledge approached containing two oceujsaats. Snddenly one o£ the two rose aad flung a dark heavy object at the royal carriage. The next moment there was a terrible explosion, and the vehicle was blown to pieces. For a second the spot was covered in the thick haze of dust, but when this cleared the remains of the Grand Duke were forced, mutilated among the debris. Large forces of police and soldiers were drafted into the streox; with all speed. The incident has created a profound impression apon the populace.