ABDICATION OF THE TSAR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3031, 19 March 1917, Page 5

ABDICATION OF THE TSAR

MANIFESTO TO THE PEOPLE GRAND DUKE MICHAEL NAMED AS SUCCESSOR A GRACEFUL EXIT NATION URGED TO BE PATRIOTIC (Reo. March' 18, 5.5 p.m.) Londen, March 17 >; The text of the manifesto issued by the Tsar to the people reads e* follows:— "In the days of the great struggle against a foreign enemy, who has been endeavouring for three y ears to enslave our country, God has been pleased to send Russia a further painful trial. Internal troubles threaten to have a fata I effect on the further progress of the war. The destinies of Russia, the honour of her heroio army, the happiness of her people, and the whole future of our beloved Fatherland demand that the war should bo conducted at all costs to a vlotorlous end. Our cruel enemy Is making his last efforts, and the moment is near when our vali ant army, and that of our glorious Allies, will finally overthrow t he enemy. "In these deoisive days in the life of Russia, we thought it our duty to secure to our people t he close union and organisation of all Its forces for the realisation of a speedy victory; wherefore, in agreement with tho Duma, we recognised it to be for the good of our country to abdioato the Grown and lay down the supreme power. "Not wishing to separate our self from our beloved son, we bequeath our heritage to our brother Michael, with our blessing for the future of the Throne. We bequeath it to our brother to govern In full union with the National representatives, and to take his inviolable oath to them. In the name of our well beloved Fatherland, we oall upon all faithful sons of the Fatherland to fulfil their sacred patriotio duty and obey the Tsar i n this painful moment of national trial, and lend that aid wherewith the National representatives may be enabled to,conduct Russia safely to an era of prosperity and glory. Cod help Russia."—Router.

THE NEW RUSSIAN CABINET SUPPORT PROMISED BY. THE SOCIALISTS. By Telegraph-Press 'Afisooiatdon-Oopyrisrht (Rec. March 17, 5.10 p.m.) Petrograd, March 16. The new Ministry consists of the following:— Prince George Lvoff (the well-known President of the Zemstvo Union), Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. M. Gutchkoff, Minister for War and the Nary. M. Milltolf, Minister for Foreign Affairs. M. Terestcheko, Minister for Finance. M. Nekrasoff, Minister for Railways. M. Konovaloff (the well-known Moscow merchant). Minister for Commerce. ■■ , . The Socialists support the new Ministry on condition that a- general election is held for a Constituent Assembly. Generals Russkyand Brusiloff have telegraphed to M. Rodzianko notifying the adhesion of their armies to the new regime.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Renter. INDICATIONS POINT TO A REPUBLIC. (Rec. March 18, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 17. Indications Point to a Republic being formed in Russia, under Prince George Lvoff.—Renter'. PETROGRAD PLACARDED WITH THE TSAR'S MANIFESTO. (Rec. March 18, 5.5 p.m.) London, March 17. The Exchange Telegraph states the Tsar signed the proclamation of abdication at Pskoff, and fifteen copies were placarded in the town. GRAND DUKE MICHAEL DECLINES THE SUCCESSION (Rec. March 18, 5.5 p.m.) Petrograd, 'March 17. The Tsar abdicated at midnight on Thursday, on behalf of himself and the Tsaroviteh, in favour of the Grand Duke Michael. The latter abdicated on Friday afternoon. —Reuter. London, March 1.7. . The Tsar abdicated and transferred the command of the armies to Grand Duke Nicholas. Grand Duke Michael declined the succession. ■ The Government has been vested in the Executive of the Duma.—United Service. RTGENCY ACCEPTED BY THE TSAR'S BROTHER. (Rec. March 18, 5.5 p.m.) London, March "17. Grand Duke Michael accepts the Regency, and will accept the throne if the constituent Assembly requests him to do so.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE TSAR HELD A PRISONER BY THE DUMA. (Rec. March 18, 11 p.m.) Copenhagen, March 17. Advices stale that the Tsar is the Duma's prisoner at Tauride Palace. It is rumoured that tho Empress has been sent to Kieff.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PROCLAMATION OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT. Copenhagen, March 16. .The Provisional Government, in a proclamation, slates that owing to the difficult circumstances and the disorganisation of the country's interior, for -which the former Government was responsible, the Executive Committee, fully realising the importance of the decision, feels sure the population and the_ army will.assist in the difficult task of forming the new Government, which will be in a position to fill the people's wishes, and sccur® public confidence. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. POLITICAL PROGRAMME OP THE NEW CABINET ABOLITION OF- ALL SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS, AND NATIONAL RESTRICTIONS. (Rec. March 18, 5.5 p.m.) Petrograd, March 17. The Provisional Government has issued a manifesto to the Russians, which refers lo the triumph over the noxious forces of the old regime, and states that the Cabinet's policy, is the following:— An immediate general amnesty for all political and religions officers. Freedom of speech. Freedom of the Press. Freedom of Association of Labour organisation aud freedom to strike. Ertension of these liberties to officials and troops, so far a3 military and technical conditions permit. Abolition of all social, religious, and national restrictions, Immediate preparations for summoning a Constituent Assembly, bared en universal suffrage, which will establish the Governmental regime and Constitution of tie country.

The programme also provides for tho substitution for police of National Militia, with elective heads, and subject to self-governing bodies. Communal elections to bo based on universal suffrage. Revolutionary troops shall not bo disarmed, 'but they are not to leave Petrograd, and tho equalisation of soldiers' social rights with thoso of citizens is provided for. It is notified that, tho above reforms will be instituted without delay.— Router. THE DUMA EXECUTIVE RECOGNISED BY THE ALLIES (Rec. March. 18, 5.5 p.m.) Pclrograrf, March 17. The British, French, and Italian diplomats and military attaches informedthe Executive of the Duma of thoir readiness to recognise the Executive as the solo authority in Russia, and to enter into business relations forthwith.—Renter. BANISHED DUMA MEMBERS TO BE RELEASED. (Rec. March 18, 5.5 p.m.)' Petrograd, March 1". Tlia Minister of Justice (Mr 'Kerenski), addressing a largo assemblage of soldiers and civilians from tho Duma, announced that the first act of the new Government would be the publication of a decree of full ajrmosty for members of previous Dumas who had been illegally banished to Siberia, and that they would be released forthwith.—Renter. UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE AND AN EARLY ELECTION. (Reo. March 17, 7.45 p.m.) Petrograd, March 16. Tho Provisional Government states that the Tsar is'at Plikoff, and has not bean arrested. The .Tsarina is in perfect safety, but insists on the Tsar's abdication. Grand Duke Michael's regency is temporary. The Duma has agreed with the workmen's representatives for the early election of Parliament on a universal suffrage.—The "Times." J ARRESTED MINISTERS COMFORTABLE AND SAFE ! (Eeo. March 1", 5.6 p.m.) ' Petrograd, March 16. The arrested Ministers are comfortable and safo in the Taurida Palace. After Prince Galitzine informed M. Rodzianko he had resigned the Council of Workmen's Delegates issued a manifesto invitinc tho troops and factories to choose representatives to confer with the Council ab Taurida Palace, on the basis of one representative to each battalion, or each thousand workmen, the factories employing leßs than a thousand hands sending ono representative. ■ There was an impressive sceno on tho arrival of tho Preohrajeusky Guards with their colonel and officers at Taurida Palace. 'AH th«i men are of giant stature, and standing fonr deep they filled the wholo length of the cnonnouß Catering Hall, where M. Rodzianko greeted thorn. Tho Nicholas station and the Tsarskoe station aro now ablaze. Guards are manning the Winter Palace, and engaged in a. long and desperate struggle to save it from assault. Many soldiers, fighting on behalf of the Court Party, did so believing the revolt had been caused by tho Germans, and but for their ignorance would have joined tho rebels. By Tuesday el'enilur tho wholo garrison had gone over to the Provisional Government. An active hunt has been continued for the police, who were hidden m garrets by previous orders from M. protopopoff, and from where they were spasmodically indulcinc in rifle and machine-gun fire and sniping. One proof of tho anti-German objects of the revolution was tho destruction and sacking of Baron Frederick's beautiful palace in Pochstanskaya. This was a deplorable incident.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SOME OF THE CAUSES THAT LED UP TO THE REVOLUTION UNDERGROUND ENGINEERING OF GERMAN EMISSARIES. London, March 16. The '"Central News" correspondent'at Petrograd' statees that M. Rodziauko boldly stands out as the man responsible for the maintenance of ordor. It the news of the revolt is a surprise to the rest of the world, the cause is the over-vigorous censorship. The country had been restless for months, owing to tho rise in food prices, and, although tho wages of tho in Russia nave doubled and trebled, the area of discontent widened. Tho winter, also, was excessively severe, and fuel and other necessaries were only obtainable at famine prices. On top of these misfortunes there came a shortage of bread, which was not due to the lack of supplies, but owing to the absence of fixed prices for flour in the villages, the peasants only receiving the pre-war rates for their product. Emissaries acting in the interest of the Germans warned the peasants that it was necessary to hold back supplies. This action by the German emissaries resulted in very little corn reaching the markets. Meanwhile the disaffection was growing, because men unknown to the people and not trusted by them, were placed at the head of tho various Departments of Stato. A month ago a number of men visited the ammunition works at Petrograd, professing to speak on behalf of M. Miliukoff, the popular leader of the Cadet Party in the Duma, urging tho workmen to strike as a protest to the continuance of the war. Thoso emissaries distributed arms among the workers. There would have been industrial disordors a month ago but that M. Miliukoff himself exposed the scandal.

Provisional Committeos of Twelve. The storm burst out on Friday. Workmen appeared iji the strcols, shouting: "We want bsead," but there was little or no disorder. " The demonstrations on Saturday assumed a more serious aspect, lighting commenced in the working class district between the police and tho workmen. The i military were requested to quell tho disturbances, but refused to act. Later they openly took sides with tho people. Red flags appeared 'among the troops themselves, and there was occasional looting. Sunday was another exciting day. Shooting was general, and the police were driven from the streets after suffering heavy losses from the rifles and machine-guns of the military. . Monday was a day of many surprises. The Tsar announced the closing of the Duma and the Council of State. Petrograd was ablaze with excitement. The doors of the Kresty prison were thrown open, and the political prisoners, including twelve workmen's delegates recently arrested, were released, and the prison burnt. The arsenal fell after a short, though fierce, resistance. The Imperial Winter Palace and State Departments were seized. Meanwhile streets such as the Nevsky Prospect, the Gorokhovaya, aud Voznesensky Prospect, were dangerous, owing to tho fire from rifles and machineguns. The streets, ~thcless, were full of people in holiday nttire, openly sympathetic with the soldiers. Armoured motor-cars appeared ovcrywhere, and it. was evident that someone with a keen organising brain was directing the movements. Men and women openly sympathised with the revolution. Tho Duma continued sitting, as it was necessary to control the populace and give it guidance. The Duma formed a. Provisional Committee of twelve for the establishment of order, composed of MM. Rodianko, Nekrasoff, Konovaloff, Dimitrioukoff, Kerensky, Tcheidze, Sboulgin, Shidlovsky, Miliukoff, Karaouloff, Lvoff and Rezhevsky. . . Tho newspapers are not publishing, but a group oF journalists issued a sheet containing the main news, including the . arrest of M. Stcheglovitoff, and the capture of Petropavlovsk Fortress. A Soldiers' Deputation to the Duma. On Monday a deputation, representing 25,000 soldiers who took part in the revolt, appeared before tho Duma, and demanded information concerning tho position. They wore taken up by representative people. M. liodziauko replied that the Duma's motto at present was tho removal of tho old power and its replacement by tlio now. Ho added that in view of tho realisation of this aim the taking an activo part, and order ar.d calm were necessaryM. Rodzianko gave the delegation tho text of the telegrams sent to the Tsar, General Alexieff (Chief of the General Staff), three Commanders-in-Chief at the various fronts., The message read: "The situation in tho capital is grave. Anarchy prevails, tho Government is paralysed, the transport of supplio sand fuel is completely disorganised. General discontent is increasing. Firing is proceeding in the streets, the troops shooting one another. It is necessary that someone who enjoys tho confidence of tho people should be charged with tho duty of forming a now Government. Delay is impossible. Every delay means death. I pray God the responsibility for this may not fall upon the wearer of the Crown." General Brusiloff replied: "[ have received your telegram. I have done my duty before Hie country and before the Tsar." General Russky replied: "Your telegram received. 1 hare executed your commission." M. Rodzianko sent a second telegram to the Tsar, stating: "llie situation is worse. Measures must be taken immediately: to-morrow may be too late. At last the hour has arrived when the fate of the Fatherland and Dynasty will be decided." British Officers Cheered Everywhere. During Monday all the Ministers except M. Protopopoff left their offices. On Tuesday the revolutionaries sei'/ed the Astoria Hole!. 'A deputation on the previous evening promised not to ailack it if tho inmates promised not to us» arms. This undertaking was given, but afterwards a machine-gun was turned on tlio soldiers. Cross-firing went on fiercely for two hours. There were many Allied officers at the Astoria, but. th*v were allowed to leave without molestation before the firing opened. Four 'Russian Generals, however, were arrested. 'A Princess who occupied a room in the hotel was accidentally wounded in the throat. The movement, was strongly unli-German. The crowrf everywhere cheered the Rritish officers.—Aus.-N. 7,'. Cable Assn. THE GRAND DUKR 'NICHOLAS DCKB HIS PART. (!\«\ March 18. 5.5 p.m.') Petrograd, March \l- - Thursday evening the Graod I?n!<e Nicholas telegraphed M. Rodzianko that in agreement with Goneral Alexieff bo had requested the Tsar J-o tako the only possible decision which would save Russia and secure victory — Ecu tor. A PHENOMENON WITHOUT PARALLEL IN HISTORY. London, 'March 1(5. The "Morning Post" states that all th o Ministers except M. Pokrosky, tho Foreign Minister, are prisoners, and tlio Duma, has appointed temporary successors. The Allied Embassies are iu semi-officiai relations with tho new authority, but a. Government has not yot been formed. Tho lightning rapidity with which the old regimo was engulfed in a wave of popular opinion is a phenomenon that has no parallel in history. Itegiment after regiment, when brought up, promptly sided with the people. When tho Life Guards; known as the Imperial Convoy, also sided with tho revolution, it was felt that the old regime bad fallen indeed. Tho "red" revolutionaries were Prepared for snarchy in all forms had rowdyism broken out, but the absence of alcohol and the discipline of the soldinrs, who formed the majority, stopped the excesses. The seaich for foodstuffs showed thai unscrupulous profiteering existed on . an inciedlhlQ isc?!*.—iAu&'&>Z r Cable Asm,,

ASSEMBLIES OF THE NOBILITY PASS RESOLUTIONS, (Rec. March 17, 5.5 ii.m.) Potrograd, March' 16. Assemblies of the nobility, who lefused to participate iu the people's movement, held extraordinary meetings and passed energetic resolutions against the persons responsible for the crisis—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE LAST EFFORTS OF THE REACTIONARIES (Rec. March 17, 7.45 p.m.) London, March 16. Ihe monk Rasputin's murder momentarily cleared the am He had long been a kind of lightning conductor who tad diverted the anger of lie popiilace from the throne. His death left the Dynasty less protected, and instead of learning tbe lesson, •the Court Party conceived the scheme of avenging .Rasputin s death upon the nation. The last phase of the reaction commenced when the Grand Dnke Donitzl 1 avlovtch, whose name was associated with the Rasputin affair, was banished to the array in Persia, and the elderly Grand Duke Nicholas Mkvhaeloviteh, who is a, scholar and a historian, was banished to his estate, because he approved the rmirder. Prince Yusupoff was also banished. Knally, early in. the year, M. Protopopoff undortook to save the Dynasty, though many of m s mends believed lie was on the brink of insanity. The Ministers of Trel>offs Cabinet refused to work with M. Protopopoff. The new Ministers wore ot the most sinister character. It was reported that M. Protopopoff and ii °°' I « a g' ue . B ." s «l frequently to go to the spiritualistio seances, where they called the spirit of Rasputin to give them instructionsThe final success of the revolutionaries Was largely due to the fact that the campaign in East Prussia practically annihilated the corps of Guard? who jield a position in the armyj and had been carefully educated for the purpose of fighting the so-called mper enemy* The Russian Court, realising that it Lad lost its pillar of support, strove to foster a, counter-revolutionary movement.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MORE VIGOROUS PROSECUTION OF THE WAR DEMANDED, (Rec. March 18, 5.5 p.m.)' fPL- <ic - r. i - , » , , ,- - 4Kacsfiolm, March 17. The 'Social Demokraton" slates that the leaders of tbe October Party berore the outbreak of the revolution visited Headquarters and conferred ■mffi a number of generals. They wore also received by the Tsar, and Had a conference with Grand Duke Michael, the Ootoberists saining the impression that tbe whote army would join, provided the revolution could be finished' within a week in order not to interfere with the war operations to any marked degree. When the leaders returned to Potrograd th« resolution broke out, Nejitral eye-witnesses state that pnblio opinion in the larger towns entirely favours the revolution, demanding more vigorous prosecution of the war until victory was assured.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn: MOVEMENT WILL INFUSE FRESH VIGOUR INTO THE WAR.. ~,. „„, . _ ~ „ ~ London, MarcK 16. x x Moniuifi Post s correspondent at Potrograd says it is satisfactorT to note that, concurrent with the revolt against the Government, there is a determined effort to root oiit anything suspected as pro-German. Many German houses wero looted and burned. The people declare flint the movement will infuso fresh vigour into the conduct of the war. Soldiery co-operated earnestly, and, after the first exhilarates, helped in restoring order. Machine-guns, mounted on armoured motorcars, sent heavy fusillades into the Astoria Hotel, which was exclnsivelv occupied by officers from the front with their wives and families, and also by the Allies military representatives; but later it was explained that the firing was due to provocation by pro-Germans in firing from a window. A mob of armed men, including soldiers, sailors, and civilians, searched the hotel disarming the Russian officers, hut treating tho Allies' representatives with respect. There was heavy fighting in the factory quarters for davs, until alleged excessive cruelty by tho police caused tho soldiers and Cossacks to take sides with the people.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.PBOTOPOPOPP'S POLICE FORCE DISORGANISED AND ROUTED, (Rec. March 17, 7.45 p.m.) n V ... , ~ , ~, v, London, March 16. Out of the huge police force which M. Protopopoff organised to drown fetrograd m blood, only four thousand were captured or killed Tho remainder are in hiding and abandoning hope. Sniping has therefore almost ceased mPetrograd. All highly-placed personages suspected of German proclivities or bearins German names are being systematically arrested. Crowds for a long time hunted for the Countess Klmmichael, who is suspected of being a spy, found her at the Chiueso Embassy and arrested her. Baron Stokeberg, who fired at-the soldiers from a, front window, was summarily executed. ' Petrograd is absolutely quiet, and under heavy snow. Til© Government has requisitioned all lorries and cars for food distribution, trams loaded with flour aro regularly arriving, but the greatest difficulty is m baking bread and encouraging the shopkeepers -to remain open — Ihe limes. , .

, COSSACKS REFRAIN FROM FIRING ON CIVILIANS (Bee. March 17, 5.10 p.m.) <a „,„,, . ~ , , . , Petrograd, MarcK 16. . A remarkable, incident occurred in the street fighting in the garden facm K the Kazan Cathedral, which was crowded with civilians. A body of Cossacks came up when all the civilians knelt. The Cossacks did not fire About a hundred were killed and wounded on Monday, when the guards attempted to clear the. streets in the afternoon. The crowd showed fn Zu 7 W 8 *ih SoK!lerS - By TnMda y iour-mhs of the city was iwM T f e ' S; mo « !OTer « * '»«W» number of inhabitants were armed with rifles, revolvers and swords. The mobs successively storm J a U the police stations, carefully-destroyed all papers, and released the prkoners The aged wife of the Minister of the Imperial Court was caK out £JZ ramJ? + h °; ne ] r tlaus,,ter > a hunchback, rushed ort carrying her favourite dog The drunken mob killed the animal and ill-treated the crippled girl. Both ladies were .eventually saved. Baron Frederids was „ attendance on the Tsar at the time. as ln Many political, police were killed and others dragged f rom ffieir hiditioplaces and lodged m dark cells in the fortress of St. Peter and St. Paul Many of the released prisoners are partakiug in the reorganisation of tbo Government.—Aus.-N.Z. Cfahle Assn.-Reuter. HOW THE SOLDI'ERS JOINED IN THE REVOLUTION. (Rec. March IS, S'.S p.m.) rm ««•»"■ ! i ,■ ~ London, March 17. _ Hie Tunes' special correspondent at Petrograd says the only visible signs of the desperate conflict are the charred rains of the gaol, fli'e remains of the police institute, gutted houses, and a fow individuals who are regarded as offenders against the people's rights. The first troops that mutinied were the Volkyußki reciment 'At five 0 clock on Sunday they refused to shoot the strikers, and sFew their officers Another regiment sent against the mutineers joined the revolt Tho news spread to the barracks and four more regiments joined and seizor! the fortress, stormed the artillery depot, and opened the gaols. The fighting was incessant until noon on Tuesday, the insurgents winning a pitched battle on Morskaya. Numerous regiments shot their offioers. The last of the loyal regiments surrendered at the Admiralty on Tuesday, handing over the hidden Ministers, who, after being besieged, had poured in rifle and machine-gun fire. A furious battle ended in exultant shouts and triumphant strains of the Russian .revolutionary "Marseillaise."—Tho "Times." RUSSIAN TROOPS IN THE TRENCHES GIVE CHEERS. ~,. r „ , , „ , „ . Amsterdam, March 16. AclHcns troin Vienna stale that the Russian troops in the trenches loudly cheered the news of the revolution.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable 'Assn. REACTIONARY PREMIER DIES OF FRIGHT. (Rec. March 18, 5.5 p.m.) „„ ,m- „ „ , Paris > Jfa «h 17. I.he Temps Petrograd correspondent stales that M. Stunner (ex-Pre-mier) died from fright after arrest.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MR. BONAR LAW'S STATEMENT TN PARLIAMENT. ~ _ ~ ~.,,„ London, March 16. Mr. Bonar Law, speaking in the House of Commons, corrected the impression that the Tsar's abdication was an accomplished fact. The latest information from the British Embassy, Mr. Bonar Law said, staled that the Tsar's abdication and the Grand Duke Michael's appointment as Regent had not yet been carried into effect, although the Executive had decided upon it. A further message stated that the Tsar's whereabouts was unknown. He had no further information, and it was therefore impossible to estimate what had actually been, done in Petrograd. Tho notorious Pitirim. tho Metropolitan of Petrograd, and Rasputin's ~ successor as the leader of the so-called "Dark Forces," was early arrested and lodged in the Duma. Dubroveu, the leader of the "Black Hundred." had also been arrested. The carrisons near tlm capital were coming in and joining in the revolution.— An--,.-N.Z. CaluV Assn. PEOPLE OBLIGED TO WAIT IN THE FROST TO BUY BREAD. (Rec. March 17, 'Mo p.m.) . , ' „ r „ „ „ London, March 18. In the House of Commons Mr. Bonar Law said ho regretted his statement made in the House yesterday,_ which, was based on a message from the Duma which produced the impression that tie abdication had been accomplished. Although it had been decided by the Duma Executive, under the circumstances it was impossible to form an accurate estimate of what had happened. The latest dispatch from Petrograd savs that for weeks the people had been obliged to stand for five hours in forty degrees of frost waiting to buy bread, and even then frequently did not obtain any. Potatoes were eight times dearer than usual, while oilier ieoclstuffs were al prohibitive prices.— Router. BRITISH LABOUR. LEADERS CONGRATULATE RUSSIAN LABOUR, London, March 17. The Press Bureau states that Labour leaders, including Mr. Arthur H'ou- | derson, Mr. J. Hodge, Sir. George Barnes, and Mr. W. Brace, telegraphed 1 to the Russian Labour leaders that organised Labour in Britain was watch- ' iug with deepest sympathy I lie efforts of die Russian people to got rid of ! tho power of the reactionary elements impeding the advunca and I Labour in Britain and France bad long realised that Germany's despotism 'Aust be uverffhiowa to apea the way. for the frco and,p_eaoeful deTehnmenii b£.

the nations. This has inspired them to make unprecedented efforts an 2 sacrifices, and confidently assistance of Russian Labour. The/ emphasise the point that any remission of effort would be disastrous to theiß comrades in the trenches and the common hopes of social regeneration.—> Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. -■ NECESSARY TO WAIT UNTIU THE SITUATION HAD '- CLEARED, - i (Rec. March 18, 11 p.m.) ■ London, March 17, In .the House of Commons, asked whether he would send a message of sympathy to the Duma, and whether the Government would recognise the new Government, Mr. Bonar Law said it would be necessary to wait until the situation had cleared.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. REMARKABLE OBDURACY. OF THE TSAB. London, March 16. '& correspondent of the "Manchester Guardian" states that Lord Militer's recent vssit to Russia was partly connected with the internal conditions. He endeavoured to effect an agreement between the-Tsar and the Duma. The Tsar rejected a suggestion to appoint a Ministry responsible to Parlianieni, and dsdarcd thii it did not harmonise with Russian institutions* He also rejected the suggestion that ho should appoint a Ministry acceptable to the Duma, with M. Sazonoff as Premier and foreign Secretary. The Tsar's obdurauy defeated the efforts of Lord Milner and others to *verij the_ revolution. Lord Milnor's failure was regarded as an indication that nothing could be hoped for from the Tsar.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. '-.: REPORTED SAFETY OF THE TSAR. -j London,: March 1(5. Tte ? Central News" correspondent at Petrograd says it is understood that soldiers held up the Tsar's train, but that the Tsar is safe at Pa&offt The Empress is hysterical, and the Tsarevitch'is ill with measles. Food prices hive fallen enormously.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SENSATIONAL STATEMENT OF A' SOCIALIST, ' „.„,,„ , ,„, . London. March' IS. M r> H. M. Hyndman (Chairman of the Socialist Party), in an intervieir, said he had been aware for some time that the Dowager Empress, the advanc--5° Party of the Duma and Council of Empire, and some commanders at the front, had headed ft movement to present an ultimatum to the- Tsar, demanding thathe free the country of German influences, and depose the reactionary Ministers. England had lent Russia about five hundred million on the i Duma's- security ep£, -strength.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ,;) NO ILLUSIONS CHERISHED IN GERMANY *3 '% .. *„,.,„ London, March 16. -■; Messages from Berlin show that no illusion is oherished in Germany J about events in Russia. The newspapers emphasize that tho new Duma. Com- i mifctee hates Germany, and is desirous of continuing tho war. : : M. Stunner's Premiership greatly increased the movement, particularly i when M. Protopopoff, from whom much had been expected, suddenly became reactionary. The explosion on the warship Empress Maria in Sevastopol, ' and the great explosion at Archangel were popularly regarded as the work of '' traitors. The word treason was heard everywhere in Russia. ,r Speaking in the Duma in November, M. Miliukoff said: "Since M. Star- ' mcr became Foreign Minister, all our secrets havo become the propertv of ' Ge ™any. Our link of confidence with the Allies is broken." " ; The speech was not allowed to. be published, and M. Stunner wrote to the Duma, demanding M. Miliukoff's surrender for prosecution. The demand '• was refused. , • There is ample evidence that on at least two critical occasions ne»otiations for a separate peace were initiated by the pro-German inner cane— ; Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. b * i WILL GERMANY BE INFECTED WITH THE MICROBE OF ■'■ REVOLT? ,„,,.,.., . New York, March 16. Ine most intense interest exists as to the effect of the Russian revolution m Germany. It is predicted that it may infect the Gorman masses ' with, liberalism, and cause a Democratic outbreak, and lead to the overthrow of militaristic absolutism. Great satisfaction is expressed by 'American statesmen, who believe that Germany s threat of an autocratic Russo-German alliance after the war is impossible of achievement.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MENE, MENE, TEKEL UPHARSIN FOR THE HOHENZOLLERNS. (Rec. March! 18, 5.5 p.m.)' ,m. , . . , Berlin, March' 17. mere was a furious scone m the Reichstag when the Socialist, Hprr "Hoffman, said: The revolution in Russia was 'Meuo, mene, tckel upharsln , (the writing on the wall) for the Hohenzollcrns." After the disturbance Hoffman was ejected.—Tho "Times." [The quotation occurs in Daniel. sth chapter, 25th verse. The three following verses give the interpretation. Mene—God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Tekel—Thou are weighecT in the balances and art found wanting. Peres—Thy' kingdom is divided and given to the Merles and Persians.]