PLEDGE TO THE CAUSE OF THE ALLIES

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3032, 20 March 1917, Page 5

PLEDGE TO THE CAUSE OF THE ALLIES

MANIFESTO BY THE NEW RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT TERRIBLE DANGER NARROWLY ESCAPED Petrograd, Marcli 18. The Government has telegraphed to its representatives abroad, stating: "The Government) which assumes power at the moment of the gravest crisis in Russian history, is fully conscious of its_ immense responsibility, and will apply itself, first to repairing the overwhelming errors of the past; secondly, to ensuring order and tranquility; and, finally, to preparing the conditions necessary rn order that the sovereign will of the nation may freely be pronounoed oh its future lot. _ "In regard to foreign polioy, the Cabinet remains mindful of the international engagements entered into by tho fallen regime, and irill honour Russia's word, and carefully cultivate the relations uniting Russia with the other friendly and Allied nations. _ The Government is confident that these relations will become more intimate and solid under the Bew rogime, which is resolved to be guided by democratic principles, and the respect due to small and great nations, to the liberty of their development, and good understanding between nations. "Tho Government again emphasises the fact that Russia did not" will the war, hut is tho victim of premeditated aggression. She will continue to struggle against the spirit of conquest of a predatory Tace, whioli aims at the subjection of Europe to the intolerable shame of domination by Prussian militarism. Faithful to the pact which unites her to her glorious Allies. Russia is resolved, like them, _ to assure to the world at all costs an era of peace on the basis of stable national organisation, which will guarantee respect for right and justice. She wjll fight on their side against the common enemy until the end. Tho Government will devote all its energies to preparation for victory." POLITICAL PRISONERS RELEASED Petrograd, March 15. The Grand Duke Nicholas lias_ ordered the release of the political prisoners. He exhorted the officers to impress the soldiers and sailors ta quietly await the expressed will of the people, oboy tlieir lawful chiefs, defend the country, and support the Allies. General Koenilov has been appointed Commander of Petrograd. He is the troops' most popular hero of tho war. —Reuter. \ NATION SALVED TN THE NICK OF TIME PRO-GERMAN PEACE NEGOTIATORS BUSY. Petrograd, March 18. The revolution camo in the nick of time, as Protopopoff was already negotiating psace through Stockholm.—Tbo "Times." Copenhagen, March 17. The "Aftenpost" says that the Russian revolution came in ilie nick of time. Negotiations had beon carried on at Stockholm for some time for a separate peace between Russia and Germany. The Tecent inactivity on tho Russian front was due to an agreement with Germany.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SOLDIERS REPLACE THE POLICE (Rcc. March 19, 0.15 p.m.) London, March 10. The "Daily Mail's" correspondent at Petrograd Elates: "Oil Saturday the new Government was organising the city militia to take the place of tho police. Meanwhile iV© military aro patrolUng u, O streets. 'Excepting for the absonce of tramrars, sleighs, and horso traffic, tho town has resumed ite normal aspect. Tho chaiigo of Govern men* in other cities, towns, and villages has been rapid and bloodless. Hugo crowds watched tho auction of Moscow iioirspapers. -A single copy of fcho "Eusslty Slnwo" brought £1000. Tho proceeds will prnvtdo luxuries for tho soldiers. The city ie perfectly calm and safe.--The "Times." HUE AD NOW AT PRE-WAR PRICE. (Roe. March 19, 3.50 p.m.) Stockholm, March' 13. The "Dagensnyheter states that Pelrnsrad now has sufficient grain fir several weeks. Thousands of tons have been Found, which speculators had withheld. It is believed that the old (.lovermuent organised the shortage. Bread is now at. the yre-ivar price.—Auc.-N.Z. Cable Assu.

TSAR TAKEN TO THE CRIMEA AND TE"E ISM PRESS TO KIEFF. Copenhagen, March 17. The ''.National Tidcndc states thai, the Tsar and certain ultimate members of his family were escorted to tho Crimea by a. military guard.—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn. Copenhagen, March 18. "Dagens Nyheder" states that, the Tsar is being taken to the Crimea in order to recuperate. Tfao "Nyadagligt" says that; the Tsar is imprisoned in Taurine Palace, and that the Empress has been sent to Kieff. Tho Downier Empress has declared her sympathy with the revolutionaries. —Tho "Times." TSARINA'S INFLUENCE SUSPECTED. Copenhagen, March 17. The Swedish newspapers state that the Tsar and Tsarina are not allowed to hold communication, as the B-evolutionary Committee- consider the Tsarina'a influence dangerous to its cause.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ILLNESS OF THE TSAEEVITCH. London, March IS, Tho Tearevitch is severely ill with measles.—Tbe. "Timec." STORY OF THE ABDICATION ACT NOT ABSOLUTELY VOLUNTARY. Petrograd, March 13. Many Tumours regarding the story of the Tear's abdication are afloat. Only one thing is certain, that he did not abdicate absolutely voluntarily in order to spare the country furtlier trouble Even tlie telegrams from Graud Duko Nicholas and General Alexieff did not produce any effcot. The Tsar consented to negotiate with tho Provisional Government only when journeying to Petrograd, where he realised that, while allowed to move in seeming freedom, he was really under guard, and unable to communicate with aßybody except the doeest of his entourage. He was chiefly anxious that sufficient guarantees should be given that fie life and the lives of his family should bo spared. General Russky, on behalf of the army nnder his command, reassured, him that no harm would, befall any member of his family. It is reported that the Tsar, when not allowed to communicate with, his wife, contemplated suicide. Eventually he was induced, to take things calmly, and submit to the inevitable. His last words as Tsar were: "I have been betrayed, by those I trusted, most." Immediately the abdication was known, the people took ladders to the Imperial Publio Library, tho Winter Palace, and other buildings, and. removed the Imperial Arms.. The Republican, spirit is rapidly spreading, and if is believed that if the National Assembly chooses Grand Duke Michael an head of the State, it will be as President of a Republic after he renounces his grand ducal rights.—Au6.-N.Z- Cable Assn. THE FINAL SCENE. Petrograd, March I?. Details of the abdication show that » deputation, including General Russky, waited on the Tsar at Pskoff at midnight, and described the latest events, and advised the Tsar not to send troops to Petrograd from the front, because every soldier would become revolutionary when he approached the capital. The Tsar asked: "What do you want me to do?" "Abdicate 1" W3S tho reply. The Tsar was silent for a moment, and then remarked: "It would.pain me to be separated from my son, therefore I abdicate in favour of my brother." Ho then signed the decree of abdication, which had already been drafted.—B-eutc-r. BALTIC FLEET JOINS THE NEW CAUSE. Copenhagen, March 18. it is report-ed that the entire Baltio Fleet has joined the revolution-aries.—Alls.-N.Z. Cable Assn. REPORTED SUICIDE OF PRINCE GALLITZINE. . Copenhagen, March. 17. The "Sooial Deraocraten" states that Prince Galitzine (the ex-Premier) committed suicide yesterday.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

OPINIONS ON THE REVOLUTION

AN ASSET TO THE ALLIES

London, March IS. Mr. George Barnes (Minister of Pensions), in a speech at Easthatu, said he believed that the revolution, in Russia would prove to be the chief event on, the asset side of the war. The Russian people had inade a long stride tqwards freedom. "More strength to the Duma;,may it gatlior up all the beet in Russian life. For months Russia has been torn asunder by internal strife. Thousands of her soldiers have been sacrificed by the bureaucracy's rascality and greed, which is as corrupt as that -which exists in any part of the world." Hβ believed the revolution was a reflex of the influence of the German Bureaucracy, and would re-echo throughout the world.—Aus.N.Z. Cable 'Assn.