NEW SENSATION IN RUSSIA

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3188, 12 September 1917, Page 7

NEW SENSATION IN RUSSIA

KORNILOFF SENDS ULTIMATUM ' TO KERENSKY

REPORTED MARCH ON PETROGRAD

GENERAL'S DISMISSAL PROCLAIMED

COSSACKS STRIVE TO AVERT ; CIVIL WAR ' ■

Russia has provided most of. the sensations of tho. war. To-day comes another. Goneral Korniloff, the Enssian Commander-in-Chief, has been dismissed for leading a counter-movement to the Provisional Government. In a proclamation, JI. Kerensky states that General Korniloff sent an ultimatum to the Government, requesting full civil and military jpower to form a new; Government. Other reports state that Korniloff is moving his troops on Petrograd, but the consorship is so Tigorouß thfit a good 3otf of what is reported is admittedly conjecture.' Tho Cossacks in tho meantime are endeavouring to bring about an. agreement between Kerensky and Korniloff, whoso differences aro wholly centred upon issues in-volving-the reorganisation of the .Army and its restoration as an effective war machine. No material changes are reported from the other main fronts. The Allies are developing thoir offensive in the West. Tho diplomatic scandal in Sweden is still, noxt to tho Rnssian developments, nn absorbing topic. The Swedish public is astounded by tho revelations of chicanery and deceit which have involved thoir country in a shameful intrigue, but the Allies aro not disposed" to forcc measures to a crisis. In whatever action is taken Argentina must tako tho initiative. But explanations are expected, says Mr. Lansing, United States Secretary of State.

KORNILOFF DISMISSED FROM THE ARMY ' ACCUSED BY KERENSKY OF PLOTTING

MARTIAL LAW PROCLAIMED IN PETROGRAD ,' By Telegraph-Press Association. Copyright ■■ Potfoflrad, September 10. M. Kerensky has revealed a plot by General Korniloff. Ho has dismissed Korniloff from the Army, and has sent a message to the military and ciril author ities throughout Russia declaring that General Korniloff betrayed the Fatherland and the Revolution. General Lukomsky, he 6aid, was also a traitor. He had refused the Provisional Government's order to take over Korniloff's command, indicating the possibility of a civil war at'tho front. Korniloff will "be punished for treachery. The Government is taking measures to prevent Korniloff directing detachments at Petrograd. The Workers' Committee suggests that the Army and Navy should refuse to obey Korniloff's or Lukomsky's orders.—Aus.-N.is. Cable Assn. ~' " ' .■ \ AN ULTIMATUM BY KORNILOFF nil! t. i r . % London, September 10.. the Exchange Telegraph Agency reports that General Korniloff. issued an ultimatum urging the Government to give 'him full civil and military power and personal authority to constitute a new Government. Al. ■ Kerensky asked General Korniloff to resign his command, and to leave the Army immediately. General Klembovitsy has beon appointed to the supremo command. M. Kerensky has issued an appeal to iho loyalty of tho Army and Navy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. DETAILS OF M. KERENSKY'S REVELATION ' ATTEMPTS TO OUST THE'PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT. , (Rec. September 11, 5.5 p.m.) ■ „ London, September 10. Another wireless message .from Petrograd gives tli© following details of JT. Kerensky's proclamation: "[Gieneral Korniloff, on Saturday sent to Prince Lvoff • (the ex-Premier in the Provisional Government) demanding that the Provisional Government should hand over to him'(Korniloff) all civil and military powifr in older that he should form a new Government. General Korniloff telephoned me later confirming his demand. The Provisional Government considered that General Korniloff's demand indicated that certain circles in Russian society desired to profit by the country's grave condition an'd establish an order contrary to the Revolution. The Provisional Government empowered me to take immediate and decisive measures to.out'short at the root all attempts to encroach on'the citizens' rights that had been won by the Revolution, All necessary measnres to safeguard freedom and order are being taken. I order General Korniloff's surrender of his functions as Commander-in-Chief to General Klembovsky, who is commanding on tho northern front barring the way to Petrograd. General Klerabovsky will remain at PskofL I declare tho city and district of Petrograd in a state of war, and call upon citizens to 'remain absolutely calm and ' maintain that order which is necessary to tho preservation of the Fatherland. All members of tho Army and Fleet will rigorously and calmly fulfil their duties of defending the Fatherland from tho external foe."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. ; THE. SITUATION ANALYSED ' . / REAL PROBLEM: CONFLICTING ELEMENTS IN THE ARMY., (Rec. September 11, 8.40 p.m.) London, September 11. Mr. Harold Williams, telegraphing from Petrograd, says: "The most urgent task before the rulers is to effect a compromise between the conflicting elements in the Army. One stands for! the restoration of discipline in tho form of the complete subordination of the lower grades of the Amy to the higher, while tho other insist' on the retentiono of the Army committees and political commissaries, and the limitation of the firaictions of the officers and the higher command to the purely teechnical «.phere of military operations. The conflict between these two elements has become increasingly -acnto during tho last few days, and .lias taken every undesirable form bf v dispute between commissaries and tho Headquarters Staff regarding the causes of the Riga retreat. The commissaries accuse the Staff of exaggerating the cowardice of tho troops. The' 'Novoe Vrcmya' actually* accuses the High Command of intentionally abandoning Riga in order to frighten public opinion jnto the acceptance of repressive measures. Thus far there has been great confusion between the respective factions, the military authorities, and tho commissaries and the committees. In a' few cases tho three authorities worked in harmony, but more frequently one authority overstepped the bounds, to tho great injury of discipline and efficiency. Itany of the commissaries indulge in harmful demagogy. The regimental committees have done great service among the troops in preventing insubordination and excess. Their position I'esembles the trade unions, but their position is precarious as they are liable to re-election at any moment if a new agitation appears or the soldiers suspect that tho committee is too intimato with the officers. Tt is apparently impossible to abolish politics from tlvo Army, and General Korniloff therefore proposes a middle course, by which <he commissaries and committtees will remain, but with their functions clearly defined. They will not be allowed to interfere with military operations, or with tho appointment or dismissal cf officers. It is enually necessary to find a means of enforcing authority in the soldiers' training depots. The men there do no drill, and live comfortable, idle lives, exposed to various forms of extremist agitation, and wlien sent to the front are useless owing to their lack of training, and oilly spoil good regiments nnd increase the Army's demoralisation. Armed bands of reservists are sometimes centres of brieandago, and rapine, but tho bulk of the men aro decont, peaceable fellows. Th* bitter experience of the abuses of liberty proves tho necessity of re-establishing the death penalty."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. ;

KORNILOFF MOVING TROOPS ON PETROGRAD

(I?ec. September 11, 11.10 p.m.) London, September 11. A wireless message states: "The Pxecntives of the Soldiers' and Peasants' Committees have sent a messaro to tho Army and Naval Committees to the effect that General Korniloff is heading a military counter-revolutionary conspiracy, and lias moved troops towards Petrograd with the object of deposing the Provision.il Government. They state that bis troops liavo been deceived into believing that they have been sent to crush a Maximalist conspiracy which is nonexistent'. The Executive® request the Army committees to disobey tlie orders of General Korniloff and his fellow traitors, and carry out tlio demands of the central committees and the Provisional Government; also to explain to tlio soldiers, and especially the waverers, the tru.o meaning of General ICorniloff's plot."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Routßr.

COSSACKS ATTEMPT MEDIATION DEPUTATION ACTS AS GO-BETWEEN. 'Bee. September 11, 0.5 a.m.) Petrograd, Soptombor 11 A deputation of Cossacks assured M. Keronslty that tho Cossacks would do their utmost to settle the dispute botweon General KornilolT and tho Provisional Government, in order to avert civil war. Tho deputation will go to At-my Headquarters with this object uftor reaching an agreement with M. Keronskv — Aus.-N.Z, Gable Assn.

THE VEIL OP THE CENSORSHIP

BELIEVED TO CURTAIN MOST GRAVE EVENTS. ' (Hec. September ll» 8.45 p.m.) mi . , London, September 10. .. t«e strength ot the rival parties in Russia is obscure. The prevalent belief in. London is that the rigid censorship is hiding momentous and. most grave events. It is believed that General KomiloJF's challenge to M. KcrenskVs authority is backed bv M. Ivaledin, and the Cossack, Cadet, ami monarchist parties, uoneral Koruiloft s hold upou the other troops is an unknown quantity. He is not expected to accept a compromise, believing that after the failure of his Aloscotv "warnings tho most stringent military dictatorship is the oulv hop© of stopping the rot and restoring Russia's effectiveness as a military alfy. United bervjce. WAS RIGA TREACHEROUSLY BETRAYED? / 'tlfec. September 11, 11.30 p.m.) London, September 11. The "Daily Mail's" Petrograd correspondent says that a member of the Soldiers' and Workmen's Committee, 'belonging to the Twelfth Army (which defended Riga), reveals the fact that apparent treachery caused the fall of the town. General Brußiloff promised reinforcements, but these wero not sent. The Germans, who outnumbered the Russians, evidently were informed as to the weakest spot, breaking through at this point, which was held by untrained Territorials. They also located the Russiau batteries exactly, and immediately put them out of action—United Service. GERMAN AGENTS BUSY (Rec., September 11, 8.45 p.m.) , , •' Petrograd, September 10. . lhe workers are leaving tho city and returning to the villages owing to the shortness of food and work. Numerous factories have been closed for want of fuel. German agents are everywhere active, endeavouring to provoke a panic by threats of violence, bombing, and incendiarism.—"The Times."MARTIAL LAW PROCLAIMED IN THE CAPITAL London, Soptember 10. M. Kerensky has issued a proclamation declaring martial law in Petrograd.' General Gourko was expelled from Russia to-day.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE PRO-TSAR PLOTTERS. Stockholm, September 10. M. Babmajeff, the ex-Tear's secretary, General Gourko, Mademoiselle Vorobovo (ex-lady-in-waiting), and several others implicated in tho jro-Ts.ir plot, are now in Finland, on the way going' to Sweden—Aus.-N.Z. Cable A6sn. MUNITION GUARDS STRENGTHENED. • September 10. Owing to numerous explosions in ipunibion factories in Petrograd and the provinces, stricter regulations have been imposed and the guards have been in-creased.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FRESH SPLIT IN-THE CABINET. ■ Petrograd, September 10. The "Bourse Gazette" announces that a fresh split has occurred in the Cabinet between tho Constitutional Democrats and the Socialists.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE SITUATION ON THE BATTLE FRONT GERMAN ADVANCE SLOWING DOWN. Petrograd, September 10. ' The German advance is slowing' down. Tho Russians have occupied new positions in tho Venden-Wolmar hill country. The advancing-Germans are exposed to a flank attack from ths Russians near Friedrichstadt, if tho Russian troops are disciplined enough to use their strength. The Russian right flank, on the coast, is rotiring to avoid being encircled, but they are not hard pressed. The centre is falling back under stress of constant German attacks.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. i , RUSSIAN OFFICIAL REPORT. " / London, September 10. A Russian official message states: "In the direction of Riga and in the region of Pskoft, our rearguards are holding back attacks on tho' Burtnek line. Enemy hydroplanes in the Baltic dropped forty bombs on tho Tzerel batteries without result. Sixteen air machines twice attacked our torpedo boats in the Gulf of Risa. No damage was done. .Enemy mine-sweepers are working at the entrance of, the Gulf of Riga."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reutec. PICKED GERMAN TROOPS ON THE RIGA FRONT Petrograd. September 10. It is reported from Hadquartrrs that the Germans have 6ent their best regiments, including nearly the whole of the Guards, from the south-west front (Galicin. and to the north.—Router. ■ ' . ' GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. _ London, September 10. German official report states: "We repulsed tho Russians and Rumanians botwecp tho Trotus and Oituz Valleys, in Rumania."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable .Aesn.Reutcr. • ALLIES' SUCCESSES IN. THE WEST FRENCH DEFEAT DESPERATE COUNTER-ATTACKS INFORMATION OF THE GERMAN REVERSE CONFIRMED ! , London, September 10. A French official communique states: "The artillery duel has continued violently all night on both flanks of the Meuse. We completed our success of September 8 in the sector of the Fosses and Caurieres Woods. We overcame the resistance of isolated groups, and took moro. prisoners. The Germans did not renew their attempts hero. The importanco of the enemy's defeat yesterday is confirmed. Ho made successive counter-attacks of great fury, in spite of extremely heavy losses owing to our fire. We repelled at several points as many as five successive attacks."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rcc. September 11, 9.5 p.m.) - London, September 11. A French official communique states: "On tho right bank of the Meuse there were violent artillery duels in tho region of Hill 341 and the Bois des Fosses. Captain Guynemer has destroyed his fiftieth German aeroplane."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. ' BRITISH CONSOLIDATE THEIR NEW POSITIONS London, September 10. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "Wo cont'hcrs implicated in the pro-Tzar plot aro terday south-east of Hargicourt. We dsolidated the positions wo captured yes-Aiimentieres."—All6.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. . , (Rcc. September 11, 9.5 p.m.) . . , ~ London, September 11. Sir Douglas Haw reports: "We took a fow prisoners in tho neighbourhood of La'iiicourt, aud also south-eastward of St. Julien. ; The, enemy raided an advanced . post south-eastward of St. Janshoek. We re-established the position. Reciprocal artillnry activity prevails eastward of Ypre'a. We brought down seven aeroplanes. Five of ours are missing."—Aua.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. ; London, September 10. A German official report states: "The English pressed us back at Hargicourt and Villaret, but we regained the former position. We penetrated the French' lines east of Samogneux (north of Verdun)."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ITALIAN PRESSURE MAINTAINED HUGE HAUL OF BOOTY London, September 10. An Italian official ropor.t states: "An attack' on our positions on Monto Granada failed. Our pressure continues north-east of Gorizia., Tho booty captured since the battle began includes 145 guns, 94 trench mortars, 322 machine guns,; and 11,196 rifles."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable iAssn.-Reuter.