ROOTING OUT PRO-GERMANS.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1917, Page 2

ROOTING OUT PRO-GERMANS.

On With The War.

(Received March 17, at 8.50 a.m.) London, Jan 16 The Morning Post’s Petrograd correspondent says it is satisfactory to note that concurrent with the revolt against the Government, is a determined effort, to root oat anything suspected of being pro-German. Many German houses were looted and burned.

The people declare the movement is to infuse fresh vigor into the war. Soldiers co-operated earnestly, and after the first exhilaration, co-operated in restoring order.

Machine guns were mounted on armoured motors and they fusiladsd heavily the Astoria Hotel, exclusively occupied by officers from the front with tbeir wives and families, also the Allied military representatives, but later it was explained that the fusiiading was due to pro-Germans’ provocation, by firing from the windows.

A mob of armed men, soldiers, Bailors and civilians* eeatched the hotel, disarming the Rasaian officers and treating the Allies with respect. There was heavy fighting in the factory quarters for days, until the alleged excessive cruelty of the police caused the soldiers and Cossacks to take sides with the people.

Appeal for Confidence.

Copenhagen, March 16

The Russian Provisional Government baa issued a proclamation stating owing to difficult circumstances and the disorganisation of the country’s iuterior, for which the former Government was responsible, the Executive Committee fully realising the importance of the decision feels sure the population and army will assist in the difficult task of forming a new Government which will be in a position to fulfil the people’s wishes and secure public confidence. . _