RUSSIAN UPHEAVAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1917, Page 2

RUSSIAN UPHEAVAL.

Work of Tyrants. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter.) LONDON, March 16. Rasputin’s murder momentarily cleared ithe air as. lie liad long been a kind of lightening conductor, who diverted the anger of the populace from the throne. The death left the dynasty less protected, but instead of learning the lesson the Court Party conceived a scheme for venting Rasputin’s aenxn upon the nation, and the last phase of tho reaction commenced when the Grand Duke Donitzi Pavlich, whose name was associated with tho Rasputin affair, was banished to tho army in Persia. The elderly Grand Duke Nicholas Micliaelovitoh, who' was a scholar and historian, was banjshcd from his estate because be approved of the murder or Prince Gusupoff, and was banishedfinally early in tho year. M. Protopopoff undertook to save the dynasty, though many of hi* friends believed be was on tho brink of insanity, and the Ministers oi M. Trepoff’s Cabinet refused To work with M. Protopopoff. His new ministers were of the sincerest character. . ' It is reported that Protopopoff’s colleagues used frequently to go to spiritualistic seances, where they called up the spirit of Monk Rasputin, who gave them instructions. Tho final success of the revolutionaries was largely due to the fact that (the campaign in East Prussia had practically annihilated the Corps os Guards who held a privileged position in the Army. They wero carefully instructed for tho purpose of fighting tho so-callel inner enemy.

The Russian Court, realising that it had lost its pillar of support, strove to footer a counter revolutionary movement.

Chasing PoliceLONDON, March 16. Out of tho hugli police force which M. Protopopoff had organised in Petrogral only four thousand were captured or killed, the remainder hiding and abandoning hope. Sniping therefore lias almost ceased. In Potrograd all highly placed personages suspected of German proclivities or bearing German names are being systematically arrested. Crowds for a long time bunted for (Countess Klimicliael, suspected as a spy, and then found her in the Chinese Embassy. They also arrested; Baron Stokerbeg, who fired on the soldiers from his front window. He was summarily executed. Petrograd is absolutely quiet unaor u heavy snow. The Government has requisitioned all lorries and cars for food distribution, and trains with flour ar e regularly arriving, but the greatest difficulty experience is in baking the bread,'and the Government is encouraging shopkeepers to remain open. In the uommonsLONDON, March 10. In the Commons Mr Bonar Law said be regretted that bis statement, to flic House yesterday, which was based on a message from the Duma, produced the impression that the Czar’s abdication had been accomplished, although it bad been decided upon by the Duma Executive. In ’tho circumstances it was impossible to form an accurate estimate of what had happened. The latest despatch from Petrograd says that for weeks tho people were obliged to stand for hours in forty degrees of frost, waiting for bread, and even then they frequently did not obtain any. Potatoes were eight times dearer than usual, while other foodstuffs stood at prohibitive prices.

The New Government. PETROGRAD, March 16. Tlic Provisional Government states that .the Czar is at Plalcoff and is not arrested, and the Czarina is in perfect safety. The Government insist on the Czar’s abdication, and upon tth e Grand Duke Michael’s Regency temporarily. The Duma has agreed with the Work, men’s Represent sJtiveS' for anj early election of parliament upon universal suffrage. LONDON, March 17. The Tsar has abdicated, and transferred the command of the armies to Grand Dnko Nicholas. LONDON, March 17. Indications point to a Republic in Russia under M. Lvoerf. LONDON, March fv. The Grand Duke Michael has declined succession and government is vested in the Executive of the Duma.

Statement By Bonar Law. (Received Maroh 19, at 8.30 a.m.) London, March 18 Hon BoDar Law, in the Commons, oorrecled an impression that the Czar’s abdication was an accomplished fact, or that the Czar’s consent had been obtained thereto. The latest information from the British Embassy stated the Czar’s abdication and Grand Duke Michael’s appointment had not yet been carried into effect, although the Executive had decided thereupon. A further message stated the Czar’s whereabouts were unknown. There will be no further information, therefore it is impossible to estimate what actually has been done.

Kussian Arrests. Petrograd, Maroh 18 The notorious Petirm Metropolitan of Petrograd, Rasputin’s successor and leader of the so-called dark forces, was early arrested and lodged in the Duma. Dubrovin, leader of the Black Hundred, was also arrested. Garrisons near the capital are coming in and joining the revolution,

interest in America(Ausbalian & N.Z. Cable Aseociaticn and Reuter), (Received March 19, al 8.50 a.ro.) New York, March 18 There iB intense interest as to the effect of the Russian revolution in Germany, There ate many predictions that it may effect the masses in the direction of liberalism, causing a democratic outbreak, and the overthrow of the 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.

Lora Milner’s Mission. (Received March 19, at 8.40 B.m) London, March 18 The Manchester Guerdian’s correspondent states Lird Milner’s visit to Russia was partly connected with the internal conditions. He endeavored to effect an agreement with the Czar and Duma. The Czar rejected a suggestion to appoint a Ministry responsible to Parliament. He declared it did not harmonise with Russian institutions. He also rejected a suggestion to appoint a Ministry acceptable to the Dnma with Sazonoff as Premier, and Foreign secretary. The Czir’s obdara-y defeated Lord Milner’s other efforts to avert a revolution. Lord Milner’s failure wa9 regarded as an indication that nothing canid be expected from the Czar. Nobility’s AttitudePetrograd March 18 Assemblies of the nobility refused to participate in the peoples movement. Extraordinary meeting? passed energetic resolutions against, persons respgnsible for the crisis.

THE CZaRMany Rumors Current. (Received March 19, at a m.) Petrograd, March' 18 There are many rumors regarding the story of the Czar’s abdication bfloat. Only one thing is certain. He did not abdicate absolutely and did so volunterily, in order to spare the country further trouble. Even the Grand Duke Nicholas’ and Alexieff’s telegrams did not produce any iffeot. He contented to negotiate with the Provisional Government only when journeying to Petrograd. He realised that while be was allowed to move seemingly freely, he was really under guard and unable to communicate with anybody, except his closest entourage. , He was chiefly anxious for a sufficient guarantee that bis life and the lives of his family would be spared. General Russky, on behalf of the Army under his command, reassured him that no harm would befall any member of his family,

Black Sea FleetPetrograd, March 17 Tho Black Ssa fleet has adhered to the new Government. Kremlin and the arsons! at Mosoow are in the revolutionary troops hands. Officers.of corps in response to the new Governments instructions, have also joined the movements.

Finnish Troops. Copenhagen, Maich 17 General Ignatieff, in a proclamation requested Finnish troops to join the revolution. All the garrisons complied with the exception of that at Sveaborg which is mutinous and is now in a state of siege. IN THE NICK OF TOE, To Save Separate Peace. Copenhagen, March 18 The National Tideuds states the Czar and certain intimates and members of hia family were escorted to Crimea by a military guard, The Aften Postfen pays the Russian revolution came in the nick of time as negotiations had been carried on at Stockholm for soma time, for a separate peace between Russia and Germany. The recent inactivity on the Russian front was due to an agreement with Germany.

Swedish Reports. Stockholm, March 18 The Swedish newspapers state the Czar and Czarina ere not allowed to hold communications. The Revolutionary Committee consider the Czarina’s influence is dangerous to their cause. The Reichstag has imposed a duty of 100 per cent on the retail price of all spirits. The Social Demokraten states Prince Galityi suicided yesterday.

Their Location. {Australia & N.Z. Cable Association,) Copkniiagen, March 18 The Dagendnyhelter states the Czar is being taken to Crimea in order to recuperate. The Nyacagligt says the Czar is imprisoned at Taurida Palace and the Empress was sent to Kieff. The Dj-.v„s>£.r Empress, who is a sister of Qieen Alexandria, has dedared her sympathy with the revolutionaries.

His Last Words

(Received M*rch 19, at 9.15 a.tn,) London, March 18 It is repotted the Czir, when he was not allowed to communicate with his wife, contemplated Biicid-, bat was eventually induced to tike things calmly and submit to tho insvitable. His last words as Czir were—“ I have beeu betrayed by those 1 trusted most intimately.” . When the abd'cition wes known.tha people went with ladders to the Imperial public library, Winter and Anittuskrff Palaces and other buildings, and temoved the Imperial arms. The Republican spirit is rapidly, spreading. It is believed if thJ National Assam bly chooses PriDCo Michael at the head of the Elate it will be as President of the Republic, after be has renounced bis Grand Dacal rights.

A Move Stopped. Petrograd, March 18 The revolution came in the nick of time as Protopopoff was already negotiating for peace through Stockholm. Details of Abdication Petrograd March 18 Ditails of the abdication state a deputation, including General Rufaky, waited on the Czar at Pakoff at m dnight. They described the latest events and advised him not to send troops to Petrograd from the front, because A every soldier wobib become revolu- " tionary when he approached the capital.

The Czir asked—-" What do you want me to do ? “Abdicate,” was the reply. The Czir wws momentarily silent and remarked : “It would pain me to | be separated from my son. There- " fore, I abdioate in favour of my brother.” He than signed a decree of abdication which had already been drafted.

Arranging the RevolutionStockholm, March 17 The “ Social Demokraten ” states that the leaders of the Octobrist Party before the outbreak of the revolution visited headquarters and conferred with a number of generalsThey ware aLo received by the Tsar and had a conference with the Grand Duke Michael. The Octobrists gained the impression that the whole army would join, * provided the revolution could be fin- % iehefl within a week in order not to interfere with the war operations to any marked degree. When the leaders returned to Petro- - grad the revolution broke out. Czar Abdicates.

London, March 17 The Tear has abdicated. He tracts* ferred the command of the armies to tbe Grand-Duke Nicholas. The Grand Duke Michael declined the succession. Tbe Government is vested in the Executive Council of the Duma. The “ Exchange Telegraph ” states that the Tsar signed a proclamation ! abdication at Plikoff. Fifteen copies placarded the town. “ The Central News ” is informed \ that th 9 manifesto stating the abdication of the Tsar himssli and his son in favour of the Grand Dube Michael, has been received in London. TheGrand Dukß Michael accepts the regency and will accept the throne if & constituent assembly requests. Favours ths Revolution, ( Stockholm, Maroh 17 Neutral eye-witnesses state that public opinion in the larger towns is entirely iu favour of the revolution aud is demanding a more vigorous prosecution of the war until victory is. assured. A German Admission. (Admiralty, per Wuelesa Press.} [REUTER’S SERVIOE.—COPYRIGHT.I London, March 16 German official—Repeated strong French attacks north-west and north of Monastir penetrated a narrow stretch of our lines west of Nizopole. Elsewhere they failed. We repulsed a French advance between Ochrida and Lake Presba. 4

Repatriations. ( 1 Rome, March 18 ! The Corrierie d’ltalia pay that Germany is accepting the Pope’s request to the extent of repatriating 13,000 , out of 65,000 Belgians, but intimates that repatriations must now cease. German Intrigue London, March 16 Macmillan’s have issued Bruusdorn Fletcher’s “New Pacific.” It embraces a remarkable story of German intrigues and duplicity ia the Paoifio Islands.

Lord Bryce in a foreword, statesthit neither in the Pacific nor elsewhere, has Germany been a pleasant or trustworthy neighbour. The views expressed by Fletcher are held by a great majority of Australians. Another foreword is on the German peril by Mr Hughes.