THE WAR.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1917, Page 2

THE WAR.

(Par United Press Association ) RUSSIAN APPEALS. Promised Reforms. (Received March 22, at 8.55 a in.) Petrograd. March 21 Generals R dkodmitroff, Ko r ni ! off and Bruasiloff have issued appea's to the troops to maintain discipline and deal the grerr.y a tr irtal blow.

Th 9 Provisional Government have also appealed to the Army for unity, concluding—“ Soldiers, the well-.re of your country rests in your hands. By fighting valiantly, you arc defending the great future of free Russia, your own happiness and your ch Idren’s.” M. Gautchoff, War Minister, has promised to speed up democratic reforms, simplifying relations be* ween officers and men aDd granting the troops full political righto. Government has appointed a oommision, including Maxim Gorky, to arrange for the protection of art treasures.

An Editor’s Message (Received March 22, at 11 5 a.ra.) London, March 21 The Daily Chronicle has received a message from the Editor of the Moaoow newspaper “Rassky Uvvedmosti,” stating M. Rodzianko's first step as Chairman of the Executive Committee, was to communicate with Alezieff, Nicholas, Rusaky and Brussiloff. All replied immediately, acknow. lodging the new Government only.

Thereafter the Executive took over the Government.

The Only Cloud

London, March 21

Telegrams from Petrograd say the only cloud on the horizon, is the chaotic fanaticism of the extremists of the council of workmen and soldiers. The Deputies ia an uuwieldly body exceeding a thousand, swayed by Socialists and som9 moderate home extremists, wanting to give immediate effect to their doctrines.

The result is precipitate, contradictory decisions, complicating the Government’s action.

Nevertheless, order and reason is gaining strength daily. New Government United Petrograd March 21 M. Miliukoff states that the new Government is thoroughly united. Most of the elements hive Bhown a pronounced leaning to Republican form of government, bat'the opinion of the peasant population is unknown. It is intended to restore Finland’s rights and grant her a new constitution. The way is now clear for a new commercial treaty with America.

Recognised by Wilson (Received March 22. at 12.40 p.mj) Washington, March 21 President Wilson has decided to recognise the new Russian Government. THE CZAR A PRISONER. Finland's Constitution. [EEUTEE’a SEE VICE. —COPYRIGHT.^ Petkogkad March 21 Government have ordered that the Czir and Cziriizi be regarded as deprived of liberty, and that they be brought to Tsarakoislo. General Alexieff has bean instructed to place a detachment to guard the Czar, at the disposal of four Dumaites who have been sent to Moghiteff, where the Czar now is. The Duma has sent doctors to attend the Ozaritzi and children who are deserted of friends and bereft of medical attendance. Government has proclaimed a general political amnesty, and has also confirmed the constitution of Finland, and provided for an early convocation of tho Finnish Diet. They have also increased, by two million roubles, the amount of notes that the State Bank may issue.

Lortl Milner’s Visit. London, March 21 Questioned in th 9 Commons, Hon A. J. Balfour said that Lard Milner, during bis visit to Russia, had not attempted to interfere directly or indirectly with internal politics.

Government’s information showed there was no reason to doubt the safety of the Czar and hia family.

AMERICA’S PREPARATIOS. Public Opinion Favors War. Washington, March 21 It is believed in many quarters that Mr Wilson's call of an extra session of Crngrees, means that be will ask Congress to declare war, or pronounce that a slate of war exists through, Germany’s acts. i Mr Wilson’s advisers howevor, are urging that there be no declaration of war, unless a submarine sinks an armed American merchantman, bnt that meanwhile Congress should make the maximum preparation, including provisions for raising an Army for immediate use, when made necessary by Mr Wilson’s fatal decision. A big public opinion which is now developing, is strongly towards war. Thera are increasing demands for an “immediate Coalition Cabinet.

FRENCH CAPTURE. Of 1200 Prisoners(Australian & N.Z. Gable Association and Reuter), Paris, March 21 The Fretch have captured Hill 1248 and Reatini village, northward of Monaetir and prisonered 1200 men. FRENCH SUCCESSES. Still Advancing. Wellington, Match 22 The H'gh Commls-ioner report?, London, 21st March, at 5.50 p.m. : French official report—Eastward of Ham we briliiautiy captured yesterday evening Savrinners Chateau, also Juesy village, despite the lively defence of the garrison. Southward of Chauny, we occupied the general line of the Ailette, solidly organising the whole. We have materially progressed right and left of the Lacn Road, taking about ten new villages.

A FRENCH CLASH. With German Rearguard. Paris, March 21 A sharp engagement wa3 fought with the German rearguard and machine gunners at Oloisilles, open patrol fighting and long ranee sniping elsewhere. Fires are observable in the distance from Bipaume, some apparently on the outskirts of Oambrai. Many places bear evidence of a hasty retreat and considerable ammunition.

At Achiet Le Grand, a German general order was discovered, which explains the system of destruction to be observed,including the burning of houses, felling of trees for barricades, and pollution of wells,

A notable feature of the advance is the almost entire silence of German artillery.

GERMAN ACTIVITY. Fresh Withdrawals indicated. Amsterdam, March 21 A correspondent in Northern Fiance states the Germans are showing a great activity, from north of La Basseo to the Belgian frontier, indicating a fre®h withdrawal. Thera were heavy explosions at Lens, Cirzin and Douai, showing that German works were being destroyed. The Germans have moved their heavy guns eastward, particularly around Lille, which has been placed in a strong gtate of defence. French Report. (Australian &N.Z. Gable Assoication and Reuter,) London, March 21 A French communique states ekir* mishes occurred between cavalry and detachments of the enemy on the road from Ham to St Quentin. We carried v the Chateau Dasavriennois and village of Jussy, east of Ham, and have occupied a general line from Ailette to south of Ghauuey. All the portions reached have been solidly organised* We made considerable progress north and north-east of Soissons and have taken ten new villages.

We penetrated German trenches north cf Chambrettes Farm, on the right bank of the Meuse.

A Spanish Proposal. Madrid, March 21 Government are sending an envoy to London to arrange monthly cargoes of coal in exchange for Spanish potatoes and other products.

German Gunboat Blown Up [REUTER’S SERVICE.—COPYRIGHT.^ llong Kong, March 21 The German gunboat Hingtau has been blown up and gunk at Whampoa. Heavy Fighting at Monastir Salonika, March 21 Severe fighting continues north of Monastir

ANOTHER PEACE MOVE. By German Agents(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter.) New York, March 21 The Times Hague correspondent says German agents visited Holland and Switzerland with the object of sounding the Allies feeling in the event of fresh peace proposals. Onß of these agents stated that Russian events had modified the situation. Inquiries were being made to ascertain the American view. Extra Session of Congress. (Received March 22, at 8.55 a.m,) Washington, March 21 Mr Wilson has called an extra Congressional session for April 2nd, to take more drastic measures to protect American Commerce. A Bulgar Report London, March 21

A Bulgarian communique says we repulsed new enemy attacks between Lakes Ocbrida and Prispa, also west of Mon a aur.