BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2170, 20 February 1880, Page 2

BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

[Reuter’s Agency.] The latest Attempt on the Czar. St. Petersburg!!, Feb. 17. —This evening intense excitement was occasioned in the city in consequence of a renewed and dastardly attempt to destroy the Czar and the entire Imperial family. From the particulars which up to the present have transpired it appears that about the time at which the guests invited to a grand dinner at the Winter Palace were to be assembled, a mine, fired by electricity, was suddenly exploded under the guardroom, which is situated immediately beneath the grand dining hall. A terrific explosion took place, causing a large rent in the floor of the dining hall, where the Imperial family were supposed to be congregated. Most providentially, however, they had not assembled, and the members of the family consequently escaped. The guardroom was completely destroyed, five guards being killed on the spot, and no less than thirty others more or less wounded. There is not the slightest doubt entertained that a deliberate attempt was made to assasinate the Czar and the Imperial family, and it is believed to be connected with the plot to destroy the Palace, which was discovered some time ago. LATER. Feb. 18. —On an examination being made at the winter Palace, it was discovered that a mine, consisting of dynamite and gum cotton, had been laid. The train was traced from the inner Court to the fuel cellar. The escape of those in the Palace was most providental.