RUSSIAN CRISIS.

Taihape Daily Times, 6 December 1917, Page 5

RUSSIAN CRISIS.

BOLSHEVIK TRIUMPH.

DUKHONIN LYNCHED.

LONDON, December 4.

■'A Russian official message states that ■ Ensign Krylenko, the Bolshevik Commander-in-Chief, has issued a proclamation in which he states that he entered■ Mohileff, in Western Russia, 95 south-west of Smolensk, at the head of the revolutionary troops, and to-day surrounded the headquarters of the nonßoishevik forces, without fighting, removing the last obstacle to peace. . Krylenko strongly condemns the act of lynch law practised upon General Dukhomin, Commander-in-Chief of the non-Bolshevik army, and adds that popular hatred surpassed the limits of reason. Despite all efforts to save Dukhonin he was thrown out of:a railway train at Mohiloff’s stationj-and killed. General Korniloffi’s flight the preceding day caused this excess.

Krylenko urges his comrades to be worthy of their secured freedom, and not stain the people’s authority. The revolutionary people are fearful in struggle, but must be soft after victory. The struggle for peace receives new strength by the fall of headquarters. Krylenko, in the name of the new Government appealed for discipline. RUSSO-GERMAN ARMISTICE. LONDON, Dec. 4. -A forty-eight hours’ armistice between Russia and Germany was signed on Saturday at Prince Leopold of Bav-

arvia’s headquarters. ■Krylenko’s adjutant telegraphed that Krylenko has arrived at Vitebsk with detachments from the Petrograd garrison. The Cossacks are 380 miles south of Petrograd gathering on their flanks and a collision is possible at any moment. - According to other sources the first clash has already occurred, with some 'casualties. It is circumstantially reported that Korniloff escaped on December 2nd. The Maximalists report that the Cossack general staff has surrendered. The Bolshevik Government intends to prosecute Admiral Verderevsky, M. Terestchenko, and M. Kisthkin, members of Kerensky’s Cabinet, when the Assembly meets on the Ilth inst. M. Maklatoff, Russian Ambassador to France, replying to statements that he was recalled because ho participated in the Allied conference, states that he did not attend the conference. He

could not recognise the present usurpers, and therefore did not present VdfeSe letters of credit. The entire Embassy protested against the peace proposals and must fight against German propaganda.

SAGE ADVICE TO THE ALLIES.

PETRORAD, December 4,

Mr. Harold Williams states that we must face the fact one way or the other that Russia, despite the will of the best elements of the population, must retire from the war. He warns the Allies against -contemptuously abandoning the whole of a great people because of a temporary fit of madness, the causes whereof lie deep in her years of oppression. If we have to part with Russia as a fighting ally the parting should be friendly and sympathetic.. To denounce her as a traitor is the surest way of driving her into the arms of Germany. THE BENDING OF RUSSIA. i ... “ SIBERIA FORMS A REPUBLIC. " STOCKHOLM, December 4. It is reported that the whole of Siberia has formed an independent repubm. is expected the Government a Omsk' will igsue a proclamation withdrawing Siberian troops from the Russian'front ;

SCENES IN THE PEACE FAECE. LONDON, December 4. Admiralty wireless; Russian official. A telegram from Kliansky, president, of the congress of the fifth army states that a delegation from the Council of the People’s Commissaries at the invitation of the Congress, arrived at Dvinsk on Sunday. The Congress solemnly promised to destroy all the wasp nests of counter-revolution which were obstacles to peace, particuarly the nest of the Dukhonin, Gotz,, Avkaentieff, and other traitors to the Eevolution. There was a demonstration at Dvinsk, when banners were displayed inscribed “Long live the Council of the People’s Commissaries,” “Control Production, ’ ’ Abolish Secrecy. ’ ’ TROTSKY'S THREATS. PETROGEAD, December 4. Mr. Bourchier states that Trotsky, addressing the Ambassadors in reference to their protests against the Bolshevik negotiations, declared that the Government would not tolerate interference in internal affairs. Any attempt to rekindle trouble would provoke retaliation Trotsky dissolved the Petrograd Municipal Council because it opposed a Bolshevik ordf. They continue to work under threats of punishment until their successors are appointed The Council refused to accept dissolution, and appealed for the nation’s support as the only legal Government left, adding that officials refused to obey the new powers, but bayonets compelled them.

KORNILOFF ESCAPES. f Received 11.40. LONDON, Dec 5. Korniloff has escaped with the connivance of his guards. He has gone south with four companies of Cossacks. ~~

SQUATTERS’ LANDS. TO BE GIVEN TO WORKERS. LONDON, December 4. A wireless from Petrograd says: The All Russian Congress of Peasants’ Deputies resolved to demand that all land of any agricultural value, together with stock, buildings' and implements, belonging to farmers who are not the sole workers, shall be forthwith transferred to the Land Committee, to distribute among the peasants.