RUSSIA'S TASK.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 February 1916, Page 5

RUSSIA'S TASK.

MEETING OF DUMA. " ENTHUSIASTIC REJOICINGS. AT FALL OF ERZERUM. THE DAWN OF VICTORY. Petrograd. FeV 23. The Tsar, was present at a thanks giving for the Erzerum victory. He unexpectedly attended and addressed the gathering, which was cemposesl af members of the Duma, in Catherine Hall. It was an event which M. Rodzianko, President of the Duma, subsequently described as historic. The Tsar said he rejoiced to join in thanksgiving f«r the victory of the valiant Caucasian army. He wished the Duma a period of fruitful labor and complete success. M. Rodzianko expressed the Duma's joy at seeing the Tsar among them, reaffirming his union with a loyal people, which showed the path to victory. The Duma opened with scenes of unparalleled enthusiasm. The Allied Ambassadors and Ministers attended and M. Rodzlanko's speech was cheered. He said that Erzernm was the first, rays of the dawn of victory, which was rising in the F.ast. His greeting to their gallant allies was drowned in an outburst of cheering, the ambassadors rising and receiving an ovation. The President bade -Serbia be of good courage and hope for a triumphant resurrection. M. Snzanoff ridiculed Germany's argument that the Allies desired the annihilation of the German people. All they demanded was to crush Prussianism. The Allies had secured complete union without the sacrifice of independence, whereas Germany's allies were mere vassals. He warned Bulgaria of her coming disillusionment, and also acknowledged Japan's valued co-operation.