RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 March 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA.

CZAR CRUSHED IN SPIRIT. REPUBLICANISM SPREADING. London, March 18. It is reported that the Czar, when not allowed fa communicated with his wife, contemplated suicide, but was eventually induced to take things calmly and submit to the inevitable. His last words as Czar were: "I have been a Czar betrayed by those I trusted most immediately." When the abdication was known people went with ladders to the Imperial Public Library, the Winter and Anitteskoff Palaces and other buildings and removed the Imperial arms. Tho republican spirit is rapidly spreading. It is helieved that if the National Assembly thooses Prmte Michael as head of the State it will be as President of the Republic after lie renounces his grand ducal rights. Potrograd, 'March 18. There are many rumors regarding the story of the Czar's abdication alioat. Only one thing is certain, that he did not abdicate absolutely and voluntarily in order to spare the country further trouble. liven the telegrams of the Grand Duke Nicholas and General Alexieff did not produce any effect. He consented to negotiate with the Provisional Government, only when journeying to Potrograd he realised that while allowed to move seemingly freely he was really under guard and unable to communicate with anybody except his closest entourage. He was chiefly anxious that sufficient guarantees should be given that his life and the lives of his family should be spared. General Russky, on behalf of the army under his command, reassured him and said that no harm should befall any member ot hie family. Details about the abdication state that a deputation, including General Russky, waited on the Czar at Pskoif at midnight, described the latest events and advised him not to send troops to Petrograd from the front, because every soldier became a revolutionary when he approached the capital. The Czar asked: "What do you want me to do?" '"To abdicate," was the reply. The Czar was momentarily silent and remarked: "It would pain me to separate from my son; therefore I abdicate in favor of my brother.'' He then signed the decree of abdication, which had been already drafted. Stockholm,' March 18. Swedish newspapers slate that the Czar and Czarina are not allowed to hold communication. The revolutionary committee consider that the Czarina's influence is dangerous to their cause. The Rigsdag has imposed a dutyf of 100 per cent, on the retail price of all spirits. The Social Demokraten states that 'Prince Galitzin committed suicide yesterday.

CZAR TAKEN TO CRIMEA. FINNISH TROOPS JOIN. Copenhagen, March 18. General Tgnatieff, in a proclamation, requested the Finnish troops to join the revolution. All the garrisons complied, with the exception of that at Eveaborg, which is mutinous, and is now in a state of siegp. The National Tidende states that the Czar and certain intimates and members of his family were escorted to the Crimea by a military guard. . The Aftenposten says that the Russian revolution came in the nick of time. Xegotiations had been carried on at Stockholm for some time for a separate peace between Russia and Germany. The recent inactivity on the Russian front was due to an agreement with Germany. I CABINET'S FOREIGN POLICY. WILL FIGHT TO THE END. Petrograd, March IS. The Government has telegraphed to representatives abroad stating that the Government which assumes power at the moment of the gravest crisis in Russian history is fully conscious of its immense responsibility and will apply itselfj jfirst to repairing the overwhelming errors of the past, secondly to ensuring order and tranquility, and finally preparing the conditions necessary in order that the sovereign will of the nation may freely be pronounced on its future lot. With regard to its foreign policy, the Cabinet remains mindful of the international engagements entered by the fallen regime and will honor. Russia's word and carefully cultivate relations uniting Russia with the other friendly and allied nations. The Government is confident that these relations will become more intimate and solid under the new regime, which is resolved to be guided by democratic principles and the respect due by both small and great nations to the liberty of their development and the good understanding between nations. The Note emphasises that Russia did not will the war, but was tht victim of premeditated aggression. She will continue the struggle against the.spirit of conquest of a predatory race which aims at the subjection of Europe to the intolerable shame of the domination of (Prussian militarism. Faithful to the pact which unites her to her glorious Allies, Russia is resolved, like them, to assure to the world at all! costs an era of peace on the basis of a stable national organisation, guaranteeing respect for right and justice. She will fight by their side against the common enemy until the end. The Government will devote all its energies to preparation for victory. THE CZAR AND CZARINA. Copenhagen, March 17. Swedish advices state that the Czar ia a prisoner of the Duma at the Entauride 'Palace. It is rumored that the Empress has haw «■»"*■• tn Kieff.