RUSSIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1917, Page 5

RUSSIA.

DISHEARTENING NEWS. THE MAXIMALIST MENACE CONFLICTING STATEMENTS. *>*ew York, Sept. 18. The correspondent of the New York Iribune says that most disheartening news is reaching Washington regarding Russia. According to official reports it is not unlikely that Russia may conclude a separate peace with Germany, quit the war and sell to Germany all military supplies and foodstuffs. Although the Government has triumphed over Korniloff it is now in a mightier struggle with the Maximalists who, during the last few days have triumphed over all parties i and threaten to dominate the entire country. They are all Pacifists or pro-German and are advocating peace with Germany. United States officials continue to receive reassuring advices from Russia. There is every reason to believe that the military and political situation coil, tinues to improve.

KALEDIN'S STIPULATIONS,

•DIRECTORY'S CHIEF TASK.

KARENSKY AT HEADQUARTERS. Received Sept. 19, 5.5 p.m. Petrograd, Sept. 18. The arrest of generals and others of Korniloff's supporters continues everywhere. The Cossack military adir.'mistration telegraphed to the Government that General Kaledin is ready to su'hmit, but demands the repeal of the order of arrest and trial. Other reports state that Kaledin continues the agitation, and is concentrating the Cossacks on the road to Petrograd. I The directory only holds office until the Soviet'B democratic conference, which will decide the new form of Government. The <ihief task of the Directory is to organise authority and settle Kaledin's mutiny. M. Kerensky remains at headquarters while Commander-in-Chief, and all Cabinet Councils are held at headquarters. ,

THE FIGHTING POWER.

REORGANISATION BY ALEXIEFP. Reuter Service. Received Sept. 19, 11.5 p.m. London, Sept. 19. The Russian Embassy, in a statement .to Reuter, says that M. Kerensky has taken all measures to prevent the rebellion interfering with the re-establish-ment of the (fighting power of the army. General Alexieff, who is the most authoritative Russian general, has beea entrusted with the immediate direction of military operations and the reorganisation of the army. There is reason to believe that all the minor disorders will icease, and that all separate cases of insubordination will be successfully handled.

RUSSIAN OFFICERS KILLED. IN DISTURBANCES AT VIBORG. Received Sept. 19, 10 p.m. United Service. London, Sept. 19. As a reßult of disturbances in Viborg twenty-two Russian officers "were killed and sixty are missing.

A FORMAL MATTER. Received Sept. 19, 9.50 p.m. Petrograd, Sept. 19. The Government considers the proclamation of the republio a formal matter, and does not intend to set up a republican administration before the constituent assembly is established.

REPORTED SUCCESSES. London, Sept. IS. A wireless Russian official report says:—We occupied a wood northeast of Friedrichstadt. The Roumanians captured a sector of fortified positions in the region of Varnitza. A Russian communique states:— Ow advanced guards are continuously resisting the enemy in the Riga region and progressing at some points. SALEDIN'S POSITION. Petrograd, Sept. 18. General Kaledin lias sent a message to the Government denying that he is organising opposition to the Government. SEPARATE PEACE NOT FAVORED. Received Sept. 20, 1.55 a.m. Washington, Sept. 19. The Russian Embassy denies that the Maximalists or other radical parties favor a separate peace.