RUSSIA'S GREAT PERIL.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 November 1917, Page 3

RUSSIA'S GREAT PERIL.

«STRONG APPEAL FOR UNITY. Fetrograd, Oct. 2f>. The preliminary 'Parliament was opened at the Marie Palace. It was attended by representatives of the Bourgeois and Democrats, members of the Government, allied and neutral diplomats, Russian and foreign pressmen, and the public. M. Kerensky, in a speech, hoped that Parliament would assist the Government to safeguard the rights of the Constituent Assembly, the opening of which must in no way be postponed. The Government would co-'operate to the utmost in the work' of Parliament, which would be extremely hard and responsible. The Government and Parliament must give attention to the most difficult problem of restoring the combativeness of the army, enabling it to repulse the enemy, who is becoming more insolent and more triumphant, not owing to hi* own strength, but because of Russian impotence. He declared that Russia, if she was willing, could emerge from he: painful situation much sooner than her enemies thought. M. Kerensky declared in the name oi democracy that although longing for peace, Russia would never capitulate. The difficulties of governing at present were most painf.il. because he could not have recourse to measures which would outrage ideas of equality and fraternity He therefore appealed to all parties and peoples to end the terrible anarchy which more and more was invading the State financial crisis. The efforts of the Government had hitherto proved unavailing against the apathy of the masses. The army was only waiting for those in the rear to do their duty in organising the.work of production, especially in feeding the army, which became more difficult daily. Amid universal cheers M. Kerensky paid an enthusiastic tribute to the valour of the Russian sailors, and declared that lie could not say as much for the army.