COSSACK LEADER'S SUICIDE.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 May 1918, Page 3

COSSACK LEADER'S SUICIDE.

STORY OF A DRAMATIC END. After opposing a plan of Alexieff'3 to advance beyond the Don, Kaledin, the Csssack chief, resigned, but was persuaded by lu's friends to remain and give counsel to (he Don Government. Subsequently it became apparent that (lie Cossack position was critical, and a session of the Territorial Government was held, at which Kaledin was present. He was attacked by some, who asserted that his jndicision was the cause of the Cossack defeat. He replied, "Unfortunately time will prove who is right." At two o'clockj when feeling was running high, a messenger arrived from Alexieff demanding assistance to prevent the aunihiliation of his force. While this was being discussed amid excitement, Kaledin, who all the time had been very rcstleess, left the hall. He met a friend in a corridor, who asked him bis ojiinion of the situation. He said: "The Don is unable to value its leaders and will pay very dearly for its faults." He then entered the private office of one of the officials of the Government. A few minutes later a few shots were heard. When the room was entered Kaledin was found lying dead across a writing-table. Having failed to dispatch himself with the first shot, which glanced off his head, he shot himself through the heart.. His suicide made a deep impression on the Don Government. Rodzianko, Savenkoff, and General Denikin soon after arrived in the room, and several members of the Government later on resigned. General Nagaroff was appointed in Kaledin's place and ordered a general mobilisation in the' Don.