BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9109, 8 June 1908, Page 5

BRITAIN AND RUSSIA.

SCENE IN HOUSE OF COMMONS. MR HARDIE COMPELLED TO WITHDRAW A WORD. LONDON, June 5. In the House of Commons, after Mr Balfour's speech on MrO'Grady's amendment, Mr Keir Hardic made a scene, referring to the atrocities of the Russian Government towards the down-trodden people. After some excitement he was compelled to withdraw the word "atrocities." The "Daily News" bays: "The Russian Court and people are in deadly conflict, and our sympathies as a nation are unanimously with the people; yet it is with the Court, and the Court alone, that, we are about to officially fraternise. King Edward must take a stand, however unintentionally, on the side of the leaders of reaction. We deplore the visit, but dread most of all jithe closer links, with thfl ruling class political, social, and financial—which the visit help to forge." "The Times" declares: "The whole of Liberal Russia is delighted with the visit, and would resent the policy of Labour members as an affront. Russia's progress during the last three years has been very remarkable; the Duma has become a real power." The majority of the newspapers, including the "Daily Chronicle," warmly eulogised Sir Edward Grey's speech, as calculated to create an excellent effect at Home and abroad. The "Chronicle" says: "Constitutionalism in Russia is gaining ground, and a good understanding between Britain and Russia assuredly cannot impede its progress, and is essential to the peace of the world."

KING AND QUEfciN START FOR REVAL. Received June 7. 4.15 p.m. LONDON, June 6. Their Majesties King Edward and Queen Alexandra, accompanied by Princess Victoria, have started on their visit to the Czar. Their Majesties received a great ovation at Charing Cross station in the evening. They failed at daybreak, and are due at Reval on Tuesday. Sir Charles Harding, Sir Robert French and Sir John Fisher accompany therr. Stringent precautions have been adopted for the safety of their Majesties. At Reval the cruiser Asia is keeping the roadstead clear, and no vessel is allowed to enter or leave without a permit. A large force of detectives have arrived at Reval.