THE RUSSIAN NAVY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9110, 9 June 1908, Page 5

THE RUSSIAN NAVY.

A VOTE REJECTED BY DUMA. Received June 8, 8.43 a.m. ST. PETERSBURG, June 7. The Duma, by 194 votes to 78, rejected a credit vote of eleven million roubles for the construction of battleships, after reprimanding the Minister of Marine for irregularities in the construction department of the navy. ALLEGED IRREGULARITIES. EXCITED DISCUSSION IN THE DUMA. THOROUGH ENQUIRY RECOMMENDED. Received June B,' 9.56 p.m. ST. PETERSBURG, June 8. The Navy debate in the Duma proved the astonishing growth of constitutionalism among the members, recalling the earlier Dumas. There was an excited discussion on the alleged irregularities of the Admiralty" in connection with the Vickers Co'.s construction of the Rurik. Admiral Beustrnm. Assistant Minister, declared that the responsibility rested with a former Ministry. Morever, communication to British firms of the plans, guns, and deck armour was no betrayal of military secrets. The Duma, at the instance of the Right and Centre, and with the support of the Piojressives and Constitutional Democrats, recommended a thorough inquiry into the matter, and the prosecution of any officials guilty of illegal action.

The Bur'get Committee of the Duma reported adversely last month on the proposal to grant a credit of eleven million roubles for battleship construction. In March last the Budget and Defence Committee rejected the Government's request for a credit vote by 19 to 14.