The Czar and the Strikers.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXII, Issue 6486, 3 February 1905, Page 3

The Czar and the Strikers.

Workmen Summoned ,to the Summer Palace.

Address by the Czar,

United Press Association—• By Eleotrio Telegraph

St. Petersburg, Feb. 2 The Czar summoned to the Summer Palace thirty-four workmen, representing the largest factories m St. Petersburg, and directed them to communicate his words to their comrades. Addressing them, he said: —" The Jate lamentable incidents with their deplorable but inevitable consequences and all the disorder occurred because the workmen were deceived by traitors and enemies to the Fatherland. When they urged you to address a petition to me m regard to your needs, they induced you to revolt against me and the Government, forcing you to abandon your honest toil. All true Russians ought to labour unceasingly to conquer our obstinate enemy. Strikes and revolutionary demonstrations are always bad ; the crowd commit disorders which always oblige the authorities to employ troop?, causing much suffering to innocent people." The Czar, addressing the representative workmen, said :—" I know the workman's life is not an easy one. Many things require organi at;on and improvement, but \have patifince. You must be just to your master?, and consider the conditions of the industries. To come to me as a rebel mob to declare your wants is a crime. I will take measures and see that everything possible is done to improve the workmen's lot, and secure the examination of your demands through legal channels. I am convinced of the honest sentiments of the workmen nnd their devotion to myself, and I purdon their transactions. .Return to your comrades, carry out your allotted task?, and may God assist you." After dining, the workmen's deputation drank the Czar'a health with cheers.