THE CZAR CONCILIATORY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVI, Issue 29, 3 February 1905, Page 5

THE CZAR CONCILIATORY.

RECEPTION OF WORKMEN. A FATHERLY ADMONITION. WITH A VAGUE PROMISE. ST. PETERSBURG, February 2. The Czar summoned to the Summer Palace yesterday thirty-four workmen, representing the largest factories at St. Petersburg. He directed them to cbmmunieate his words to their comrades. The late lamentable incidents, with their deplorable but inevitable consequences, and all the disorder had occurred, he said, because the workmen had been deceived by traitors and enemies of the Fatherland. The Czar continued: When they urged you to address a petition to mc with regard to your needs they induced you to revolt against mc and the Government, forcing you to aoandon honest toil at a time when, all true Russians ought to labour unceasingly to conquer our obstinate enemy. Strikers' and revolutionary demonstrations always lead the crowd to commit disorders, which always oblige the authorities to employ troops, thus causing much suffering to innocent people. I know that a workman's life is not an easy one. Many things affecting the workmen require organisation and 1 improvement, but have patience. You must be just to your masters and consider the conditions of the industries. To ; come to mc as a rebel mob to declare your | wants is a crime. I will take measures 'to see that everything possible is done to improve the lot of the workmen. I will secure the examination of your demands through legal channels. I am convinced of the honest sentiments of the workmen and their devotion to myself. I pardon their transgression. Return to your comrades, carry out your allotted tasks, and may God assist you. After they had dined at the Palace the members of the workmen's deputation drank the Czar's health with cheers.