THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 16053, 8 November 1917, Page 7

THE RUSSIAN SITUATION.

A REIGN OF TERROR. PANDEMONIUM OF DRINK AND VICE. (By Cable.—Prcs3 Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, November 6 The "Morning Post's" Petrograd correspondent states: — It is time to tell the truth about tho conditions prevailing here. Whole regions of European Russia arc terrorised by armed bands known as "tovarisci." who are laying waste tho conntrysiclo. Horses and cattle arc slaughtered, and the carcases are left rotting in the fields. Breadstuffs iro deliberately sot alight, and spirit stores burnt. Tho peasantry have joined ihe bands, and share in the pillage. Debauches of drunkenness are alarmingly increasing. Thousands are drinKin? methylated spirit, and others are instituting private stills. At Moscow tho rovolt in 1905 fizzled out in a pandemonium of drink and vice, and it looks as if tho Petrograd revolt is doing tho same thing. The "tovarisci," wearing the uniforms of soldiers, are acting like professional criminals. Several hundred robberies with violence are reported .;t Petrograd daily, though many sufferers do not trouble to lodgo complaints. Murders committed with impunity are beyond estimate. Gangs of "tovarisci" openly, and in daylight, rob houses and shops, carrying off the proceeds on motor lorries. Yesterday a score of "tovarisci" held up the main thoroughfaro and robbed evory passer of money and valuables. Occasionally a crowd lyneho3 a few robbers.

All the shops are clearing their goods into the collars, and private houses are barricading tho lower floors. As Germany is importing into Russia arms and agents capable of becom- , wg leaders of revolt, it is not strange • that Petrogrnd is in a perpetual state of alarm and confusion. ANXIOUS FOR PEACE. PETROGRAD, -November 6. At a meeting of the Preliminary Parliament, General Skobeleff, who will represent the Russian Democracy at tho forthcoming Allies' Conference, admitted that the army was in a sad state. Ho urged the' Allies to invite » the enemy to discuss peace. M. Terestchenko (Foreign Minister** declared that anarchy in lltissia was growing worse. The whole world rlosired peace. _ It must be a peaco without. annexations, but Russia would pot accept any sort of peace. BIG STRIKE IN MOSCOW. t ("The Times.") (Received November 7th, 11 p.m.) PETROGRAD, November 6. Three hundred thousand textile workers in Moscow have struck.