CHAOS IN PETROGRAD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16760, 29 January 1918, Page 6

CHAOS IN PETROGRAD.

FOOD AND FUEL LACKING.

BOLSHEVIK ARMY FORMING.

LONDON, Jan. 11. The Petrograd correspondent of the Times states that the extremists believe that M. Trotzky, Foreign Secretary, yielding to German pressure, is exceeding his powers, and it is suggested that M. Lenin should control the future negotiations. Living conditions in Petrograd are growing daily more dismal. Fuel is exhausted, and the city is left in darkness. The thermometer is at 20 degrees below zero. Bread has not been obtainable in restaurants for several days. The condition of the railways does not give hope of supplies arriving from the country, even if the peasants are willing to sell. Amid the jeers of the once patriotic parties, the Bolsheviks are preparing for war in their own fashion. They are not attempting the impossible task of reanimating the worn-out army. On the contrary, they are anxious ,to clear away from the front all soldiers unwilling to fight. The new Russian Army will be ranch smaller than the old. Router's correspondent at Petrograd states that hunger rioting has occurred at Eolcmea. The Government of Moscow is demanding the disarming of the Bed Guards and the handing over of authority to the municipality. Soldiers from Petro.grad are going backwards and forwards in the provinces fetching meat, flour, , and butter, which they sell in Petrograd at exorbitant prices. The' soldiers take possession of the railway carriages) hanging on tlie steps and laying on the roofs. Many fatal accidents and deaths from cold result.