ACTIVITY IN RECONSTRUCTION

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9614, 21 March 1917, Page 6

ACTIVITY IN RECONSTRUCTION

NEW REGIME ENTHUSIASTICALLY ACCEPTED. By Telegraph—Pr«a» Association—Copyrlgb* Published In "The Timc«." LONDON, March 19.. The Potrogrnd correspondent of "The Times” writes: “The Procurator of the Holy Synod has ordered the removal of the Imperial chair. This action symbolises the abolition of “Caesaropapism.” M. Kerensky has nlbolished the title of “excellency,” and Ministers will be called “Mr. ” Home Rule Commissions throughout Russia are installing a colossal scheme of reorganisation. The elections will probably bo postponed until after the wnr. With the abolition of the censorship, all the newspapers are displaying much greater freedom, and Socialsts and soldiers ore publishing new journals. Tho newspapers are unanimously patriotic, and urge with blessings that the freedom obtained at such slight cost to life should be consolidated by fighting tho nation’s hereditary enemies, who are eagerly watching to strike a blow against Russia. Tho correspondent adds that Russia has acclaimed the now regime so joyfully that it is ridiculous to talk about the restoration of autocracy. The extremists will probably agree to support the Duma until the gigantic general election has been organised. An interesting episode occurred on Friday, when the Prime Minister, Prince George Lvoff, and the other Ministers went to the Grand Duke Michael’s palace. The Regent said he would not hesitate to accept or reject tho Throne if ho was convinced that the good of Russia would bo served by his action. Tho Ministers were not unanimous, and therefore ho thought it best to abdicate, handing over the supreme power to tho Government of the Duma.