RUSSIA’S INTERNAL TROUBLES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3274, 13 December 1916, Page 19

RUSSIA’S INTERNAL TROUBLES.

Tho Council of Empire passed a resolution urging the destruction of tho clandestine and reprehensible influences in affairs of State, tho formation of a real working Government, united by a well-defined programme, and relying on tho confidence and good-will of tho country, and consequently capable of collaboration with the Legislature, with a view to a powerful national effort for the final defeat of the enemy. The railway from Potrograd to Romanoff, on the Muvman coast (Lapland), has .been completed. It is tho most northerly railway in tho world. Tho debates in the Duma culminated in the resignation of the President. M. Rodzianko. consequent on M. Markoff calling him n. babbling blackguard. M,'. Markoff declared that his insult was deliberate, because tho Duma bad previously insulted high personages. M. Markoff was suspended for 15 sittings, and M. Rodzianko was reelected by an overwhelming majority; but to satisfy his personal honour b« eb'dleugcd M. Markoff to a duel. This incident led to a -plit among the reactionaries and the Ext ' • rty. It is emphasised, as regards lb" Minna’s debates, that, though flu- Government is determined to prosecute the war to tho

bitter end, critics complain of certain dark forces sapping the power of the empire owing to the Russian system of government producing a Cabinet destitute of united purpose. _ ' M. Stunner, ex-Premicr, is_ issuing a claim for libel against IVI. ZviilonLoff for his speech in the Duma alleging that the former’s private secretary acknowledged sharing a bribe with his employer.