UPHEAVAL IN RUSSIA.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 15466, 10 March 1921, Page 3

UPHEAVAL IN RUSSIA.

BOMBARDMENT OF PETROGRAD. 'Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) STOCKHOLM, March 8. Kaslowsky sent an ultimatum to tho Soviet, but the terms are unknown. Krasnaya forts and smaller forts bombarded Kronstadt, and then suddenly turned their guns towards Petrograd, into which the Kronstadt 32-in. guns mere firing sixty shots per minute. Petrograd was greatly alarmed. The streets were deserted and the cafes and theatres closed. Workmen were forcibly mobilised in defence of the city, but revolted and attacked the Soviet troops and gained possession of a greater part of the town. A wireless message states that a duel' is ensuing between Moscow and Kronstadt. Lenin is trying to induce the seamen to turn against their leaders. Kaslowsky replied: “Kronstadt is an independent republic and demands the deposition of the Soviet and the formation of a constituent assembly. Kaslowsky was a most prominent artillery officer of the Czar's army, and a famous for years. He was a colonel during war-time, and lias great energy and daring. He is cut out for a military dictator. He is controller of the most unruly elements —tho seamen and • the workmen —and simply lias amazing discipline. A later message states that Kaslciwsky twas completely victorious. His artillery duel silenced the minor forts. He is now preparing to march on Petrograd. The Soviet Councils are carrying out reprisals in the western villages. Times. LONDON, March 9. ■Russian reports continue confused. It is stated that the important fortress of Karsnayogovko has sided with the revolt and begun to bombard Petrograd. The firing from Krnostadt has attained great violence, but even antiSoviet quarters expect the fortress soon t-o- surrender unless outside co-opera-tion is forthcoming, _ Sanguinary street fighting is reported in Moscow. The Soviet forces are using liquid fire.— A. and N.Z.C.A. COUNTER -RE VOLUTION A R Y OFFENSIVE, ATTACK ON REDS IN SIBERIA. FIVE THOUSAND PRISONERS TAKEN. (Received Marcli 10, 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, March 9. The Grand Duke Michael joined Samanoffs counter-revolutionaries in Siberia, who have taken the offensive against the Reds, capturing five thousand prisoners and twenty-eight guns. STREET FIGHTING IN PETROGRAD REGIMENT TURNS ON BRUSILOFF. SOVIET OFFICIALS READY TO QUIT CUT. (Received March 10, 9.15 a.m.) HELSINGFORS, March 9. Fierce street fighting continues in Petrograd, which is entirely in the hands of the revolutionaries. Trotsky and Zinivioff are defending the prison of St. Peter and Saint Paul. General I’rusiloff is organising Soviet troops at Petrograd and ordered a regiment consisting of Bashkus, Finns, and Chinese mercenaries to clear the streets. . The Bashkus refused to fire and joined the revolutionaries after attacking the Chinese. The Soviets hold all roads leading to Petrograd. The Soviets’ infantry, in an attempt to re-take Kronstadt, were beaten back over the ice., Kerensky is expected at Revnl shortly. It is . reported from Petrograd .that Soviet officials are ready to leave .at any moment.—A. and N.Z.C.A. VIEWS OF RECENT VISITOR. (Received March 10, 11 a.m.) LONDON, March 9. Tom Skeyhill, a Victorian just returned from Russia, thinks the counterrevolution has been prematurely precipitated and probably will be unsuccessful, because food constitutes the power in Russia and'the Bolsheviks hold tlie food. Kronstadt can be easily isolated and starved, similarly Petrograd,, and the Bolsheviks could then bring up mercenaries and exterminate the revolutionaries. Even if temporarily successful, the counter-revolution only means that Russia is out of -the frying pan into the fire, because tlie Whites are equally incapable as the Reds of constructive government. Tt would merely mean the Balkanising of Russia. COPENHAGEN, March 9. Trotsky has arrested the officials of the Esthonian delegation to Petrograd. —A. and N.Z.C.A.