Russia

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 77, 28 February 1918, Page 5

Russia

THE FALL OF PSKOFF.

TROTSKY’S RETIREMENT.

Press Association—Copyright, Anstra

ban and N Z. Cable Association (Received 8.50 a.ru )

Petrograd, February 27

Only tun cavalry squadrons and six armoured cars entered Pskoflf. The defenders Look panic and fled. The Letts recovered soonest and offered resistance when they learned that the enemy numbered so few. Some street lighting occurred till the German reinforcements arrived, and the invaders soon pushed beyond the town. The people’s commissaries in Petrograd are lorn by dissension It is understood that Trotsky has retired. ADVANCE ON PETROGRAD. ENEMY BEFORE THE CATES. New York, February 26. ■Germany has formally refused to grant an armistice. The Germans are a few hours’ march from Petrograd. I} IP A SSI ON E D APPE AL. Wireless Russian official: The people’s commissary of food supplies appeals to all who are' not engaged on military service, to organise for the speedier transport of bread and to reorganise the railway. “We sound the xocsin. The enemy is before the gates of Red Petrograd. On Red Petrograd’s food supplies depends the success of the last great and decisive battle for peace for the land and for socialism. The laborers of the whole world, who are not strong enough to help us immediately, are watching events with restrained breath and alarm. We must, while awaiting speedy help, hold out for several days in desperation and battle against the world’s usurpers.” Wireless Russian official: Lenin and Trotsky, in complaining of the continuance of hostilities, inquired whether Germany intends to reply to Russia’s conditions of peace and General Krylenko’s inquiry whether an armistice does not automatically follow the acceptance of such conditions. FIERCE FIGHTING. Fierce fighting continues at Pskov, which lias changed hands 'several times. The Soviet is sending fresh troops from Petrograd. The first German detachment was small, but well equipped. Large reinforcements are now approaching. Enormous supplies and valuable munitions are stored in the neighborhood, hence the German anxiety to capture it. The railway to Petrograd is cut and bridges blown up. The Soviet is almost hourly issuing violent proclamations, goading its supporters. The latest denounces the approaching combination of Imperialist assassins and damned minions of Wilhelm the German and General Kaledin’s White Guards. There were strange scenes when the blare of syrens woke Petrograd on Monday night. Few knew what it signified, hut went into the streets and were immediately summoned to get picks and shovels in order to dig trenches in the roads. Telephones buzzed everywhere, telling that the Germans were coming from Pskov. Trams ran all night, motors were requisitioned, and the railways were closely guarded.

The workers have joined the garrison at Narva and have combined with tlie Red Guards, forming a. total of 10,000. A portion lias been despatched to Reval. Similar mobilisations are proceeding elsewhere, the Soviets acting as centres for the rapid distribution of arms and supplies. PETROGRAD AROUSED. Petrograd has been thrown into a ferment in view of the apparent German intention to occupy fche city, ihe Soviet has ordered the enrolment of all workmen between the ages of 1,8 and 50 into the Red Army, for a holy war. Smolny institute has been changed into a military camp, auu workmen are assembling en masse. Anglo-Americans at the Embassies have loft. The absence of newspapers brought thousands into the streets to learn the news, but there was no panic.

Speculation is rife whether the Germans are sending Germanised Russian bands to Petrograd as savious of society, with the Duke of Hesse, brother of the ex-Czarina, leading, with a view to founding a new dynasty.

GERMAN MILITARY OPERATIONS.

Wireless German official: Four days' after crossing the Moon Sound, the troops marching to Reval captured the fortress. After the battle Hags "ere hung in many towns in Livonia "hen we entered. Many inhabitants Were arrested on the capture of Pskov. General Linsingen stormed ami carried Kolenkowitz and the railway station, and covered upwards of 300 kilometers in a few days. Cooperating with the. Ukrainians we

cleared the greater part of the country ol looting gangs. We recently took prisoners on the Eastern front three divisional staff officers, 180 officers and 3076 men.