RUSSIAN SENSATION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 883, 8 December 1916, Page 11

RUSSIAN SENSATION.

OUTBURST IN DUMA. PRESIDENT TO FIGHT DUEL. Ratter's Telegram*. (Received December 8, 1.50 p.m.) PETROGRAD, December 7. A debate in the Duma culminated in (he resignation of the President, M. Rodzianko, consequent upon M. MarkofFs calling him a "babbling blackguard." M. Markofi' declared that the insult was deliberate, because the Duma had previously insulted high personages. M. Markoll' was suspended for 15 sittings, and M. Rodzianko was reelected by an overwhelming majority, but to satisfy his personal honour, he has challenged M. Markoff to a duel. The incident led to a split in the reactionary Extreme Right. It is emphasised, with regard to the Duma's debates, that the critics of the Government are determined to prosecute the war to the bitter end. They complained that certain dark forces were sapping the power of the Empire, owing to the system of Government producing a Cabinet destitute of a united purpose.