UNREST IN RUSSIA.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12845, 1 December 1905, Page 5

UNREST IN RUSSIA.

THE MUTINY AT SEVASTOPOL. INCREASE OF DISAFFECTION. '.-' OFFICIAL FEARS. RACIAL QUESTIONS. United Press Association—Per Electric Telegraph—Copyright. ST. PETERSBURG, November 29. Lieutenant Schmidt, who was recently j cashiered owing to his revolutionary sympathies, commands the cruiser Otehakoff. It is feared at St. Petersburg that in the event of a conflict the Government ti-cops will be beaten. The " Novoe Krai" alone reports that the re\*olt is collapsing. Other papers state that the battleships Trisviatitelia and Rostislay, have joined the mutineers. =>. Lieutenant Schmidt has threatened to bombard Sevastopol if the sailors now imprisoned are eourt-martialled. A group of Caucasian citizens begged Count de -Witte- not to grant autonomy to Finland, Poland, Caucasia and Transcaucasia without reference to "the Duma, since the majority, of the Russians were opposed to autonomy: Count de'W-iiie ■ replied'' that the citizens would .never submit to the Czar-any measure tending to produce the separation of outlying countries. It would be an act of lunacy to take a hasty decision which would .result in the dismemberment of territory won by Russian blood. The initiative must only proceed from the Duma, since the Czar wished all his subjects to enjoy a peaceful, a.nd tranquil' life. The Government was bound to respect and maintain the national characteristics of all sections so .that ,'Jall would find themselves at home in Russia.

STRIKE OF TELEGRAPHISTS. ARREST OF LEADERS. ST. PETERSBURG, November 30. The Post and Telegraph employees at Moscow have struck. M. Duraovo has ordered the arrest of the organisers of the Telegraphists' Con-. gress. ■'■' The strike is general only at St. 'Petersburg and Moscow. The recent assailants'of officers at Vladivostpek- were former soldiers at Port Arthur, who complained that they were herded with greater restraint than when prisoners in Japan. Two hundred and thirty so'diers in aschool of electricity at St. Petersburg, were arrested for demanding better treatment. FATHER GAPON. ST. PFiERSBURG, November 30. Father Gapon has published his -autobiography, wherein- he unveils the condition of modern Russia. His arrest has been ordered, but his friends enabled him to again escape. General Lieievitch has expelled 160 agitators from the army.r LONDON. November 29. Reuter's Agency reports that two guards of regiments at St. Petersburg refused to arrest- any of their comrades.

HELP FOR THE JEWS., OTTAWA, November 29. Sir Wilfrid Laurier,. addressing a meeting here in aid of the' Jews, appealed to Canadians to subscribe liberally," adding: "We cannot biirig all the Jews here." hut whoever chorse* to come will be sure of a, hearty welcome." The Russia.?. Jews' Relief Committee hasremitted a second £IOOO to the London fund. STRIKE OF RAILWAY MEN AND POLICE. Received 10.10 p.m.. November 50th. ST. PETERSBURG, November 30. _ The Union of Railway Men in Russia have resolved to strike at the first sign of the mobilisation of troops. - The police at Grodno have struck. The Governor dismissed them and applied to St. Petersburg for troops to replace them. THE MUTINEERS OPEN FIRE. A SERIOUS BATTLE. LOSS OF A WAR VESSEL. Received 10.20 p.m.. November 30th. LONDON, November 30. The " Standard's'/ St. Petersburg correspondent reports that according to a telegram which he attributes to Admiral Chuknin Schmidt opened fire with the Otchakoff and Kniaz Potemkin at 3 o'clock in the- afternoon on the south foils, and that a portion of the Black Sea squadron and a. portion of the toast artillery responded. The north forts helped the mutineers. Sailors from the. barracks went into the streets and opened fire on the infantry and a maximum company. The battle lasted for ■two and a half The Otchakoff was pierced and burst into flames. The cruiser Dneiper, another vessel, and several torpedo

boats were sunk. The Kniaz Potemkin was badly hit and ..has several holes in her sides. Schmidt' "Was mortally Grounded and surrendered the mutinous vessels. The north forts were taken at the point of the bayonet by the Brest and Biolystok regiments and half the town was demolished. Admiral Wirenius asserts that no such message has been received. The editor of "Slovo" asserts that he saw Admiral Chuknin's telegram at the Admiralty, and that a grave mutiny has begun,at Libaax. PANIC ON TELE BOURSE. Received 11 p.m. November 50th. ST. PETERSBURG, November 50. There is frantic selling on the St. Petersburg Bourse and prices are the lowest yet touched.