THE CRISIS IN RUSSIA

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8246, 20 February 1905, Page 1

THE CRISIS IN RUSSIA

' . . ( -4 THE ASSASSINATION OF THE GRAND DUKE SERGIUS. U«iUd Press Association— By Electric T»legraph— Copyright. DETAILS OF THE MURDER. \ THE ASSASSINS ARRESTED. ST PETERSBURG, February 18. Immediately after January 22, ' the extremists sentenced to death Grand Duke Sergius, General Trepoff and others connected with the recent events at Moscow and St Petersburg. The Grand Duke Sergius' wife was . twice 'anonymously warned not to accompany •her husband on his drives, as nobody ' wished her harm. Yesterday the Grand Duke took his first drive unaccompanied. At three in the afternoon lie left Nicholas Palace in a closed carriage, intending to 'drive to the Russian baths in Tverskaja Street. Cabs followed, containing detectives. Near the Law Courts a sledge containing two men, one dressed as a workman, shot ahead of the Duke's carriage, and then slowed, and allowed the Duke to pass. At this moment one, of the occupants of the sledge rose and threw a bomb under the carriage. There was v a terrific explosion, breaking all the windows of the Law Courts and blowing the carriage to pieces, except the wheels. The horses were unhurt, but bolted and col-Jided-wlth a wall, and were killed. The Grand Duke Sergius' headland limbs were torn from his body, which was scarcely identifiable. The murderers were arrested. One remarked: "I don't care. I have done my job." V The explosion attracted a' crowd, some picking up fragments of the car- • riage and torn clothing. . The Grand Duchess, hatless and cloakless, rushed to the scene, but was persuaded to return to the palace, where the remains were conveyed. A policeman saw a man armed with a revolver running. When arrested he admitted that he was an agent of the Socialist Revolutionary Party. He was ; gratified that the Duchess was not injured. ! . Grand Duke Sergius will be buried ' in the Cathedral of the -fortress of^Peter and Paul, St Petersburg.