THE. CRISIS IN RUSSIA. •■ ♦

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8248, 22 February 1905, Page 1

THE. CRISIS IN RUSSIA. •■ ♦

United Press Association— By Eflectric Telegraph— Copyright. THREATENING LETTERS. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. ST PETERSBURG, February 21. Martial law is observed at Tsarskoeteelo. Many threatening letters have been received, causing special precautions to be taken. DISCUSSION IN THE AMERICAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. NEW YORK, February 20. Mr R. Baker, representative of New York, and a British subject by birth, -caused a sensation by denying in the House of Representatives that Americans were shocked by the assassination •f the Grand Duke Sergius. He added that President Roosevelt was not justified in condoling with the Czar while overlooking a massacre which shocked America. Mr J. W. Maddox, member for Georgia* declared that the Demoorats disapproved of this damnable assassination and ' its causes, since they did not believe in slaughter. Mr Maddox's remarks were applauded. RIOT AT BAKU. LONDON, February 21. A prisoner at Baku attempted to escape, and was killed. A riot followed, and many persons were killed or injured. THE STRIKE OF STUDENTS. MEETING AT ST PETERSBURG. VIOLENT SPEECHES. ST; PETERSBURG, February 21. The students were allowed to meet at St Petersburg University to consider the resumption of studies. The hall was crowded. Violent speeches were made denouncing the massacre. Banners were displayed, inscribed "Death to the executioners." The Czar's lifesized- portrait was snatched from the wall, torn and trampled.. It was resolved to continue the strike. A resolution demanding a constitution was carried. The speakers predicted the speedy downfall of the autocracy, welcomed the workmen as Rallies in the cause of freedom, and recommended the ■ establishment of a national militia as a guarantee against Government excesses. Two professors have joined the strike.