RUSSIA’S PERIL. DISORGANISATION OF THE SECOND ARMY.

NEW PREMIER’S TASK. The situation in Russia, both as regards the army and the Government, gives undoubted cause for anxiety, but not necessarily for despair. In the capital anti-revolutionary forces are at work, and at the front, particularly in Galicia, the moral of the troops has deteriorated to such an extent that “complete disorganisation of the Second Army is threatened.” This position is emphasised by a resolution passed by the Council of Workman’s and Soldiers’ Delegates and the Council of Peasants’ Delegates, which after declaring that the country and the Revolution are in danger, confers upon the Provisional Government unlimited power to restore the discipline of the army, and to “wage war to the knife against Revolution and Anarchy.” Whether the new Premier, M. Kerenski, will be able, by sheer force of character, to reorganise the army and restore public order at home remains to be seen. A strong proclamation to the Army threatening vengeance on traitors and cowards has been addressed to the Army by the Councils of the Soldiers and Workmen, and the Peasants. It declares that only by stubborn fighting will Russia win peace, and appeals to the troops to avert her humiliation and ruin. It is stated by Reuter’s Agency that Tarnopol has fallen. According to information received yesterday at the Russian Embassy in London, the recent rising in Petrograd may now be regarded as suppressed. The regiments which took part in the disturbances, Reuter’s Agency is informed, are being disarmed and disbanded, and the city is patrolled by troops. Isolated cases of shooting from house windows have occurred, but order is being energetically restored, and all suspects are being arrested. The feeling in the Petrograd garrison against the Maximalists is intense. M. Kerenski’s appointment as Premier is greeted with universal satisfaction. The definite formation of the Cabinet will shortly be announced. The Government consider it to be their primary duty in this crisis to oppose the external enemy. Drastic measures will be taken in order to prevent any further attempt at insubordination and criminal agitation, as well as in favour of the offensive. The Government intend to apply severe measures for the restoration of order. At the same time they will immediately take steps towards the introduction of the measures enumerated in the latest Government declaration, convinced as they are that these measures will tend to strengthen the new régime. All democratic elements understand the necessity of strong power and constructive statesmanship.

PROCLAMATION TO ARMY.

VENGEANCE ON TRAITORS. Admiralty, per Wireless Press. PETROGRAD, Monday. The following is part of a proclamation issued by the Russian Workmen’s and Soldiers’ Council: “Fellow Soldiers – One of our armies has wavered. Its regiments fled before the enemy. A portion of our front has been broken by Wilhelm’s hordes, which have moved forward, bringing with them death and destruction. Who is responsible for this humiliation? The responsibility rests with those who have spread discord in the army and who have shaken its discipline. The responsibility rests with those who at a time of danger have disobeyed the military command and wasted time in fruitless discussions and disputes. Many of those who left the line and sought safety in running away paid with their lives for having disobeyed orders. The fire of the enemy mowed them down. “Fellow Soldiers – If this costly lesson has taught you nothing, then there will be no salvation for Russia. But enough of words. The time has come to act without hesitation. We have acknowledged the Provisional Government. With the Government lies the salvation of the revolution. We have acknowledged its unlimited authority and its unlimited power. Its commands must be law. All those who disobey the commands of the Provisional Government in battle will be regarded as traitors. Towards traitors and cowards no mercy will be shown. “Fellow Soldiers – You want a durable peace. You want your land and your freedom. Then you must know that only by means of a stubborn struggle will you win peace for Russia and for all nations. Yielding before the troops of the German Emperor, you lose both your land and your freedom. The conquering Imperialistic Germans will force you again and again to fight for your interests.”