AFFAIRS IN RUSSIA

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Mar 1, 1905

AFFAIRS IN RUSSIA.

ON February 10, conflicts were reported in various parts of Russia between strikers and troops. At Sosnovice 28 persons were killed, and 36 severely wounded, several of whom have since died. On the previous evening over a hundred are said to have been slain at Warsaw. At Lodz twenty are said to have been killed in one conflict and 12 in another, with a large number wounded. Strike news comes from all parts of Russia, but at the close of the week it is reported that the men are returning to their work.

A report from St. Petersburg states that the czar has decided to convene the ancient land parliament, known as the Zemskyzabor. The report has been received with rejoicing by the people. Later reports indicate that the ducal party is seeking with all its power to prevent the czar carrying out his purpose in this respect.

In many parts of Russia are heard cries of "Down with autocracy," and these cries are by no means confined to the middle and lower class. The reform cry is said to be gaining ground.

On the afternoon of February 19, Grand Duke Sergius, uncle and brother-in-law of the czar of Russia, was assassinated by a member of the Socialist party. The duke, with a large escort, was driving to his palace, when a man in workman's garb threw a bomb which destroyed the vehicle, and tore the duke's body to fragments. Duke Sergius is held responsible for most of the harsh methods employed by the government. It is felt that he has stood in the way of the reforms which the czar intended to bring about.

By a unanimous vote the House of Representatives has passed a resolution, introduced by Senator Campbell, of Kansas, requesting the secretary of Commerce and Labor to investigate the methods and operations of the Standard Oil Company. The harsh methods of the trust in the state of Kansas have resulted in the passage of a bill by the State Legislature under which a state refinery of oil is to be established.

Cold weather during the past week throughout the Eastern and Central states has caused many thousands of dollars' worth of damage. Thousands of head of cattle have perished in Texas and other states, and in many places fruit buds have been destroyed, and many fruit trees have been killed. The full extent of the losses will not be experienced until next autumn's crops are harvested.

There was another wild flurry in the Chicago wheat pit on February 16. John W. Gates and his contingent are said to have cornered the wheat market. It is stated that their profits, if their holdings were sold now, would be $12,400,000.

The Church of England is inaugurating a crusade against the English "Godless Sunday," as it is called. The movement just now is directed mainly against the "smart set," who spend their Sundays in pleasure seeking.