Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1905-01-28

st. Petersburg. Gov. Gen. Trepoff
and Minister of Finance Kokovseff
have issued proclamation which re-
veals the governments plan for break
ing the strike, not only here, but
throughout Russia.
The proclamation IS conceived in a
paternal tone, and points out that
honest workmen, who want to better
their condition, should have brought
their demands to the government in
stead of being misled by agitators in
to affiliating with q movement which
Is not confined to economic aspiru-
tions.
1t invites them to return to work,
promising them in the emperor's name
revision of the general law, so as to
restrict the hours of labor, the institu-
ton of plan for state insurance, and
otherwise to meet their demand so
far as the law will permit, and guaran-
tees them protection against interfer-
ence by agitators.
This document will be followed eth
er by an imperial manifesto along the
same lines, in the hope of preventing
the spread of the strike, or by speci-
&c proclamations by the local authori-
ties wherever strikes are in progress.
By promising to yield the question
If the hours of labor which are now
legally II in Russia, the authorities
believe they will meet the main griev-
ance of the workmen.
This together with the guarantee of
protection, the authorities hope, will
induce those strikers who are indiffer-
snt to political demands and which
class they declare constitutes a great
bulk of the men, to resume work.
1t Is certain that many strikers were
sOrced out against their wishes, but the
general effect of the proclamation is
still problematical.
Though the strikers have been
spreading to various towns, the sit
lation at present while disquieting,
Is not acute anywhere.
The great demonstration, with an
accompaniment Of bloodshed, which
was anticipated at Moscow, did not oc-
cur, and the strike in the ancient cap
Ital has not spread rapidly, only about
10000 workmen being out, according
TO latest reports.
Cossacks charged and dispersed a
crowd of 5000 workmen and reports
were circulated in st. Petersburg that
many were killed; but advices direct
from Moscow at midnight deny this,
The best information being that only
/ few blank volleys were fired.
The Moscow military have received
orders to avoid a repetition of Sun
lays tragedy here, and not use bull
cartridges unless they are driven to
DO so by the direst necessity.
In several Baltic province towns
here has been considerable disorder,
especially in Riga, where the military
are in complete possession.
In the streets of HelsingfOrs there
Was resumption of Tuesday nights
.ioting with bloodshed, some 80 per-
sons being wounded.
If a general movement breaks out
among the Films it is likely to take
.he form of an armed uprising, as al
most every Finn has weapon in his
house.
Sir Charles Hardinge, the British
ambassador, last night received from
Capt. Grove, the British consul at Mos
low, confirmation of the Associated
Press dispatch from Moscow announc-
ng the public posting Of a London
telegram imputing the disorders to
British and Japanese influences, and he
will ask explanations from Foreign
Minister LamsdorR.
1t is not expected, however, that the
affair will lead to a serious diplomatic
Incident and it is thought the Russian
government will disavow responsible
ty for the course of Acting Chief OF
Police Roudeneff.