The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1905-11-18


TO Preserve Order Than the Troops.
Strike Believed to Be Bunder.
81 Petersburg. Nov 1G.-The AS
ISOLATED Press is informed from a high
source that a ukasc will be issued
whereby large portion OF the i'm
perial domain, which covers almost
third of European Russia, and which
at present is the property Of the en-
pcror and the grand dukes, will be
given To the peasants.
According to this information, land
will be supplied to the landloss peas
ants in l5-acrc allotments. not as
free gift. but on easy terms, the pay
mcnts To- be made through the Peas
ants Bank and to cover a period OF
% years
There is also under consideration
plan for the abolition OF the specla
economic classification Of the com
munal holding of land by the peas
antry and the placing Of the peasants
so fer as the holding Of land IS con
ccrncd. ON the same footing as Other
subjects OF the emperor.
a fierce northeast blizzard and snow
which blew down on 81 Petersburg
prevented bloodshcd in the Russian
capital The bitter cold is forcing tho
strikers to remain indoors and did
more 10 preserve order than all the
Cossacl cavalry patroliing the streets
Heavy military reserves are stationed
In an the industrial districts, but
there was no riotiug There were m
mors of collisions in various parts
Of the city but on Investigation they
turned ont 10 be- false.
The Social Democrats had an i'm
prcssive response on the part Of al
examinations of worllmen 10 theii
summons for a general political strike
10 demonstrate their solidarity witt
tho struggle of their Polish comrade.
for autonomy and 10 protest against
the execution of the mutinous sailor.
al Cronstadt. The men walked out Of
all the big mills and factories, and Tho
employees of the Baltic and Warsaw
railroads, the printers and Other
classes Of labOrers struck, but the
shops in the centre OF the city were
not closed Troops took charge Of the
electric light stations. which were op
Grated by sailors. so that the city was
not placed in darkness.
30 dispatches have arrived from
the interior. however. 10 show that
the worlmon in other cities are re
snondont to the demand for cooper
alton. and disscnsion has broken out
among the leaders. some OF whom be
lioye tho strike 10 be hasty and Ill
advised. and who sly If it does not
succeed the result will be loss Of
prestige.
Count Viuo and his cabinet were
in session throughout the afternoon
and evening discussing the situation
and a number of prominent Liberals
were called in for consultation. Crane
Duke Nicholas was present part OF the
time. The possibility that the govern
mont might be compelled. if the situa
ton grew worse. to declare marital
law in ST Petersburg, was considered
but as tar as has been learned, nc
definite decision in this matter was
reached.
While the League of Leagues is dis
posed to back mp the strike. the work
men are undoubtedly alternating much
pnblic sympathy by their recklessness
Many Liberals openly declare that the
strike IS n tactical blunder which may
prove disastrous. but their temperate
counsel is rejected.
In government circles it is recog
nizcd that the situation in Poland re
oulrcs a skillml hand at the helm
Governor General Scalon probably
will be replaced by a man OF Coun
Whites choice. The name Of Genera
Mensky is mentioned in this connec
ton but it is doubtful if he will ac
cent the Office under present condi
tons.
In response to questions. Count
Witte is said to have reiterated his
assurances that the Jewish question
will be referred to the douma for set
Element. and he is also said to have
declared that the emperor's will fol
the realization of the reforms an
nounced in the manifesto Of October
80 are inncyible.