Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1905-01-26
STRIKE SITUATION ALARMING
AUTHORITIES ADOPT ENERGETIC
MEASURES TO PRESERVE IA
ORDER.
INDUSTRIAL CENTER IDLE
lNCENDIARY SPEECHES AND
Widest THREATS MADE AT
MEETINGS.

:" - ~ N$0s
st. Petersburg, Jan 22-With the
Russian capital seemingly on the
verge of an incipient revolution, thou
sands of workmen parading the
streets, agitators and fanatics sowing
the seeds of disorder, half the sity in
darkness and without fire protection
owing to the walk-outs, the situation
was hourly growing more tense when
the authorities decided to adopt ener-
getic measures to preserve order,
prevent rioting and overawe the strik-
ing workmen by offering satisfaction
of their demands insofar as they are
just and reasonable, thus acting with
combined firmness and moderation.
Streets Filled With Troops.
The government augmented the gar
rison of the city with 200 cavalry and
1000 infantry, brought from the Tsar-
skoe Selo and filed the streets, espe-
cially in the disaffected quarters, with
heavy patrols of soldiers.
The refusal to permit delegation
of workmen to present petition to
Emperor Nicholas has made it known
that the great demonstration planned
for Sunday with its unlimited posi-
bilities for an outbreak, will not be
permitted to take place. At the same
time, acting in conjunction with
conference of employers, it has been
determined to offer concessions in
the terms of employment, which the
employers declared the great majority
of the workmen would be inclined to
accept if they were guaranteed pro-
lection from the more violent faction
Leader Spirited Away.
Late last night it was reported that
Father Gopon, the leader of, the work
men, had been quietly spirited away
from his bodyguard and taken into
custody in the furtherance of the plan
to disorganize the elements that are
threatening the peace of the city.
The authorities believe that by
these steps they have the situation
well in hand, and announce that they
expect a peaceful settlement of the
problem.
che situation had entered an acute
stage yesterday and the strike had as
sumed an open political stage. The
day was one. of intense excitement.
Mill after mill and factory after fac
tory closed. Throngs of workmen
Paraded the streets
and when their colleagues refused to
join them they broke down gates and
forced out the men. The whole in
dustrial center is idle. Over 100, 900
men are out.
Throughout the day workmen's
meeting were held at which incen-
diary speeches were made, the wild
est threats being uttered as to what
would come in the event of the au-
thorities and employers failing to meet
their demands.
The nervousness and dread of what
the next few days might bring forth
was increased by reports that the
Workmen of Moscow, Kieff, Kharkoff,
Kishinef and other large cities in the
AhieNAAOh AhAGACt J0lll 4SlC
Grape Was for Rioters.
In the midst Of the fever of excite
ment over the strike situation the in
cident at the winter palace on Thurs.
day is attracting secondary considera-
ton.
Sensational reports OF a widespread
conspiracy and wholesale disaffection
In the army seem to be absolutely
without foundation. Grand Duke Ser
gus ,Michaelovitch, in his preliminary
report shows that the caisson of the
battery contained charges of grape in
readiness for a possible emergency,
sash as to rake streets In case Of riot
ing, one of which was introduced into
q gun in front Of the saluting charge.
The gnnners are under arrest and
their antecedents are being examined;
but it is impossible to learn whether
anything important has vet been dis
covered.
90