New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-21
MARTIAL LAW NEXT STEP
Both Parties Confdent-Anarchg
IN the Provinces.

ST Petersburg, Dec 20.-Reports received
here from Moscow late this afternoon say that
the strike was successfully begun and spread
rapidIy Even the electric light plants were
closed. Governor General Doubassoft has de-
clared the city to be in a partial state OF siege
The next move Will be to declare martial law.
It is expected that the opening Of the strike
here tomorrow viii be followed by a similar
measure The Inhabitants of the capital ars
hurriedIy laying in supplies of food There IS
intense excitement in the city.
The provincial authorities have already been
empowered, If cut off from the capital to set
on their own responsibility, to the extent
of the proclamation of martial law.
The railroad stations at St Petersburg were
occupied with troops this afternoon. and the
government made an attempt with the aid OF
the railroad battalions to maintain some sort
of train service. especially to the German from
tier, and also to keep open cable communication
with points abroad.
Almost all the papers suspended by the cen
sorship are appearing under names. and ars
having huge sales.
1t is stated that the insurgents have seized tbs
State Treasury at Tukun. Courland-
The Railway Union at Moscow has resolved to
run troop trains from Manchuria and to convey
grain to the famine stricken districts.
The strike promises to be on far more ex-
tensive scale than any previous movement Of
the kind 1t was ascertained tonight that many
of the largest works, including the Putilof rAd
Nobel concerns. will cease operations to-
morrow.
Professor 81i1ukor. leader OF the Constitri-
tional Democrats. this afternoon issued a last.
despairing appeal TO the proletariat organiza~
tons against a general strike. declaring his
belief that it could not succeed and inevitably
would lead to repression and perhaps to great
bloodshed, which might be fatal to the whole
emancipation movement. His moderate counsel.
however was not needed by the hotheaded
revolutionists, who determined to try con-
illusions with the government, under the convic-
ton that they can overthrow the monarchy.
There was feeling Of panic on the Bourss
to-day and a great rush to sell everything. In
periaI As fell three points. closing at 70 There
were rumors on the Bourse that NJ Guchkoff,
the Conservative leader, would succeed Count
White Premier
In government circles confidence is expressed
a complete suspension of industry and that the
strike must he of short duration This hope
seems to be based on the theory that the ex-
IRENE programme Of the Reds has alfenated the
sympathy of a large proportion OF the real
workmen, and also on information which they
say is certain that the organizations are with
out funds. The governments calculations how
ever, have proved deplorably at variance with
the situation in the past, and the strike leaders
say that the authorities are again hopelessiy ig-
norant of the magnitude Of the struggle con-
fronting them. From the ns ture Of the appeals
of the popular leaders to the troops It IS evil
dent that they expect to precipitate a crisis in
the army.
The central committee OF the railroad men Of
Moscow which determined the issue last night
by voting in favor OF strike. has telegraphed
over the railroad lines that the employees OF
twenty-five roads ready to stop all traffic.
The decision is to close everything in the en-
pire railroads. manufactures. wholesale and
retail stores and all government works, except
the waterworlxs. The bakeries in the cities.
however viii not be closed long as they do
not raise their prices. It proposed in Mes
COW 70 exempt the electric light plants but this
was defeated.
Although the blow is timed for Tomorrow
noon. on account of the difficulty Of communtca-
ton. the strike leaders do not hope to bring the
l1fe Of the empire to a standstin by a singl4
stroke. but they win labor for gradual exten-
sion Of the strike movement