Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1905-12-14
ReVOIutiOnIsts in Complete
Control in Baltic Province.
GOVERNMENT IS
LANDED IN JAIL
Reignof Terror Rules
in Riga.
SERFS OF CENTURIES RISE
AND THROW OFF BONDAGE

st. Petersburg. Dec. 1S.--Two mes
sengers, who arrived here from Riga
today, having walked about 1870 miles
to catch a train at Plock not only
confirm the report that a provisional
government has been set up in Livon-
la, but they say that many OF the
troops have gone over TO the insur-
rectionists. Dvina fort commanding
Riga harbor, is in their possession and
the governor and other Russian Off
eials are prisoners The messengers
add that the provisional government
exercises authority throughout LIZ
vona and part of Courland, the new
government has declared the separa-
ton of the Lithunlan people from the
Russian empire They nave chosen
new local officials and have decreeo
the closing of the spirit shops and
breweries ard the annullment OF con-
tracts between the peasants and the
land owners. There is a general up-
rising of the native peasants who are
travelling in armed bands attacking
the estates and driving off or killing
their owners.
Some of the land owners have or
ganized volunteer battalions to protect
their property. as the authorities are
bowerless to afford aid. but the me-
jorty are fleeing in terror. The peas
ants forbid the owners to sell grain
or lumber. and formally declare that
the forests and estates of those who
have departed will be conhscatLd
The position of the peasants In
these provinces has been the most de-
plorable of any in the entire empire.
Conditions almost approaching those
of the feudal system have been con-
tinued down to the present time. They
practically have kept the peasants in
a state of vassalage, placing them at
the mercy of the German barons from
whom they rent land and purchase
the right to cut wood and iish in the
waters of the gulf.
Reign Of Terror Complete
The Russian officials are being ex-
nelled from the province, and many of
them have been killed in the streets
Of the towns There is reign OF
terror at Riga. Women and child
rem are living in the upper stories Of
houses and foreign merchants are
winding up their business and abah-
doning everything i'm order to escape
1t is doubtful whether the promise
of local self-government contained in
today's imperial ukase will have
much effect. at least for the present,
but 1t furnishes ample proof that the
government realizes 1t Is helpless TO
restore order without granting real
concessions. The partial concessions
granted to the people of the Baluc
provinces are bound to encourage the
Poles. Georglans and other border
people.
situation Clearing.
81 Petersburg, Dec "a (Tuesday).
The restoration of cable connection
with points abroad yesterday. lasted
only a few hours Before midnight, It
was reported that the cable had been
cut and that dispatches must again be
forwarded by courier via the German
frontier Nevertheless the outlook Is
clearing. The government Is breath
Ing freer with fighting chance that
Premier Wtte will yet be able to steer
his way through THE rocks which beset
his path The threat of general
strike IN the immediate future has
disappeared and the telegraph strike
not being supported. Is going to pieces
in spite OF the wild appeals OF the un-
ION To stand firm. Al Moscow the tie
np remains complete, but at many
other places communication Is reop-
ened.
situation IN the Baltic.
ST Petersburg. Dec. l3.--The sltua-
tlon In the Baltic provinces Is now the
most grave In the emperor's domain.
II approaches a civil war and the
government has been forced to APP
point governor general with sweep
Ing powers to try to restore order.
Riga Fortress Captured.
81. Petersburg Tuesday. Dec. l2.--
Reports are In circulation TO the ef-
feet that insurgents at Riga have cap
tured the fortress there Inquiries
made At the ministry OF the interior
resulted In the statement being made
that the government advices do not
confirm the capture of the fortress and
seiznre of the governor. The situation.
however. II admitted 10 be grave.
Demand Polish Autonomy.
Wareaw Dec IA meeting OF AZ
catholic clergymen Of Russian Poland
nfter ten hours session during the
night resolved this morning to de-
mand autonomy OF Poland with its
own parliament. general secret ballot
reinstatement of Polish Language IN
government offices abolition of capital
unnlshment and full amnesty for po-
Iillcal prisoners.