Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1905-01-28
RUSSIAN CAPITAL IN DANDER
SEEMLY IN GRASP OF INcIPIENT
REVOLUTION.
Thousands of Workmen Parade the
Streets-Agitators and Fanatics
Sowing Seeds of Disorder-City
Without Fire Protection-Father
John Spirited Away.


st. Petersburg, Jan. 21.-With the
Russian capital seemingly ON the verge
of an incipient revolution, thousands
of workmen parading the streets, agi-
tatoIs and fanatics sowing the seeds of
disorder, half of the city in darkness
and without fire protection, owing to
walkouts, the situation was hourly
growing tense tonight when the author
tiles decided to adopt energetic meas
ures to preserve order, prevent rioting
and overawe the violent minded, at the
same time seeking to placate the strik-
ing workmen by Offering satisfaction
of their demands in so far as they are
just and reasonable, thus acting with
combined firmness and moderation.
The government tonight augmented
the garrison of st. Petersburg with
$500 cavalry and 1000 infantry from
Tsarkoe Selo and filled the streets, es-
pe3ially in the disaffected quarters,
with heavy patrols of soldiers.
The refusal to permit delegation of
workmen to present a petition to EN-
peroI Nicholas at Tsarkoe Selo has
made it known that the great demon
stration planned for Sunday, with its
unlimited possibilities for an outbreak,
will not be permitted to take place.
At the same time, acting in conjunc-
ton with IA conference of employers, it
has determined to offer concessions in
terms of employment, which the en-
ployes declared the great majority of
the workmen would be inclined to ac-
cept if they were guaranteed protection
from the more violent fraction
Late tonight it was reported that
Father John, leader IF the workmen,
had been quietly spirited away from
his bodyguard and taken into custody
in furtherance of the plan to disorgan-
ize the elements that are threatening
the peace of st. Petersburg.
The authorities believe that by these
steps they have the situation we'll in
| hand, and announce they expect a
peaceful solution of the problem.
The situation has entered an acute
stage today, and the strike had assam
ed an open political phase. The day
was one of intense excitement. Mill
after mill and factory after factory
closed. Throngs of workmen paraded
tho streets. and when their colleagues
refused to join them broke down gates
and forced out the men. The whole
industrial center is idle.
All the textile mills and every print
ing Office in ST. Petersburg are closed.
One electric light plant and one water
plant have been shut down and over
100, 900 men are out.
A deputation of workmen endeavored
to see his majetsy at Tsarkoe Selo and
appeal to him to come to the winter
palace Sunday to be present at an inn
mense demonstration of the industrial
classes. 1t was planned to have the
workmen of st Petersburg headed by
their leader, Father Gopon in his full
canonical garb, march to the palace
and assemble in the great parade
grounds in front of the palace and
there present the petition to his majes-
ty. The deputation, however, will be
refused admission to Tsarkoe Selo.
The government believes this will rem
der meeting on Sunday impossible.
The employees at the same time, after
conferences with the ministry Of fin
ance, which was the first to recognize
the gravity of the situation, determin-
ed to offer concessions in wages and
other conditions of labor to individual
employees, but declared it was impossi-
bic to grant an eight hour day without
general legi lation affecting competi-
tors and price regulations for piece
work. 1t is rumored that M. Smirnoff,
manager of the Putiloff iron works,
murdered in the night.