Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-09
AFFAIRS AT HARDIN,
Stories of Destruction Of Property by
Rioters Denied

CHEFOO, December 9. 6 DINA mer-
chant who arrived today from Hardin via
Vladvostok reports that when he left Har-
bin nine days ago the railway was operat-
ing regularly. He arrived at Vladivostok
after q, journey of two days.
At the time Of his departure from Hardin
the employees of the postal telegraph lines
were on strike, but the military telegraphers
were working usual He reports the
stories of destruction of property by rioters
at Hardin incorrect, though some demon
straton was made by uninteligent people
who failed to understand the significance of
the emperor's recent proclamation. These
demonstrations have not taken the form of
riot
The evacuation of Hardin and other places
along the railway continues as fast as the
transportation facilities will allow the re-
noval of troops. The military has been
constantly prepared to resist any disorder
that might possibly arise. Incorrect and
exaggerated reports have been published In
the far eastern papers concerning the stu
alton at Vladivostok. The reported dis
order was untrue
Private letters received by Chefoo mer-
chants who are in continuous communica-
ton with Vladivostok connections fail to.
reveal any attempt to renew disorders.
Steamers are constantly plying between
Che1O0 and NlaOlFOSIOk. ISIeRraplic COM
munication between Chefoo and Siberia has
continued to be interrupted during the past
two weeks.
Conversations with persons coming from
Hardin apparently show the causes of pos
sible demonstra tons at points along the
Siberian railway to be the same which the
visit and investigation of an Associated
Press corresp ondent at Vladivostok on No
vember Is revealed. The underlying diff
culties there were as follows:
Many of the reserve troops at Vladivostok
became FESTIVE after the conclusion of
peace and desired to return home.
They failed TO appreciate the difficulties
and even the impossibility of transporting
them home quickly. These troops evidenced
In a more aggravated form the dissatisfac-
ton Of the American volunteers in the Phil
ippines at the conclusion Of the Spanish
war.
Following the Russian emperors procla-
nation of freedom, the enthusiastic citizens
of Vladiyostok held mass meetings to GEL
citrate his action After the public rally the
predominant unintelligent element of the
reservists. excited by the demoustra ton
but not approaching its significance sought
the permission of their officers to attend the
ensuing meetings, which were literally adj
yertised.
This permission was refused, the officers
being cautious and believing it inadvisable
to allow large numbers of this class of SOL
diers to congregate. The unruly spirits
among the men resented the refusal and
aided by the revolutionary element present
IN VIaulvostok and elsewhere, fnfamed tie
troops to such an extent that disorder was
threatened unless the military authorities
allowed the soldiers indsscriminately to ar
tend the celebrations The desired permits
sion. however. was not given. boisterous
crowd of fifty soldiers and sailors on the
Sunday preceding meeting advertised for
November Is, created a disturbance in the
market place. and. becoming intoxicated,
caused melee among the Chinese huck-
sters. during which the market place was
set on fire. The severe measures of the
police officers in the attempt to ouell the
row resulted in the augmentation of the
number of rioters and the damage chroni-
cled in previous dispatches ensued.