Arizona republican., 1917-12-16
EX-CZAR ESCAPES
 SIBERIA

Nicholas Romanoff, former emperor e6 Russia, deposed last March by the rSvolutionists and for several months In confinement at Tobolsk, Siberia, IS reported to have made his escape.
 The report, unlike previous rumors to this effect came through the BOls- hevih headquarters in Petrograd, but a few hours later 1t was officially de- nied by Bolsheviki leaders that Nicho- las had escaped.
 Previous reports of the escape of Nicholas had him making his way out Of Siberia through Harbin, Manchuria. The route to Harbin is a long one, however, and he would have 4,000 miles Co travel before reaching the Pacific coast from TObolsk, although that place itself is some 1,500 miles east of Mos COW. There remains the possibility that Siberia itself might be a safe asylum for him for the time being, as that vast province was reported last month to have declared it's indepen- dence and to have named Nicholas as it's emperor.
 The effect of the escape upon Bols- heviki plans for the future course of Russia could scarcely bo even surmised, 90 enigmatiC in many ways has been
  ky government in Petrograd, which now appears to be getting the upper hand in many parts of the country out side tho northern centers, overcoming the opposition of the more conserva- tive elements. Somo English corre- spondents in Petrograd indeed, have laterly come 10 take the view that the Bolsheviki leaders were planning event. ually tO put monarchial form of gov ernment in force after they had cs- tablished their sway by drastic meas ures, coupled with sneir hold on the proletariat through the popularity of their land reforms and peace measures
 The Russo German peace nesotla- tions are reported proceeding apace A German official announcement says the conditions and draft of a Treaty have been formulated, the discussion having been put over from Friday to Saturday, however. as the Russian delegates desired to obtain supple mentary instructions from their gov srnment Whether the word treaty refers 10 a formal peace treaty or merely to tho armistice agreemnt that had been pending is not clear from the German announcement
 Tho Italian front remains the only major field of military operations in which there is more than local activity on the part of the infantry. The Italian line, although almost ceaselessly as- sailed in the mountain regions, stin is intact and holding well except for a small recession here and there forced al the cost of extremely heavy casualties on the part of the Austro- German in- Naders. Berlin claims the taking of moro than 5000 prisoners in the fight. ing of the last few days and the repulst bf Italian counter attacks on positions won by the Teutons.
 The Franco Belgian front Is inactiv, except for local fighting mostly due {, German thrusts here and there deliv cred with the seemsug intention O keeping the Anglo French commant guessing as to the enemy intentions In Palestine the British have scored further advance northeast of Jerusa. lem.
 Tn making known the sinking of two more Norwegian steamers, the Nor, vegian government announces tha 5000 Norwegian sailors have been los during the war.
 Two airships of the rigid typ, have been lost by the British One wa, sunk by a seaplane in the North Sc while on patrol duty and the other wa compelled to descend in Dutch terri tory because of engine trouble. Tn British admiralty also announces tn sinking O ia British destroyer throug a. collision, all but two of those 0, board being saved.