New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-16

city. Then came 4 period when 1t was
impossible TO distinguish one side from
the other. There was no definite line
between the factions. The turning point
appeared to come about 3 o'clock in the
afternoon. For two hours the opposing
regiments passiyely confronted each
other along the wide Liteiny Prospect
in almost complete silence.
From time TO time emissaries from
the revolutionary side rode to the OPP
posing ranks and exhorted them to join
the side of the people. For while the
result seemed TO hang in the balance
The troops appeared irresolute, await
ing the commands Of their officers, who
themselves were in doubt as to what
they should do.
Fort and Arsenais Seized
Desuitory firing continued along the
side streets between groups of govern
ment troops and revolutionists. But
the regiments upon whose decision the
outcome rested still confronted each
other, with machine guns and rifles In
readiness.
Suddenly a few volleys were ex-
changed. there was another period OF
silent suspense, and the government
regiments finally marched over to JOIN
the revolutionists. A few hours after
the first clash, this entire section OF
Petrograd, in which are located the
Duma Building. artillery headquarters
and the chief military barracks, passed
into the hands of the revolutionary
forces, and the warfare swept ike
tornado TO other parts OF the CITY,
where the scene vas duplicated. IN the
arsenals and the fortress OF st. Peter
and st. Paul arms and ammunition
enough were seized to supply the civil
revolutionaries. Al the same time the
political prisons were opened ana lhe
prisoners joined the revolt.
Al first il seemed a miracle that the
revolutionists. without prearranged plan,
without leadership or organization
could in such a short time, with COM
narrative ease. achieve a complete VIC
tory over the government. But the ex-
planation lay in the reluctance OF tne
troops 10 take sides against the people
and their prompt desertion 70 the ranks
OF those who opposed the government.
Students Join Soldiers
The scenes in the streets were by this
,ime remarkable. The wide streets.
where the troops were stationed, were
completely deserted by civilians except
for few daring individuals, who,
creeping along walls and ducklng into
courtyards. sped from one side 70 the
other. But the side streets were choked
with people. ,..
Groups of students, easily distin-
guished by their blue caps and dark
uniforms. fell into step with rougn
units of rebel soldiers, and were joined
by other heterogeneous elements
united for the time being by cause
greater than partisan differences. IN
kempt workingmen, with ragged sheep-
skin coats. covering the conventional
peasants' costume of dark blouse ana
topboots. strobe side by side with we'll
groomed city clerks and shopkeepors.
This strange army Of people, mus,
tered on the street corners. shouldered
their newly acquired rifles and
marched out TO join the ranks OF the
deserting regiments.
At nightfa!l only one small district
Of the city. containing the War once
the Admiralty buildings, ST. lsaacs Ca
thedral and the Astoria military hotel,
still resisted the onslaught of the revo-
lutionary forces and the battle for the
possession of Petrograd came TO dra-
matte conclusion. IN the Admiralty