Evening star., 1917-09-26
RUSSIAN CONGRESS
NOT T0bE0FF|C|AL
Premier Kerensky to Withhold
Recognition-BoIsheviM May
Have a Majority.
MODERATES HOLD BACK
By the Associated Press.

BY the Assocfated Press.
PETROGRAD. September 2s.-Premier
Kerensky's secretary says the premier
will not recognize as official the demo-
cratic congress called by the soldiers
and workmens delegates, which will
meet on Thursday, although he might
address it.
Absurd and sensational runors were
current last night regarding the
premier. They were published In the
newspapers this morning. but were de-
clared officially to be unfounded. The
chief problem before the congress will
have to do with the plan. which pos
sibiy will be backed by a majority. to
bring about the formation OF cabinet
responsible only to the congress. NJ.
Avskentieff, former minister OF the In
terror, explained this project to the
peasant delegates in pstriotic sreech
in which he said Russia must fight Ger
many resolutely if it desired 10 avoid
abject surrender.
The probable policy OF the congress
was indicated further by 4 message sent
by the soldiers and workmen's delegates
10 Premier kerensky, begging him to
postpone formation of a cabinet until
the congress has met
Fears Bolsneviki Majority.
The preuier's secretary. who is one
of tho leaders of the peasant delegation.
fears the Bolsheviki will have a ma
1ority, owing to the fact that this party
Is strainlng every nerve to rally adher-
ents. whereas the moderates refuse to
attend the congress account of it's
unrepresentative character They also
aliege participation would commit them
to the socialist program of June 21
Such n hOVcOtt of the has been
proclaimed by the constitutional demo-
crats. by some professional organiza
tions. and also by many municipalities
and zemstvos, from which are pouring
in kilograms to Premier Kerensky ex-
pressing confidence in him.
Il believe many moderate social revo-
lutionaries and Menshevikis regret hav-
Ing approved the plan for the congress"
said the secretary, but it is too late
now."
Assaults on Kerensky Worker.
The controversy over the KorniloH
conspiracy has diminished in its in
tensity and the Bolsheviki assaults
the evening papers state that the pre-
mier, as a result of the Bolsheviki
conquest of the Petrograd workmens
and and, soldiers die group. intends to resign
Toheidse and other moderate socialists
already have done.
The dancer and former favorite of the
ex-emperor, Ballerina Kshesinska. has
begun suit against the staff of the
Petrograd military district. alleging
that soldiers who in the spring occu-
pied part of her palace damaged the
property to the extent Of 100000 rubles.
Petrograd Partially Evacuated.
among the population and there are in
dications Of returning confidence. the
partial evacuation of Petrograd is pro-
sceeding. irrespective of whether the
government will be transferred to
Moscow.
A priceless collection of pictures at
the Hermitage Gallery is already boxed
for shipment to an unknown destina-
parochial churches in Petrograd also
are being removed. Today an enor-
nous barge was anchored in the Neva
near the Synod building. Workmen
precious books and manuscripts and
monastery treasures. The barge is des-
tined to complete a long voyage be-
fore the canals and rivers freeze.
Russia Is Assured.
In the course of a speech discussing
peace. Gen Verkhovsky. the war min
lister. said:
Chancellor Michaelis. in officially ex-
pounding the conditions of peace,
passed over Russia in silence. This
silence signifies that Germany, seeing
our army give way, wishes to come to
an understanding with Great Britain
and France to the detriment of Rus
STA. Fortunately, the British and
French people have declared to their
governments that tSey will not con-
clude a separate peace. Yesterday we
received formal assurances to this ef-
feet
Rear Admiral Verdervoki. commander
Of the Black sea fleet. has declared
that the distrust of the sailors for
their officers was not justified. as the
personnel of the officers was excellent
and constituted the fleets last resource,
The admiral asked for the assistance
of the workmen's and soldiers dele
gates in restoring confidence.