Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-08-29

nllOn SdlQ, SOlQlerS NdQ kllled TOUR
regimental commanders and other Of
flcers, and ceased these outrages only
when they were threatened with oe-
ing shot. Quite recently one Of the
regiments of Siberian rifles. which had
fought so splendidly at the beginning
Of the revolution. abandoned its posi-
tons on the Riga front. Nothing ex-
cept an order to eXterminate the en-
tire regiment awaited to cause it to
return 10 its positions.
Anarchy in the Army
Thus we are implacably fighting
anarchy in the army" the commander
continued Undoubtedly it will final
~ be depressed, but the danger OF fresh
debacles is weighing constantly on
the country.
The situa ton on the front is bad.
We have lost the whole Of Galicia. the
whole of Bukowina and all the fruits
of our recent victories. At several
points the enemy has crossed our
frontier and is threatening our fertile
southern provinces. He is endeavor-
ing TO destroy the Rurlanian army
and is knocking at the gates of Riga.
If our army does not hold the shore
of the Gulf of Riga the road to Petro-
grad will be opened wide.
THE old regime bequeathed to Rus
STA an army which. despite all the
defects in it's organization, neverthe-
less was animated by a fighting spir-
it and was ready for sacrifices. The
whole series of measures taken by
those who are completely foreign to
4 = s-.A T.
transformed it into a collection Of in
dividual groups which have lost all
sense of duty and only tremble for
their own personal safety.
Must Resenerate Army
If Russia wishes to be saved the
army must be regenerated at any cost
We must Immediately take measures
such as I have referred to; which have
been approved in their entirety by
the acting minister of war
General korniloff then outlined the
most important of these inca sures in
addition to the restoration of the
death penalty. which are: First, res
toration of discipline in the army by
the strengthening of the authority of
officers and non commissioned Off
GERS; second, Improvement of the A.
nancial position of officers which have
been in very difficult position in
the recent military operations: third,
restriction of the functions of regi-
mental committees. which although
mana ging economic affairs of the reg
iments. must not be permitted to have
any part in decisions regarding mill
tary operations or the appointment of
leaders.
The strength Of every army de-
ponds upon conditions in the district
in its rear" General Korniloff con-
tinued. THE blood which will inevi-
tably flow during the restoration peri
cd MAY be shed in vain if the army.
having been reorga nized and propa.
ed for battle, remains without rein
forcen2cnts and fresh supplies Of nrc :
iectiles and equipment therefore
thing it indispensable that the meas
r-es taken 1T tho front should also
he applied in the rear"
Must Rebuild Railways
The commander went on to say that
according to information at his dis
posal the condition of the railways
would not receive any more supplies.
In support of his statement he quot
ed telegram from the commander in
chief Of the southwestern front. say
ing that the shortage of bread and
biscuit on this front amounted almost
to famine. General korniloff then read
figures relating TO the production OF
war materials which he said had fall
lem compared with the period from
October 1916 to January 1917. by 60 per
cent for guns and shells and So per
cent for airplanes.
IF this state Of affairs continues.
he added, the Russian armies will
find themselves in the same state as
in the spring of 1915. at the time Of the
retreat in Poland, Galicia and the
Carpathians.
General Korniloff expressed his firm
belief which the measures which ne
proposed. would be put into execu-
ticn Immediately.
II believe" he said, that the ge-
MUS and the reason of the Russian
people will save the country. T be
lieve in a brilliant future for our ar
my. 7 believe its ancient glory will
he restored"
After the religious delegates had
spoken, General Kaledines, leader Of
the Don Cossacks. representing the
council Of Cossacks. mounted the fri
butte and read resolution passed by
the Cossacks demanding above every
thing for the salvation of the country.
the continuation Of the war until com
plete victory was attained, in close
union with the Allies
Democracy Must Support
y. c. Tcheidse, president of thu
Council of Workmens and Soldiers
Delegates, who was received with
frenzied applause by the left and with
cries of Long live the leader of the
Russian revolution" read statement
pointing out that only the active sup
port of the revolutionary democracy
would make possible the regeneration
of the army and the country and the
salvation of Russia.
The democracy" he said, cannot
be detached from the revolutionary
country and nothing but power based
on support Of the countless masses Of
the people can save the country from
it's critical position and give the vic
tory over our enemies without and
within 4"