The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-12-26
BOIsheviki a Failure Because of
Lack of Authority.
Soldiers Refuse To Obey Or
ders, Permit Disarming.
WON'T FIGHT UKRAINIANS
Openly Call BOIsheviki Officials
German HireIings.
Bomb Throwing Weapon AdvO-
Gated to Repel Govt.

London, Dec. 26.-There have been
OCCASIONAL assertions in Petrograd
dispatches that influence and power
in the BoIshevikf were waning but new
er with such unanimity as in special
dispatches dated from the Russian
capital Sunday and printed today.
Nearly all make the point in one form
or otner that detection from the work
mems and soldiers organizations is
growing constantly.
= Among causes alleged are general
lack of authority for the increase in
drunkenness. the reluctance Of the
population to work and the scarcity of
foodstuffs. The main desire of the
Z soldiers is said to be fof peace.
The correspondents cite instances OF
Bolshevikf troops refusing to march,
declining to attack the Ukrainians and
permitting the Cossacks to disarm
Them without resistance. Fighting, 1t
is said is the last thing they are will
ing or intend to do. A hostile spirit
- reported to survive among the Bal
tic sailors and the Red Guard, but the
former are not numerous enough TO
conquer the Ukrainians and the Hed
Guard is largely unframed i is re-
ported therefore that war against the
Ukraine probably will not materialize
on any seriO1s scale.
All Glasses Dissatisfied.
Bolsheviki leaders. the Petrograd
E correspondent of the Morning Post
saws. appear to be becoming failures.
i. The correspondent of the Daily
News, writes:
There is a growing opposition to
the Bolsheviki among all classes. Men
who formerly supported them are
turning against them and German
hireHuQs is a common term OF de-
nunciatfon There is much talk OF
meeting the present reign of terror
with counter measures and bomb
throwing is freely suggested as the
only method of exerting pressure on
the Bolsheviki. This is not merely
idle talk, as those who say it are those
who have thrown bombs"
Reports of civil war activities, how
ever, continue to be received. The
Bolsheviki declares definitely that the
troops have captured KharlSov, Nico-
Iva and are threatening the Ukrainian
hold on Odessa. The Cossacks report
the strengthening of their hold on the
Donestbain. None of the reports,
however, is more precise than recent
reports of a similar nature. In the
meantime nothing more is heard Of
the efforts at reconciliation between
the Bolshevil1i and the Ukraines.
Rumor Congress to RecOnvene.
Interest in the converting of the
constituent assembly is said too have
reawakened remarkably and dena nds
for its convocation are being made, II
classes and also by the troops of the
Petrograd garrison.
1t appears that the BoIsheviki COM
missioners are trying, altho vain1y, to
shift some of the disconnected mill
tary units from the capital. A Reuter-
dispatch from Petrograd says the
Praobrashensky regiment has de-
clared its disbelief of the BolsheviISi
government to open the constituent
assembly and has refused to relinquish
guard of the Tauride palace until the
assembly meets. The SemenOvsky
guard regiment has resolved not to
arrest members of the constituent as
sembIy no matter what orders it re-
ceives.
It is reported, however, that the
2olsheviki intend to control admis-
sion to the assembly by issuing tickets
This is sharply opposed by the social
revolutionists who are credited with
the determination to convene the as
sembly in any case.
Peace Treaty Up in the Air.
In consequence of the postponenent
of the peace negotiations at Brest-
Litovsk because the Germans were
not ready to reply to the Russian
terms. the Russian delegates are re-
ported to be returning to Petrograd
where apparently they are expected tc
await the arrival of the delegations
from the enemy powers which are tC
participate in a conference for discus
sion of the political aspects of ar
eventual peace conference
Various explanations are offered in