Evening star., 1917-09-29
.kEREVSKY VICTOR
ME|RST TEST VOTE
Mimaiists and Socialists
Back Coalition Cabinet, IN
duding the Bourgeoise.
pRaNr.klNE ON ONE PARTY

8y<hoADsoefASed Pree2
FETRO0RAD. esptember 2s.-The
usauanaaases and the social democrats
a yestsrdAy-v session of the democratic
congrsss voted 81 to II in favor of a
coalition cabinet. to include represent
atives Of the boargeotss. but Sc to 81
against the inclusion OF the constitu-
tional dsmocrata. Tho revolution So
caaIists voeed In favor of a coalition
axoiuding the-cowtitutional democrats.
81 to 81.
Premier Kerensky conferred with
rsppssenAGktves Of the Moscow indus
trial group Regarding their possible en-
Try into the cabinet. They replied they
would participate II the cabinet was
wholly independent Of any party or po-
Mtfcai association.
Tho government, in replying to the
demands Of the maximalists for the in
volatility Of NIkolai Lenine at the con-
xrsss, said he would not be arrested in
the haiI Of the congress. but would be
spprehended II found outside the hall.
Tho maximaifsts, therefore. decided not
to bring Lenine from his hiding place.
Kerensky Takes Initiative.
Premier Ksrensky took the initiative
ypSterday and faced coldly what may
bO tho supreme test of the power OF MS
govsrnment. At the very beginning OF
fha democratfc congress called by the
Naximalists and the council OF work
mems and soldiers delegates to ques-
ton his power and perhaps to demand
O new government. the premier accept
that his regime had saved Russia in its
darkest hours.
The government also indicated Its
policy Of frm continuation of the war
when Gen. Verkhovsky. minister OF
war, pledged the convention to a final
victory over Germany il discipline in
the army was restored. The generals
reference to the return Of discipline and
his announcement that the omcers
would be named by their superiors. In
stead Of elected by the soldiers, was ap-
plauded only mildly. but his address a.
. whole evoked more cheers than did
the premiers.
The applause which greeted Premier
Kerensky indicated that he had a small
minority with him. The socialists sup
porting him contend that he has a major
tty OF the convention. The government
ministers had a meeting late last night
to discuss the effect Of his appearance,
but none Of the ministers would talk. A
crisis probably will come Saturday. when
the work Of preliminary organization has
been completed and the radical left pre-
hevih and the conservatives alike will
make an effort toward lining UP their
strength through party conferences.
Split Among Cossacks.
An instance of a split even in the clos
est party ranks was given the congress
whsn N. Tohernof. the spokesman for
Gen. Kaledines. the chief of the Cos.
sacks. as that miserable Kaledines:"
One Of the Cossacks' delegates shouted:
Another Cossack leaped to his feet. shout
ing. 60 on. Kaledines Is traitor
Unusual vigilance was observed by the
military authorities Of Petrograd- last
night in connection with the congress.
The guards at the winter palace were in
creased and they halted many passers-by,
- did the guards at other government
buildings.
The section of Gen verkhovsky's
speech concerning tho efforts of Ger
many to obtain peace at the expense
Of Russia provoked great applause.
Our gallant allies" the war minister
said. have replied to the dastardly Of
heving as believe that the Russian army
still will bare its breast to free the IA
therland.
Points Out Army Defects.
The general said he would handle the
army without gloves. although it had
plenty Of good intentions. He pointed
out defects. saying:
The twelfth army before Riga did
not refuse to fight and die. but we need
men to fight and win victories. The fleet
does not refuse to fight. but at the same
time 1t murders its officers We hear
many worthy words about the army and
fleet. but we have a great many deser-
tors. The glorious victories on the
southwest front in July terminated in
a disgraceful retreat
I'm the rear we have reinforcements,
but the men at the front do not accept
them because they bring discord and
regiments with historic records can
not accept such men,"
Gen. Verkhovsky repeated his an
nounced program of changing the army
commanders. educating the troops along
free revolutionary lines based on mu-
tual trust between officers and men and
the disbanding of the useless hordes
In the rear. The speech contained lit
tie comfort for pacifists in the audience
The war minister is young man
about the age of Kerensky. He spoke
In low, even voice and referred fire.
Quently to notes. gradually working
up to the climax, when he declared in
n ringing voice.