The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1917-08-28
Tells of Disorganization
Among the Troops Fac
ing German Invaders
OFFICERS ARE SHOT
DOWN BY THEIR MEN
Real Crisis Confronts New
Republic and Stern
Measures Are Needed
CBy Associated Press.)

MOSCOW aug. zo.-Ine sScoAu
general sitting Of the national con-
ference was held yesterday after
noon. General Korniloff. the COM
mander-in- chief, entered the hall in
company with Premier KerensRy.
His appearance was the signal for a
prolonged ovation.
vladimir Naboukoff, prominent
Social Democrat, speaking in the
name Of the first duna, declared the
country aimed at the establishment
of a strong and Independent power
uninfluenced by political parties, a
power. based on democratic principles
which would establish obedience to
the law, civil liberty and personal
security. The speaker emphasized
the necessity of the Independence of
the high command of the army from
every private influence.
NJ. Naboukoff said the members of
the first duma repudiated with in
dignation all thought of a separate
peace and that il they were to have
peace they did not desire 1t to be
the result of German victory but the
consequence of a victory of Russia
and her allies.
nj. Alexinski made a similar dec
laration. on behalf of the second
duma.
Premier Kerenslzy introduced Gem
eral Korniloff Saying the government
had thought it necessary TO Invite
the commander 4 -chief to lay be-
fore the conference the situation at
the front and in the army.
General Korniloff said the death
penalty restoration which he ask
ed, together with other measures
constitutes only a small part of what
was necessary in an army stricken
with the terrible evils of disorganiza-
tion and insubordination.
Commanders Killed.
In the present month, General
Korniloff said, soldiers had killed
four regimental commanders and
other officers had ceased the out
RACES only when threatened with be-
ing shot. Recently one of the regi-
ment of Siberian riflemen which had
fought SO splendidly at the beginning
of the revolution abandoned posi-
tions on the Riga front. Nothing
except an order to exterminate the
entire regiment availed to cause 1t TO
return to it's position.
Thus we are implacably fighting
anarchy in the army, the commander
continued. "Undoubted1y 1t will be
finally repressed but the danger of
fresh obstacles is weighing constant
ly on the country.
"The situation on the front Is bad.
We have lost the whole Of Galiciap
the whole of Bukowina, and all the
fruits of our recent victory. At
several points the enemy has crossed
our frontier and is threatening our
fertile southern provinces. He Is
endeavoring to destroy the Rumanian
army and is knocking at the gates
of Riga.N II our army does not hold
the shore of the Gulf of Riga the
road to Petrograd will be opened
Lost All Sense of Duty.
sThe old regime bequeathed TO
Russia an army which, despite all
the defects in its organization, was
animated by*a fighting spirit, and
ready for sacrifice. The whole series
OF measures taken by those who are
completely foreign to tie spirit ana
needs of the army has transformed |
IL into a collection of individual
groups which have lost all sense of
duty and only tremble for their own
personal safety.
'If Russia wishes TO be saved, the
army must be regenerated at any |
cost We must Immediately take |
measures such as have referred to
which have been approved in their
entirety by the acting minister Of |
war"
Outlines Measures.s
General Kornilofr then outlined the
most important of the measures in |
addition to the restoration Of the |
death penalty which are:
First, restoration of discipline in i
the army by strengthening the au-
thority Of officers and nom commits
stoned officers; second, Improvement /
of the financial position of officers
who have been in very difficult posi-
1ion in the recent military opera
tions; third, restriction of the func-
tions of regimental committees
which although managing economic
affairs of the regiment must not be
permitted TO have any part in the
decisions regarding military opera
tions or appointments of leaders.
'The strength OF every army de-
pends on conditions in the district
IN its rear" General Kornilof con-
tinued. "The blood which will inev-
ltably dow during the restoration
may be shed in vain IL the army,
having been reorganized and prepaf-
ed for battle remains without rein-
and fresh supplies OF
projectiles and equipment. there
fore think 1t indispensable that the
measures taken at the front should
also be applied in the rear"