New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-25
Russians Dust
CrandDukea as
Chief Of Army
Nicholas Replaced by Alex
Jeff; Attack on Petro-
grad Feared
Germans Massing for
Drive Against Capital
Constitutional Democrats,
Led by Miliukof, Declare
for Republic

in the command Of the Russian army
were announced to-day.
Grand Duke Nicholas, owing to his
connection with the Romsnof dynasty,
has been retired as commander-in-
chief, and General Alexieff, chief of the
General Staff, has been appointed tenn
porary commander.
General Aexei Evert has been re-
placed by General Letchitsky, the con-
queror Of Bukowina and Eastern Call
cia. as commander of the Russian army
on the central front. General korniloH
is to command the troops in the Petro-
grad district.
Coincident with these changes comes
we'll authenticated reports that Hin
denburg is concentrating enormous
quantities Of munitions and supplies
and powerful forces of troops on the
northern end of the Riga front, pre-
pairing for a grand offensive which may
aim at the Russian capital itself.
There is even a suggestion in these ad-
vices that the Russian authorities are
considering the transfer Of the seat Of
government to Moscow.
Riga Front Loyal
General Korniloff held several con-
ferences to-day with the delegates OF
the workmen's and soldiers council re-
garding this hostile movement Of the
enemy, while at a great meeting OF the
soldiers and delegates OF the Duma on
the Riga front it was resolved unanl-
mously to strain every effort Tor the
defence Of the country.
The Central Committee and the Par
liamentary representatives of the Con-
stitutional Democratic party at Petro'
grad voted to-day in favor of repub'
lican form Of govefnment for Russia
according to a Petrograd dispatch
Professor Paul n. Miliukof, the For
eign Minister in the new government
IS leader Of this party.
The following proclamation TO the
people Of Petrograd was issued to-day
by A. J. Guchkoff, Minister of War:
"The enemy is menacng the capital
from two directions. First, he is con-
centrating continually on our northern
front great quantities Of munitions
supplies and men. Second, he is con-
centrating his spies in Petrograd
Steps against the latter are an imme-
date necessity.
Spies Busy Everywhere
"Tt is always a difficult task to un-
mask these traitors, who hide every
where. seeking TO cover their criminal
activities under the cloak Of all social
conditions. all trades, wearing all uni
forms. mixing themselves with the
crowd. in which they sow discord and
spread distrust among the timid and
weak. To the enemy's clandestine spy
system we must oppose that of our
General staff. Citizens and soldiers
should be watchful wise, for the danger
is great.
$40 not confound our anti-spy agents
with the secret police of the old regime,
who have gone forever and who are
useless TO the new regime, which gov
orrs in accord with the will Of the peo-
ple. The new regime will not permit
anv revival of the old dark forces.
"Citizens, be prudent. Do not reveal
secrets of national defence. Be vigilant
Eand attentive. Be on guard"
No Reputation of Debts
Another proclamation issued BY the
provisional government said it would
meet faithfully all the pecuniary en-
gagements of the late government, not
ably with regard 10 interest and amor
tization Of state debts, the fulilment
of commercial contracts and the pay
ment of official salaries. Direct Gus
toms duties and other taxes will be
levied as in the past until modified in
accordance with the new laws. The
proclamation continues:
"The war involves enormous special
taxes. but the new fiscal system which
will be planned by the Ministry Of
Finance will distribute all taxation sc-
cording 10 the financial capacity Of the
different classes liable"