The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-08-23
Mystery Surrounds Shower OF
Messages to Washington.
New Revolution DaWns With
Sitting of Assembly.
INTRIGUE TO UNSEAT KERENSKY
See Hand of German Agents TO
Throw Nation Into Chaos.
Alarming Need of Material and
Supplies Adds to Grief.

Washington. Aug. 23.-The situation
in Russia continued as the center OF
war interest here today with the mys-
terry surrounding the nature of official
dispatches the government has receiv-
ed from Petrograd within the last
forty eight hours still undispelled. To-
DAYS cryptic news dispatches referring
to speculation in Petrograd and Mos
COW newspapers concerning expect
ed dramatic announcements or news
events and expressing the view OF
the press that IF no agreement Is
reached between the contendlng
groups open conflict must follow,
were taken to support the unot1lclal
Interpretation of the government DIS
patches. as relating to political con-
ditions and probable undercurrents or
German intrigues working for the un-
seating of Premier kerensky with
either a counter revolution seeking 10
reestablish the autocracy or the
breaking down altogether of the pro-
vincial government and ruling result
ing chaos.
Whether the official advices deal
with an alarming need for immediate
physical support of New Russia by her
allies if she is to continue in the war
was not established as officials re-
fused to discuss these advices. 1t IS
known that the need of sending i'm
mediate and adequate physical assist
ance to Russia has been urged upon
the government. This has not apphed
to the sending of troops, but to send
ing supplies and transport facilities.
L. S. Officials Uneasy.
American officials, admit uneasi-
ness over the tenor of the conf1den-
tiaI advices.
Germany is trying to force Russia
to a favorable view of the pope 5
peace message by striking new blows
at her As authorities see it today.
the present Teuton offensive is the
answer. to the Russian declaration
that the peace offer is unsatisfactory.
Secretary of State Lansing. Secre-
tary of War Baker, Secretary of the
Treasury McAdoo and Assistant Sec
rotary Crosby held a lengthy confer
ence before noon.
Baker and Lansing had previously
conferred for some time and the
treasury department officials were
then called in.
Trying to Discredit L. $.
simultaneously charges that ''sinis-
ter influences" are at work to discred-
it the new Russian democracy thru a
concerted propaganda i'm the press
and to ALLEVIATE Russia and the United
States were made today by Charles
Edward Russell, member of the Root
commission. He explained that the
sinister influences" were not operat-
ing from pacifist basis but with CO.
operation from other sources" and
threatened to expose the persons be-
hind the propaganda if they continue
their work.
The Root commission now in Wash
ington will recommend that thousands
of railway engines, tons OF rails and
rolling stock be furnished Russia al
the earliest possible moment.
If the Russians can hold off the
Germans in their assault on the nor
thern front, additional encoura cement
will be felt in the new domocracy's
final knitting together for a fight tC
the finish.
Now Comes German Drive.
While seeking a separate peace
with Russia, spreading spies thruout
the country and endeavoring to arouse
peace sentiment, Germany refraine6
from attacking the Slav lines.
The Riga drive may indicate thai
Germany has given up hope of nego-
tiating a separate peace. But the at.
tack. diplomats here believe. will serve
to stir Russia to united resistance.