Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-06-29
SATURDAY EVENING. JUNE 20. 1918
EVENTS OF A WEEK

EVENTS OF A WEEK
II late dispatches are correct, Russia. that seething
cauldron Of riot and revolution, has within the past few
days provided the world with more news than has en-
anated from that part of the world for some time. These
dispatches tell of the assassination of Nicholas. former
car; of the overthrow of the Bolshevik government: the
fight of Trotsky and Lenine: the assumption Of the
title of emperor of Siberia by Grand Duke Michael. a
brother of the former car; the proclamation of Grand
Duke Nicholas. former general Of the Russian armies. and
q cousin Of the deposed car, as emperor of Russia; of
the capture Of Moscow by Observation-Disclosures headed
by Generals Kornilof and Kalidines aided by German
troops. and the appearance of Alexander Kerensky in
London, whence he is to visit Paris and then the United
States.
Rumors Of the murder Of the former car we're cur
rent for several days. and. while positive INFORMATION on
the subjects is not available, the report appears to be
generally credited, and in the very nature of things such
an act was to be expected at anytime. According to the
story Nicholas was killed while on a train bound from
Ekaterinburg. where he had been imprisoned, his de-
parture being due to the capture of the place by the VIC
terious Czecko-Slovaks. If the story is true, as it appears
to be, a life of sorrow and incompetence. of amiability
and vacillation, has been brought to a tragic end.
.
OF the other reports the only one which is properly
autheticated is that Kerensky is in London. He has adj
dressed a labor meeting there. and his appearance has
brought forth considerable conpnent from the British
press. For a brief time following the overthrow Of the
old government Kerensky was at the head of the provis-
ional government Of Russia, and in that position he had
an opportunity to perform services which would have
eaused his mama togo down in history as one of the
really great men of the age, and the savior of Russia.
Kerensky is admitted to be a well meaning man, but he
soon showed that he lacked capacitv and resolution. He
displayed some symptoms of frnness when it was too
late, and he has been a fugitive from the country over
which. for a time. he held almost supreme power.
. .
The. remarkable stories Of the overthrow of the
Soviet government and the assumption of imperial dig
mites by Nicholas have been forwarded by the various
news associations with the warning that those associa-
tons are not to be held responsible for them. and doubt
is thrown on their authenticity. German troops are said
to have aided the new revolutionists, yet no German
troops were known to be in the vicinity Of Moscow and
while both Korniloff and Kalidenes were utterly opposed
to the Bolsheviki regime, their past record leads to the
belief that they would not be likely to Join hands with
the Germans for any purpose, as they have been repre-
scented to be men Of clear vision and to have strong de-
sires for a really free Russia.
The military dispatches in the early part Of the week
were concerned chiefly with descriptions of the flag end
Of the disastrous Austrian drive. The Italians were aided
materially in the early part Of their resistance, and dur
ing their counter stroke by the flood that swept down the
Piave. But the swollen condition of the stream, which
contributed to their disastrous defeat, also saved the Aus
TRANS from utter rout, If, indeed, they have been saved.
Mention was made some days ago of the precarious con-
dition Of the Austrian troops which had forced a cross
ing Of the PiaA, because they had a resolute foe before
them and an angry stream at their rear. The Italians
took full advantage of the conditions. and, aided by the
floods. were able to destroy the means Of supply Of the
,Austrians and their line of retreat. Most Of the Austrians
who got away did SO by swimming the stream. leaving
quantities Of booty for the victorious italians. and those
who came for wool went home shorn. Fresh floods,
however. swept away bridges which the Italians had
thrown across the stream and thus halted the pusuit.
The Austrian drive was undertaken under peculiar
circumstances. The Austrian populace is canoring for
food. and the whole empire is seething with rebellion.
Something in the nature of cheering military news was
necessary to preserve even a small measure Of domestic
tranquility, and the italian front was the only place
where a military movement could be undertaken. Still.
Austria was not ready. and her government faced dis
aster. Baron Won Burian was sent to Berlin to explain
the situation to the German authorities. and to protest
against am advance at that time. The protest fell on
deaf ears. and the German lords OF the Austrian empire
ordered the blow to be struck.
sgSa on the west front there has been less activity than
forS some time spast. and speculation Is rife as to where
4he Germans VIII strike their next blow. For some time.
q frsst, Offensive III Flanders or somewhere along the
northern end8of the french line has been. anticipated.
nut TINS ~ only local ensasements have been fought.
SSln onssof these ths Americans north of chateau-T1ierry
secrtsd AsbriHisnt Success. forcing back the German line
ssosrs scnsS 4istanes ~ capturins over 100 prisoners.
AasyszzaaDs sse,ssstsss.Ala fersisns "a Ka.hinsan. rs-