Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1918-03-05
WRECKS BLOCK
SIBERIAN ROAD
Russians or Germans Are
Destroying Bridges;
Francis Trapped.

Washington, D. c., March 4.-The
Russians have begun destroying
bridges on the trans-Siberian railroad
between Lake Baikal and the Chinese
frontier. John F. Stevens, chairman
of the American railway commission.
reported this today to the state de-
partment. This may prevent Ambas-
sador Francis from reaching Vladivo-
stok.
While without details, officials here
believe the Russians are destroying
bridges to prevent an expected ad-
vance of Japanese troops. A large
number of other structures have been
mined Mr.. Stevens also reported. so
they may be readily destroyed.
JAPANESE BRING NEWS.
.sr. sSseyeu.. who sent his dispatches
from Yokohoma and therefore un-
doubtedly obtained his information
from Japanese intelligence scources,
said it was reported the bridges al
ready destroyed were near Chita, east
of Lake Baikal.
Officials do not believe that the
destruction of the railroad is any way
part of a plan to prevent Ambassador
Francis and other diplomats from
leaving Russia if they choose to do so.
MAY BE WORK OF HUNS.
The only other explanation for des-
troying the railroads which officials
here can think of is the fact that there
is a German prison camp near Chita
and that Germans may have blown
the bridges with the double, purpose Of
stopping movements Of Japanese
troops or intercepting Ambassador
Francis.
At the state department today it was
said no decision had been reached as
to the part the United States may
take in Japan's plan for Intervention
in Siberia to prevent the railroad and
immense quantities of war supplies
falling into the hands of the Germans.
ITALIANS HELD AT PETRoGRAD
London, March 4.-Special dis
patches from Petrograd described the
departure of the British and French
embassies and the Belgian, Serbian.
Greek and Portuguese legations last
Thursday after a series of hinder
ances which in the case of the Italian
embassy was sufficient to detain its
staff in Petrograd after the others
had left. The Italians were still in
Petrograd Saturday and also the, diff
ferent office of the consulates accord
ing to the correspondent of the Morn
ing Post.
The bolshevik foreign Office while
permitting the American, Japanese.
Chinese, Brazilian and Siamese dele
cations to leave without restraint in
sisted upon endorsing all passports of
the others before departure and re-
fused endorsement unless the pass
port specifically described the owner
as diplomat. Consequently num-
Der of military and other members OF
the various missions were left behind
and. says the correspondent of the
Daily Mail, apparently are held as
hostages"
LITTLE FOOD At CAPITAL
Foreigners not connected with the
diplomatic service seem. however, to
have accompanied the diplomats on
their train. while reports suggest
others will be able to get away sooner
or later. Reasons given for holding
, the Italians differ but 1t seems that
Count Prasso. one Of them, was OBJ
noxious to the Russian foreign office,
hich also was said to have suspected
the Italians of helping their nationals
to escape from Petrograd contrary to
, regulations.
According to the correspondent OF
the Morning Post provision shops in
Petrograd were absolutely empty on
Saturday. Many of the shops were
boarded up and food was not obtain
able.