History of the World War, Volume 4 (of 7) : $b An authentic narrative of the world's greatest war — John Shaqi
History of the World War, Volume 4 (of 7) : $b An authentic narrative of the world's greatest warMarch, Francis A., Jr.
History
History of the World War, Volume 4 (of 7) : $b An authentic narrative of the world's greatest war
March, Francis A., Jr.
World War, 1914-1918
3. That unlimited powers are accorded the Government for
re-establishing the organization and discipline of the army for
a fight to a finish against the enemies of public order, and for
the realization of the whole program embodied in the governmental
program just announced.
The re-organization of the Councils of the All-Russia, and Workmen’s
and Peasants’ Organizations on the 23rd, issued a ringing address
to the army denouncing its mutinous spirit and warning it of
the inevitable result. The Provisional Government also issued
a proclamation on July 22nd, charging that the disorders were
precipitated to bring about a counter-revolution by the enemies of the
country. But the army was demoralized. It disregarded discipline and
refused to recognize military rule. A general retreat followed. The
Germans and Austrians steadily advanced through Galicia and crossed the
frontier before the Russian armies could be forced to make a stand.
The death penalty for treason or mutiny was restored in the army
on July 25th, when Kerensky threatened to resign unless this was
done. On that same date the government authorized the Minister of
the Interior to suspend the publication of periodicals that incite
to insubordination or disobedience to orders given by the military
authorities. By July 28th the situation had become more hopeful. On
that day General Ruzsky, formerly commander-in-chief of the northern
armies of Russia, and General Gurko, ex-commander on the Russian
southwestern front, were summoned to Petrograd. Each had retired on
account of the interference of the Council of Workmen and Soldiers’
delegates. Their return to the service was a hopeful sign. The Soviet
also passed by an overwhelming majority a resolution censuring Lenine,
and demanding that he should be publicly tried. Charges had been made
that Lenine and his associates were working under German direction and
financed by Germans. On August 2nd, Kornilov became Commander-in-Chief
of the Russian army. A disagreement in the Cabinet led to its
re-organization. In the new Cabinet appeared again representatives
of the Constitutional Democratic party. Conditions began to show
improvement from this time forth.
An extraordinary National Council met at Moscow August 26th, 1917.
This conference consisted of 2,500 delegates representing the Duma,
the Soviets, the Zemstvos, and indeed all organized Russia. Kerensky
opened the conference in a speech of great length in which he reviewed
the general situation, declaring that the destructive period of the
Revolution had passed and that the time had come to consolidate its
conquests.
Perhaps the most important address before the Council was that made by
General Kornilov, Commander-in-Chief of the army. General Kornilov was
received with prolonged cheers, which in the light of his subsequent
action were especially significant. General Kornilov described with
much detail the disorganization and insubordination in the army, and
continued:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account