_The Petrograd correspondent of the London Morning Post reported on
June 11th the annual assembly of leading members of the world of
commerce and industry, as follows:_
Speakers urged a general rally round the Rulers of the States, and
proposals were made that they should express collectively to the
Ministers the readiness of the whole industrial and mercantile class
represented at that congress to place themselves at the disposal of
the State for the purpose of making better provision for the war. The
example of England in instituting a Ministry of Munitions should serve
as a guide to Russia. A deputation, it was urged, should be appointed
to lay at the feet of the Emperor the heartfelt desire of all to
devote themselves to the sole purpose of obtaining victory over
Germanism and to expound the ideas of their class for the best means
of employing their resources. England had turned all its manufacturing
resources into factories of munitions of war, and Russia must do the
same.
Some speakers referred to the lack of capital for the proper
exploitation of the resources of the country, saying that this would
be especially felt after the war was over. The Congress, however,
declined to look beyond the all-important need of the moment, namely,
to direct the entire resources of the country to the achievement of
victory over Germanism.
The final sitting was attended by the President of the Duma, M.
Rodzjanko, whose speech was listened to with profound feeling. The
Congress passed with acclamation various patriotic resolutions, its
main decision being to establish immediately a Central Committee for
the provision of munitions of war. It is expected that by this means
Russia will be able to accomplish what England is believed to be
achieving in the same direction. Every factory and workshop throughout
the country is to be organized for the supply of everything needed by
the armies in the field.