100 Years Ago - Russia

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/register/the-russian-breakdown-cdkxmg2bk

July 24, 1917

The Russian breakdown

The Executive Committee of the South-Western front, that of the Second Army, and the Commissary of the Provisional Government with this Army, have sent to M Kerensky, to the Provisional Government, and to the Council of Workmen’s and Soldiers’ Delegates the following telegram:
The German offensive which began on July 19 on the front of the Second Army is assuming the character of a disaster, which threatens a catastrophe to Revolutionary Russia. A fatal crisis has occurred in the moral of the troops recently sent forward against the enemy by the heroic efforts of the conscientious minority. Most of the military units are in a state of complete disorganization, their spirit for an offensive has utterly disappeared, and they no longer listen to the orders of their leaders, and neglect all the exhortations of their comrades, even replying to them by threats and shots. Some elements voluntarily evacuate their positions without even waiting for the approach of the enemy.
Cases are on record in which an order given to proceed with all haste to such-and-such a spot to assist comrades in distress has been discussed for several hours at meetings, and the reinforcements consequently delayed. These elements, at the first shots fired by the enemy, abandon their positions. Long files of deserters, men who are in good health and robust, who have lost all shame and feel that they can act altogether with impunity, are proceeding to the rear of the Army. Frequently entire units desert in this manner.
The members of the aforesaid committees and the Commissary of the Government unanimously recognize that the situation demands extreme measures and extreme efforts, for everything must be risked to save the Revolution from a catastrophe. The Commander-in-Chief on the Western front and the Commander of the Second Army have today given orders to fire on deserters and runaways. Let the country know the truth, let it act without mercy, and let it find enough courage to strike those who, by their cowardice, are destroying and selling Russia and the Revolution.


https://www.thetimes.co.uk/past-six-days/2017-07-22/register/passing-caprices-in-paris-dress-5gqsgnpt5

july 22, 1917

Passing caprices in Paris dress

Though many have left Paris for the rest of the summer one sees a great number of people in the resorts where tea-drinkers assemble. Among the foreigners the American note dominates, for many American women have come over with the Red Cross and other charitable societies. They wear pretty clothes and an air of energy and independence. They buy the latest styles.
A passing caprice of severe aspect is a hunting stock worn with a sailor hat, a tailor-made and high boots. Sometimes the severity is modified by ear-rings or flowers in the waist-belt of the blouse, or bracelets below the gauntlet gloves; in her heart, the Frenchwoman dislikes masculine attire. There is also the yachting costume. A girl in a navy blue tailor-made, with loose coat and broad sailor collar trimmed with white, and white braid on the skirt also, will have a white felt hat worn well down over the hair and a white silk shirt with a plain roll collar. Neither costume is particularly suitable for town, but the times are tolerant.
None of these things expresses the best French taste, which is simple and yet inimitable. Black and white are the two shades which all but the youngest prefer in these days; and they look well in simple black Liberty with collar of flesh-tinted crepe, a plain black velvet toque trimmed with a sharp tall quill, or with many. Felt hats are getting too popular; on July 14 they were so much worn by the holidaymakers that for the exclusive world they are now doomed.
Another passing fashion is a silk bag with a ring to keep it shut. It is an enlarged ring purse, of the old type and hangs conveniently on the arm. As a bag it holds much without looking over full; but its great recommendation is that it uses no leather, which should disappear from dress wherever possible, and should be only found in boots, and not extravagantly then. Cloth protects the ankles just as well as kid, for most purposes. If only one could be sure of getting good leather in boots and shoes no one would mind the present high prices; but to pay two or three pounds for a ready-made pair of shoes of flimsy leather which will not stand the first wetting is an annoyance. But it happens constantly and there is no redress. Economy lies in doing without as much as possible.