The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1906-08-09
Deep Rooted Distrust In Russia.

writing IN the t'Ortnlghtly Review
on the crisis faced by Russia when the
DONNA assembled last May, Professor
Vfnogradoff, noted Liberal in exile,
condenses into few paragraphs a
statement of conditions which explains
as we'll as words can the failure to
nationalize on a firm basis the move
ment for political reform. The writer
makes pertinent through a sweeping
analysis of all the forces moving in
Russian affairs the question, But are
there no conservative interests and
forces in Russian society?" and an
swers it as follows:
They exist, Of course, in Russia as ev-
erywhere else, but they are scattered and
paralyzed for the moment The indus
trials, merchants, landed proprietors are
| conservative by the very essence of their
position and calling; they represent cap
ital and organization; they depend on So
c1al order and undisturbed intqt&ourse.
But their interests and catchwords do
not appeal to the people at large at a
time when the cry is for redress Of
grievances above all things, not to speak
Of the usual antagonism between capital
and labor, which appears in Russian
| society in its sharpest form. There have
been curious experiences at the last cleo
tons as to the mood Of clerks, stewards,
overseers and other members Of the staffs
| Of commercial and industrial organiza-
| tons. The leaders Of capital were con-
| fident of their ability to sweep the board
by the help Of their numberless en-
| ployees. AS a matter Of fact, their de-
re- f01 coli ~ At
| 1cal, ticket because they are all dissatis-
| fed with their lot and dreaming of a
| reversal Of all conditions Of life
been expressed the clergy Of Rus
STA has lost all social power and the
government is everywhere in contempt
by reason of it's ridiculous exhibition
in the war with Japan. He says that
the best solution of Russia's domestic
problem would be a frankly monarchic-
al army with elective representatives
Of the nation holding the purse strings.
But this solution is difficult by reason
Of ''the mutual distrust of the powers
concerned and by the lamentable in
efficiency of the imperial rule of the
army"
On this last point the professor adds:
| Perhaps the most ominous aspect of
| the present situation consists not in the
| facts themselves, but in the feelings.
The points at issue could possibly be ar
| ranged by a round table conference be-
| tween level headed men, but the leading
| personalities who have looked into each
| others eyes in the Tauris palace (the hall
! Of the douma) have been brought up in
hatred of and contempt for each other.
| Those who have now the upper hand have
suffered so long and so much in the past
that they are unable to recognize the rel
| alive rights and the conscientious objec-
| tons of their opponents. A final trial OF
| strength must come before Russia is al
lowed to proceed on its further course.
The douma was not allowed to com.
plete a lineup Of the progressives fol-
the final trial of strength But in the
brief hour of it's existence it showed
that the peoples "cry for the redress
Of grievances is not to be stifed for
ever, although it may be drowned fol-
the time being by the fierce clamor OF
partisanship.