Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-08-10
Separate Peace Unlikely


HERE is question. we suppose, that
there is some dissatisfaction in Russia
with the continued inactivity of Russia al
lies III the western theater OF war-some of
the RUSSIAN newspapers have voiced this dis
satisfaction and the people must feel t-but
this will not be sufficient to induce the Cars
government TO consent to separate peace
Under tho circumstances and for several OH
vious reasons, this would be almost ncon-
ccivahle
In the first place, it was for Russia and for
Russian interests, primarily, that the allies
took up arms against Germany and Austria
Russia was the patron and defender of
Serbia. and when Austria threatened the
humiliation of Serbian independence it was
Russia that came to the rescue. The issues
of the war have taken n range infinitely
wider since August of last year. but they had
their inception in the Russian ra Their than
the French or British, sphere OF influence
The Car Will not forget this
There is In addition the formal treaty
which Russia France and Britain signed
solemnly providing that no peace should be
negotiated by any one of the signatories save
with the acQuiescence and joint action of
the others The nation that would follow the
German example and regard solemn treaty
as "a scrap of paper" would forfeit its right
10 the respect of the world. France it is
assumed generally, had the opportunity and
put ii aside with honest contempt Russia
must show itself not less mindful Of its OBJ
legations.
There is, lastly the consideration of pru-
dence and advantage Gacia which the
Kaiser is understood TO have offered in re-
turn for the Russian cession of Western Po-
land. would not compensate Russia for its
great sacrifices. The nation would be locked
up even more firmly in the Baltic and oven
more firmly in the Black Sea Its dream of
an occupied or friendly Constantinople would
have vanished forever. Germany's predomi-
nant influence would extend through 10 the
Dardanelles and the Bosporus and Russia
after all her losses of men and treasure
would tie worse of than ever before
In addition TO these negative reasons
against the negotiation OF a separate poaco
there is the positive reason founded In the
military outlook The allied cause shows to
no great advantage just now, but il is not
lost. Ultimate victory is not even question
able. should all the allies stand fr1n--and
this they show every purpose to do. Time
nights powerfully on their side, and Britain
never has cXcrted its strength There mus,
come time when British land forces will
begin 10 bear their full part in the conduct or
me war, and that pressure. when il is
eNeTted. ought TO be decisive of the issue
That the allies understand one another. it
is fair To assume. For our own part we
have no doubt that British failure to par
'icipate on Il greater scale has been due to
mi!llary unprcparcdneSS, but with the efforts
hcinS made under the direction of Lloyd
George this unprepa rcdncss must soon be
cured. In a few weeks or a few months
there Will be ample supplies of ammunition
and ample supports OF artillery for the British
forces. Then the forward movement will
begin.
II is weary waiting. OF course in Russia
and France. as we'll as in England and pro-
ductive OF plenty Of gibcs in the United States
We have INDUCED in some ourscIyes-but
the waiting Will have end. In that end
kuSsih viii profit with the other allies TO
thro" away such an advantage by negotiat-
ing peace that would entail heavy sacri-
fees, is a stupidity the Car and his advisers
are not likely 10 commit