The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1916-06-04

"ha SuioluIiidlc Ddil iu llt
~ conduct of this great war it Is
not realized that around Russia
the peace negotiations will turn. The
various other matters IN regard to
Belgium and the Franco-German Dor
Ger. together with the retroccssion of
the col MES with all their complica-
lions. are relatively sim pie compared
with the great problem Of what to do
with Russia.
Every one realizes that because of
l:Issia's lower development
she can recover very much more
quickly from the effects of the war
than such highly organized nations as
England, France snd Germany. The
very lack OF organization in Russia
has made II impossible for her to
throw into the conflict all her national
strength, IN the way in which Ger
many's bureaucracy has marshalled
every ounce Of force and E~ngland's
financial organization has pu; every
shilling back of the Allies.
Russia is In the condition of Cuun
tries of u hundred years ago when III.
nations recovered quickly from their
devastating wars. Unless, therefore.
the nations of Europe are on their
guard Russia will quickly develop her
great resources while they are %stagger-
ing under their frightful burdens. Rus
sia's great birth rate will quickly re-
plenish the lost numbers. while i'm
proved sanitation will shoot the num-
Der If her millions higher and higher.
Are W. to believe that England and
France wish to prepare another long
period of European unrest. while Rus
STA is expanding and developing and
acquiring rights proportionate to her
strength?
If they leave her too strong she will
he a danger. Germany will attempt to
play upon these fears in order to create
with the Allies consent a Polish State
out of the territories conquered from
Russia. This may prove the central
question in regard to the peace nego-
tiations.
The Allies should have no objection
t. placing a real buffer State between
Russia and Germany. England.
France and Germany are n in hop
ing to crowd Russia out Of too great a
prominence in European affairs. but II
the Allies should leave Russia in the
lurch n force upon her some solu-
ton against her will. the result might
he to throw her into the arms OF Ger
r7any. after which France and Eng
land could hardly hope to maintain the
balance against such a terrestrial CO.
losslis as this alliance would consti-
tute.
Hence we may he certain that the
Allies will only consent to such an ar
rangement upon condition that Russia
receive adequate compensation else
where. Such compensation must not
only satisfy the Russian statesmen
but be of a nature to please Russia'.S
untutored masses.
The Russian people and their leaders
recognize the Importance of a free OUT
let upon the sea. \ row of possibly
hostile Powers guard Russia's far
northern outlet through the Baltic.
Prevented from expanding 10 an ice
free port IN Norway aud repulsed AZ
Port Arthur. Russia now dreams of
acquiring Consts ntinople and free ac-
cess To the Mediterranean. but Austro-
German successes in the Balkans rem
der it most improbable that Russia will
acquire such control. I question
whether French and English states.
men would be willing to set up a Rus
sian colossus at the imperial city
where TWO of the worlds greatest
routes OF trade intersect.
There remains the outlet through
southern Persia. which England now
controls, Probably some satisfactory
commercial agreement could cover this.
while at Constant!nople Russia would
he given "A sure n permanent guar
antee of her outlet through the OAR
danelles.
In addition Russia would reuuire