New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-07-22
Russia Stronger,
Yet Menaced by
Greater Dangers
Kerensky as Premier Means
Socialists Are in Full
Control
By ISAAC DON LEVINE

The New Russia is in stronger hands
to-day than at any other time since the
revolution. At the same time she is
confronted by greater perils from
within and without than ever before.
Tho fall Of Premier Lvof and the rise
Of Kerensky to his place emphasize the
seriousness Of the situation. Lvof was
q man Of gentle disposition, who en-
ioyed tho confidence Of the entire coun-
try Kerensky is strong man, put
therein lies the chief danger 20 free
Russia. Il is a risky and perilous con
dition when the fate OF great nation
depends on a single personality sud-
denly tossed up on the waves OF rev.
olution.
II Il were true that Kerensky was
virtually Russia's dictator, then the
condition of the young Slavic republic
would be pronounced grave by GIL right
thinking Russians. But the latter pre-
fer to think that il is not Kerensky that
has risen 70 the supreme and complete
control OF Russia, but the Council OF
Workmen, Soldiers and Peasants, 20
whom Kerensky is responsible.
Socialists in Full Control
The council is Socialist body. Tho
government OF the New Russia is now
therefore in the sole hands of Social
lists. a fact of tremendous Importance
not TO be overlooked. Originally the
council was opposed TO participating
in the government. Later IL sent Elk
ministers to the Cabinet, and now II
has taken over the entire Provisional
Government. France, Britain and the
United States will henceforth deal
with an ally protesting Socialism. aim
ing at general peace based on no
annexations and no indemnities. and
practically constituting a labor dicta'
torship.
This. at least, is certain Of Russia
to-day. She Is in the hands OF Q
dictatorial Socialist committee. And
there is considerable danger in that
True. the recent elections in Petro-
grad and Moscow have proved that
the Socialists compose the majority
of the voters. Yet there is a formid-
able middle and upper class minority
which Is decidedly opposed TO the
Socialists. In normal times such
minority would be a natural and harm
less factor. In the present clrcum-
stances il would be safer for Russia
IL il were represented in the Pro-
visional Government. II in the reor-
ganized Cabinet several Constitutional
Democrats should hold portfolios. then
all danger of a new counter revolution
ary movement would be eliminated.
VIII Face Internal Perils
As far as internal perils go, Russia
has two more anxious months TO pass.
Toward the end Of September the Con-
stitutent Assembly, elected on the basis
of equal and universal suffrage, vii!
meet. All Russia will unfinchingly
submit 10 the decisions Of the Assem-
bly,. OF that there is no doubt.
Meanwhile Finland is giving Russia
the greatest trouble of all. Flnland's
declaration of independence presents a
most difficult problem. Russia has
been championing recently the doctrine
that every people should be allowed TO
decide their own destiny. In time OF
peace Russia would probably let Fin
land go. But there are two elements
in the Finnish situation which VIII
compel free Russia TO resort 20 force
in case all arguments fail. First, that
the movement for independence has
been engineered by German agents. and
is not a genuine national movement
Second, that it exposes Russia to q
vital attack by Germany through FIN
land ., -,
There is strong possibility that
such a measure would result in the re-
pudiation Of the bill passed by the
Finnish Diet, a body elected years ago
and composed of men who have allied
themselves closely with Germany. dur
ing the war. Should Finland's plebis'
cite support the decision for. inde-
penSence Russia probably would make
use of force TO keep Finland within