New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-05-17

The coalition Cabinet now being
formed in Russia will not compare
favorably with the previous ministry
in ability, but will surpass it in politl-
cal strength, being a truer representa-
tive Of the country's public opin- !
ion.
The resignation of Alexander Ouch !
koff. War Minister. and Paul Mlliukoh
Foreign Minister. robs the Provisional
Government of two of its ablest mem
bers. There arc no men in Russia more
fit for those two posts than the
two retired ministers. On the other
hand. their clear-cut political beheis
were such asto cause profound resent
ment in a large section Of the masses,
Since the first necessity in Russia
to-day is political unity and harmony,
the changes in the government are
wholesome and encouraging. The trans
fer of the patriotic and sociaNstlc
Minister of Justice, A. +. Kerensky, 70
the post of War Minister IS fortu-
nate stroke. The masses and the army
idolize Kerensky. A visit Of his to the
front will DO a great deal toward the
restoration Of the military organiza-
ton and its fighting spirit. His knows
edge of military affairs is, 20 be sure
verv negligible. But his passionate
love for the people may prove more OF
q motive power in the present clfcum-
stances than actual business eXpe-
rience.
Man of Great Ability
Resides. Kerensky j. undoubtedly
man of great ability and will quickly
adapt himself to new conditions. Inc
same will hold true OF Michael l Ter,
estchenko. ex-Minister of Finance, and
now the successor of Miliukoff IN the
Foreipn Office. Terestchenko Is only
thirtv-two wears old, but possesses
enormous energy. He is one OF the
wealthiest men IN Russia. his estates
being worth about 60,000,oOO rubies'
His father was one OF the leading sugar
manufacturers in Europe. and perhaps
the most generous philanthroplst III Tue
country. ,I .ror,
NJ. Tere1tchenko was graduated from
the Leipsic and Moscow uhlverS,-
English fawlessly, and / keeniy IN
,nrested both If. business and the arts.
Among his friends are the Leading
Puesian meets and artists. At the
same time he has recently devoted
himself TO practical affairs, largely
urrer the influence of his intimate
friend. A. l. Konovaloff. who is MINIS
ter Of Commerce and Industry IN the
Provisional Government.
During the present war Terestchenho
vas vice-president Of the War INDUS
tries Mobilization Committee, OF when
,bo resigned War Minister Guchkon
,,,as nresident. This committee was
one of the leading social factors IN tne
rehabilitation of the army after the
military disasters of 1915. The ne"
EoreiOn Minister was also member
~ the Southwestern Zemstvo Union
with Headquarters IN Ken. lerest-
cbenko is not such a radical as gener-
div supposed, and, although he may
no in favor of policy based on no
annexations and no indemnities, ms
nolitical credo is not much different
from tina. OF his predecessor, fsui
Miliukof.
Andrei ShingarefT. who has held up
20 now the post OF Minister OF Agr'-
culture, and is now scheduled for inc
Ministry OF Finance, is also political
colleague OF Miliukof, but more rap,,
cal ,han he. Shingaref IS one OF the
sblost men in the government. He was
cr;oinally a zemstvo physician III
Voronezh. and attracted wide attention
bv his works On the sanitation OF the
nc,santry. He WAS elected to the
Duma in 1907, at the time forty year,
90 ago. and soon showed wonderful
latitude for financial affairs, becoming
tbc Dumas leading expert on the
budget Of the empire. He is one OF
the most popular and beloved pupiie
men. ,,. ~
The man slated for the Ministry oi
Agriculture. Victor Tchernov, Is one OF
he heads Of the Social-Revolutionary
party and is member Of the Counc,l
~ labor Deputies. Tchernov stands
Sar The division Of land among the
ncsssn,s on communistic basis. He
i The author OF several political and
oconomic works and was the editor OF
,hc "Socisl- Revolutionary" quarterly
Indication. for some time. Tchernov's
ppnnointmcnt would be Of TREMENDOUS
significance. as his influence on the
sse, that the sll-Russisn congress OF
.nt. opening to-day in Petrograd