New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-10-30
By Arthur S. Draper

by <tItuuI ~ HioRCi
LONDON, Oct. 2s.-From a govern
ment representative arrived recently
from Petrograd I have learned the fol-
lowing:
1. No peace offer has been made to
Russia since the fall Of Riga.
2. The Russian economic situation is
SO bad that many sections will suffer
privations approximating famine in a
short time.
Wants No Separate Peace
3. Russia wants, and intends to
work for, an early but not separate
peace.
4. Russian democracy has come to
stay, and all classes are agreed that it
would be fatal to its success to con-
clude a separate peace.
5. The army is being entirely reor-
ganized.
6. America is considered Russia's
best friend, and Russia Is extremely
grateful for her help and sympathy.
7. Russia will follow Americas lead
in the Allied conference.
s. The Russian government recog-
nizes the value Of publicity and is now
organizing in every Allied capital
bureau whose duty it will be to tell
the truth about all questions in which
Russia is involved.
When the Provisional Government
took charge of the army they found
one bayonet to every fifteen soldiers.
N ~ Il = h. n.
food situation was relieved somewhat,
while the army was less unwieldy. The
munitions problem was extremely diff
ficult because Of the disorganization
of the railway system, and improve
ment was made only gradually.
Petrograd Believed Safe
Russian military experts believe the
Germans will not attempt to take Pet
rograd this winter because OF the
weather, and that by spring the Rus
sian army will be in position TO meet
the attack, however powerful it u.s.
It is not denied that there is
heavy atmosphere of war WEAKNESS
among the Russian soldiers, due to the
terrible hardships they were forced to
endure through three long years. 1t
is admitted frankly that the average
Russian soldier entered the war be-
cause he was ordered to do so. and not
because he felt any grievance against
the Austrians or Germans. IL Is no
reflection on the Russian people to say
that their patriotism does not run as
high ms that of the French, British or
Americans. The mass OF the people
have little education and small reason
10 love the state as governed under
the old regime.
In recognizing the Russian army the
government has had TO contend with
these facts. The government is opti-
mistic regarding the future of its fight
ing force, but it offers no forecasts, as
the time when the Russians will be
able to take the offensive is far dis
tant.
on the economic side, there is food
enough in Russia to feed all. and yet
some will starve to death. Besides the
difficulties Of transportation. lot Of
Russian farmers are refusing to sell
their products.
Won't Sell Products
They have eli the paper money they
want, and they will not part with cat
tie. grain and dairy products without
receiving cloth, lumber, nails and shoes
in exchange, and these the government
is unable to supply in sufficient guam
titles.
There is also the question of fixed
prices. The agriculturists consider
that the government has set too low a
figure and they are awaiting a rise.
Despite all handicaps. the govern
mcnt feels that they will pull through
the winter. The country Is being
purged Of grafters, although proiteers
still abound.
Russia's peace views coincide with
those of America. Russia supports the
idea of league of nations and is OPP
posed to indemnities and annexations.
There is little fear in Russia that the
Allies will make peace at her expense.
Russia believes that it would be i'm
possible for any member or group Of
belligerents to sacrifice another, be-
cause they are beaten to it," Russia
wants a peace that will leave as little
bitterness as possible, because she
thinks that any other kind would SIM
ply lead to another war