New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-06-03
Royalist Outbreak in Caucasus
Threatens New Crisis in Russia
Arrest of Grand Duke and Reported Revolt of His Follow
ers on Turkish Front May Presage Catastrophe tor
Young Republic-CaucasuS Never Asslmlated

oucntly amounted to a challenge to the
troops in Armenia. This challenge,
sounded by the Council of Workmen
and Soldiers, may prove the beginning
CT frightful catastrophe.
A quarter of a million well dlscl-
plined troops are not TO be lightly dis
cardcd as a counter-revolutiOnary force.
Under an able leader, in the present
condition Of Russia, no one can calcu-
late what they m ight accomplish. Grand
Duke Nicholas is undoubtedly man
of considerable ability As military
lec der. Before the war he was re-
dictionary. During the war he became
opposed to Nicholas II and his govern
mont. but not to CZarlsm.l lie was
rever a democrat and never protested
to he one. He. however expressed con-
fidence in the eovcrnmnt- Of Gutchkoh
ard Miliukoff. ard rtired 70 the Crlmea.
But the change in the Provisional
Government ard the rise Of the SO
clalists TO supreme authority could
have produced but ono effect on the
grand duke A man Of action. OF power,
of resolution, the former commander IN
chief could not remain passive at what
he undoubtedly considered the ap-
preaching ruin Of the country Hence,
fi.S
casus. to his loyal soldiery
General Revolt Possible
VIII his arrest in Tiflis nip the grow
ing menace in the bud? In all likell-
hood the peril has already reached such
proportions in trans-Caucasia that the
Provisional Government is powerless
against it. The declaration of ke-
rersky certainly points to such con
clusion. The danger in the situation is
its contaEion. a royalist uprising IN
the Caucasus does not mean, as the war
Minister said, only the possible loss OF
Armenia and part Of the Caucasus. 1t
means a series of similar uprlslngs
throughout the country, which would
form the basis for a general counter
revolution.
There are still numbers in the army
loyal TO the old regime. There are con-
sentative elements in the population
dissatisfied with the radical rule. There
are even progressives who would Ike
to see the government in strong hands.
A Caucasus revolt would encourage
them TO rise against the present govern
ment. The royalist Outbreaks" report
ed to-day from the Caucasus may re-
NeTDEIdLt ll a Nh UNIV Wv 'NN
tions Of the country tomorrow.
A counter revolution, of course,
means nothing but civil war OF the
most disastrous type. Those who cher
ISL the thought of the return of such
personality as Grand Duke Nicholas to
supreme power are utterly deluded.
What the Caucasian disturbance means
is the danger of a divided, strife-torn
Russia, an easy prey to the Teuton
hordes.
The Allies could help save Russia If
they would reach as soon as possible an
agreement with the Provisional Gov
eminent on the mo annexations and no
indemnities" policy. 1t is this that con
stitutes the source of friction between
the Russian liberals and radicals. The
Allies would consolidate the power Of
the Russian government by making
some concessions to it. In reward they
could demand the return Of men like
Miliukof to power That would re-
store the political equilibrium and win
for the government men like the Grand
Duke Nicholas.