Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-16
REVOLT OF RUSSIA
PURELY POLITICAL
Overthrow of Monarchy a
Demand for Represen-
tative Rule
BLOW AT PRO-GERMANS
BY SAMUEL N. HARPER
Professor Of Russian Language. Literature and
History at the University of chicago.
(Written for the United PressJ


CHICAGO, march 16.
The Russian coup d'etat is the logical
elimination of the political situation OF
these last few months. In November last,
when the Duma convened, complete
change of the Government system was de-
manded The Government had shown again
its inefflciency, this time In connection
with the distribution of the food supply OF
tho country The Government was actively
interfering with the activity Of the public
organizations working to support the army
and to solve the many problems raised by
the war. And finally some members of the
Government were suspected Of pro-Ger-
manism.
II was not considered possible for mo-
ment that Russia would betray her allies,
but IL was realized that the then Prime
Minister, Sturmer, might put his influence
forward for a premature conference of the
beligerents such az Germany did, in fact,
later propose.
on these grounds tho Duma demanded
definitely n responsible Government of
Ministers responsible to the representative
bodies. This demand was supported by the
upper house of the Russian Parliament,
half Of whose members are appointed by
the sovereign. And behind the Duma were
these public organizations in which all
classes were represented--land owners,
peasants members of the Liberal profess
sions, manufacturers and workmen--in fact
the Russian people.
A few days after the Duma had issued
its ultmatum the Ministers of War and Of
the Navy Addressed the Duma reporting
upon the work of their departments prais-
ing the public organizations that were
working for the support of the army and
stating that there must be cooperation be-
tween Duma and Government. A few days
later the Prime Minister resigned
The new Prime Minister appointed at
ton tod hnn To Ntrtfh ln
He tried to rid himself of colleagues in
whom neither he nor the Duma had con-
fidenCe. He failed however, and was in
turn dismissed and a frankly reactionary
Minister was appointed and those members
of the Government whose names had been
mentioned in the pro-German intrigue were
retained in office. The date for the reopen
ing of the Duma was postponed.
when the Duma convened finally on Feb
rudy 81, it declared that the new Govern
ment did not represent responsible govern
ment. In the meantime the food situation
in the large urban centers had become a
real crisis. There was danger Of disorders
breaking out. Then came the edict dissolv-
ing the Duma After trying moral pressure
to no purpose, the Duma had to resort to
revolutionary methods.
The movement is a purely political revo-
luton with the single aim of establishing
responsible government. The Duma leaders
VIII be able to hold the confidence of the
people, for they are acting in accordance
with the popular demands definitely voiced
by the all-comprehensive public organiza-
tions mentioned above.
The same organizations have made it pos
sible to bring off this revolution rapidly and
without much violence.
The Duma is supported by the army, for
the army would have starved but for the
work OF the public organizations, the presi-
dents OF which are among Duma leaders.
The fact that the army is behind the Duma
also accounts for the fact that this revo-
luton was attended by a minimum of dis
order.
The revolution is political but not anti
dynastic. Every effort was made to con-
vince the Emperor that he could safely
trust the people, that the people were really
loyal to him and wholeheartedly back of
the war, but 1t seemed impossible to gain
his ear. Constitutional government was the
demand OF the Dlhma, and is the object of
the revolution, but the monarchical idea is
firmly established in Russia and the move
ment was directed not against the ruling
dynasty but against the irresponsible Min
lsters VINO were either deceiving or at least
Givfng bad counsel to their sovereign
Finally the aim of the movement and its
justification Is to secure conditions which
will make 1t possible for Russia to put for
ward all her strength for the successful
prosecution of the war
Last summer leaders of the Duma said
to me: Perhaps we will have to have n
revolution before we win the war" These
same leaders saw then and admitted the
danger of any such move.
But they have finally realized that the
move had to be made, and they, also. it il
now clear saw that it could be concluded
quickly and effectively without weakening
Russia, from the military point of view.
Many looking forward to the military
operations of the coming spring. but know
ing the internal conditions in Russia, had
doubts. These doubts should now be dis
PEELED. Again, many, knowing of the pro-
German intrigue going on in Russia, feared
not separate peace, but premature settle
ment
The revolution spells the end of these
anXieties. The revolution means more
active prosecution of the war to victory