Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-08-24

WASHINGTOE, August 23.-Russia's s
critical internal situation. aggravated
By the new German drive against Riga,
threatening the capital. is watched by
officials here with grave concern 1t
became known to-day that official ad-
vices are closely In accord with press
dispatches describing grave political
conditions.
The outcome OF the forthcoming ex
traordinary national council, to be held
at Moscow. Is awaited here with in
teres; scarcely less keen than in Rus
STA itself. The immediate fate OF Rus
sia. 1t is felt. depends upon it.
Out of the great gathering, in which
tho conservative elements of all sorts
are expected to unite in an EFFORT to
compel the provisional government TO
throw on the socialistic control Of the
Soldiers and workmen's co1ncil. one
OF two results Is expected:
The formation OF 4 strong central
lied government capable OF rapidly re-
organizing the army and resuming the
offensive against the central powers,
or open civil strife.
PROBLEM DISCUSSED
NJ CABINET MEMBERS
II appears that little can he done by
outside influence. even that OF the
American government. to help immedi
ately in the crisis The problem was
discussed to-day at conference by
Secretaries Lansing. McAdoo and Ba-
ker. 1t is understood that attention
was given chiefly to the hna ncial and
industrial aid which the United States
can and Will give. and the assurance
OF which Is counted upon TO strengthen
tbs hand OF the russian provis NAL
authorities. Ambassador Bakhmeteff Fl
spent virtually the entire day 1T the
Treasury Department talking over with
officials the financial needs of his gov
ernmcnt.
In connection with further advances
OF money to Russia, consideration also
is being given to the case of hard
pressed Roumania. whose troops are
lighting with the Russians to stop the
Teutonic drive in the southeast.
FORMIDABLE ORGANIZATION
OF RUSSIAN CONSERVATIVES
The organization OF Russian conser-
vatives. described as formidable, whose
criticism Of the provisional govern
ments course is to the effect that So
cialistic domination has destroyed dis
cipline and efficiency in the army and
left the country exposed to invasion,
apparently has not been definitely
measured in strength In dispatches re-
ceived here. 1t combines. however, the
dismissed generals of the army, the
bourgeois. or Constitutional Democrats,
discontented Moscow business men and
other elements. all of whom demand
radical change in the governments s
policy
Opposing the principles of this COM
bination are the Cabinet and the So
cialists. Apparently holding the con-
fdence of both factions Is Premier
Kerensky. The conservatives criticize
him for submission to socialistic con-
troll.
At the Russian embassy 1t was said
tonight that no news concerning the
situation in the Riga region had been
received. The view there appeared still
to be optimistic. 1t was said that the
German offensive had been looked for,
and regarding the possible cutting of
of the railroad line from Archangel, 1t
was pointed out that the port of Arch
angel would be icebound in September.
GREAT RESULTS LOOKED FOR
FROM NEW ARRANGEMENTS
Embassy officials explained that great
results were looked for from the new
arrans ements for dealing with the
troops through three committees COM
posed of representatives of the gov
ernment. commanding officers of the
army and delegates from the army.
Loans aggregating s175.003.000 AL
ready have been advanced Russia by
the United States, and this probably
Is but fraction of what will be forth
coming. The full extent OF Russia's
financial needs has never been present.
ed to the Treasury. 1t is understood
that complete statement will be-
prepared by Ambassador BakhmeteF.
Many hundreds Of millions Of dol
lars. IT is estimated, will be needed to
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