Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-09-12
.RUSs|A's FATE DEPENDS
on SPEED OF k0RN|LOFF
II He Makes Quick and Spectacular
Show Of Strength, He
May Win.
MANY ECRETLY wAvERING
Ii Either Deposed Commander or
Premier Gains Complete Ascend
ancy, Result Will Be Satisfactory.
Middle Situation Means Civil War.
IRy Associated Press. i

WASHINGTON, d. c., September IL.
Whether Russia faces anarchy and a
reign OF terror as the fruit OF General
kornilofr's revolt against Premier
Kerensky's provisional government, de-
pends largely. In the opintouj OF on
cials and diplomats here. on the speed
with which the situation develops.
II the deposed commander-fn-chiet.
now reported marching on Petrosrad
with troops personally loyal to him,
makes spectacular show of strength
within the next few days. 1t is believed
strong political influences now secretly
waverins in allegiance to the govern
ment, may swing over. give him a pre-
ponderance OF authority and pave the
way for a powerful dictatorship
If Premier Kercnsky. on the other
hand, is able to hold fast to the sup
port of enough Cf the various political
groups on whose attitude the allegi-
ance of the army depends. he may
crush the revolt quickly, adopt sonne
of the strict disciplinary rules advo-
Gated by the kornilof element, and
d
stronger instrument to fight Germany.
COMPLETE: ASCENDANCY
Of EITHER SATISFACTORY
The complete ascendancy of either
kerensky or Kornilor would satisfy
most persons here most Interested in
Russia's well-beinE. 1t Is the middle
situation. the conflict which would
make Russians kill Russians, which
they fear and which. judging by to-
days unofficial dispatches, seems on
tirely possible. Civil war then might
lead to either separate leace with Ger
many. or restoration of the monarchy
with it's Inevitable train Of evil conse-
quences.
Out OF the haze of the Russian situ-
alton as reported unotficially to-day
officials developed the impression that
tho provisional government probably
would count on the support Of the navy.
large part of the arTny. particularly
in the interior, railway employees and
industrial workers. Korniloff probably
expects the backing OF strong ele-
ment of military leaders Duma mem
hers. the intellectual classes, the Cos
sacks and other considerable profess
sional fighting elements OF the army.
In addition il is probable he would be
openly supported by the commercial in
terests and the social Democratic po-
litical group, as soon MS he shows
strength
Premier Kercnsky's sources of
strength Include the usual advantage
Of government authority to make ar
rests and deal out immediate punish
ment to violatcrs Of Its order and the
extensive system of government rep
resentatives among the troops at the
front. Through the channels OF these
commissioners 1t is likely that tho gov
ernment already has disseminated in
formation calculated to retain the SOL
diors loyalty.
SOLDIERS MAY REFUSE
TO FIRE on BROTHERS
Another situation which may render
difficult Korniloff's attempt to march
on Petrograd and seize Russia's rule
by force is that the armies have be-
come so democratized they can easily
conduct negotiations without recourse
to their commanders. and they may
refuse to fire on their brothers in arms
when the time comes for meeting of
trcbps representing the opposing cle-
ments.
Opinion here is divided as to whether
a passage of tho crisis will lead to
united and strengthened Russia. Con-
siderable concern Is felt over tho re-
peated charges Of leaders In tho re-
volt that the composite Kersnsky
ministry contains pro.German sym
pnthizers, or radicals whose ideals
load them unvittingly to advocate
German peace terms. -
IN