Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1917-07-22


the borders from wherever arriving.
A nation that had not dared to ex
press it's individual feelings or opin-
ions, either in writing or in speech,
was released form all restraints.
Years of depressed ideas and senti-
ments were able to find full vent. The
Government has allowed every phase
OF political discussion, and even that
/ of such an extremist as Lenin, to pro-
coed without interference and refused
every suggestion of repression. If I'M
der these circumstances there should
be bable of conflicting opinions and
some fanatic agitation it is not only
understandable, but indeed quite nat
ural The wisdom of the policy of
permitting unrestricted assemblage and
discussion was evidenced in the quick
stamping out of anarchistic preaching
( by the power of public opinion.
This was no planned nor even org
anized revolution. 1t was a spontan-
eous outburst of dissatisfaction and
resentment against existing rule so
unanimous that an Empire became a
democracy with the least bloodshed
that ever overturned long establish
ed reign. Keep straight before you
the fact that this has been a political
revolution. The problems now con-
fronting the Government are both
social and political. Social evolution
must follow political revolution. In
nation so huge and of such diversi-
fed interests, time, courage and pat
fence must be allowed for clear under
standing and adjustment. The marvel
is that with restraint and control abb
solutely removed, disorder has been
so inconsequentla1
THE possibilities from the dangers
OF DISCRIMINATION were enormous, es-
pecially as many criminals were set
at liberty, and yet there has been no
vandalism and no invasion of personal
rights, except the few local instances
located in the centers of violence dur.
ing the days of the actual revolution.
The self-restraint and moderation
shown by the entire nation is the
best tribute to its sObriety, solidarity
and reasonableness and the best prom
Use of what the future has in store.
The Russian people are naturally
home-loving and of peaceful DISPOSE
ton. They are neither arrogant nor
quarrelsome. Agitators may temper
arily cloud their point of view by
Misrepresentation and selfish resign,
but Just as certainly they will return
to their normal psychology.
| To understand the demonstration OF
May 4, which on its surface looked
menacing and grave. it must be kept
il. mind that in Russia such demon
strations are the only method by
which popular opinion can find ex-
preston. There has been no suffrage
and therefore the ballot was represent
ed nv so-called demonstrations. What
ever further occurrences of this sort
( take place must be so interpreted. On
the day of the 21st, MAY s, Gregorian
calendar when the Government took
is positive stand against>the extrem-
lists. it was possible to see in these
demonstrations the quick turn in pub
lie sentiment. Within two hours al
ter the anti-Goyernment parade pass
ed up the Nevsky, the streets were
filed with cheering supporters of the
Government, and the effort of the ex-
tremists to create disorders was
quickly overthrown. not by armed
force but by the force of public opin-
ion. The Soldiers and Workingmen's
Deputies denied responsibility for the
agitation and investigation proved that
the whole movement came from agita-
tors with Interior motives. The result
has been wholesome and a decided
strengthening of the Governments po-
sition.
It should not be overlooked that
these disorders were local and that
the nation at large, so enormous in
territory, quietly pursued its ordinary
cocations. Since that day there has
not been the slightest disturbance or
demonstration anywhere A recent
meeting of the Governors represent
ing nearly all European Russia show
ed that the nation at large supported
the Provisional Government.
"The future will hold other occas-
ions when superficial appearances
will seem alarming, but the real sit
uation will be in the hands of a Min
istry which, even the most critical ac-
knowledge, is composed of the best
Russia can offer, These men are