Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-05-07
Government or License in Russia

L ROM the many disquieting and frequently
confused reports from Russia within the
last few days it il apparent that democracy's
real struggle in that newly freed country
has only begun. Autocracy as personifed
i'll the Romanoifs has been overthrown and
a provisional government has been set up
but the government is not securely in power
and even the permanent overthrow of the
Romanoffs is not absolutely certain Rep
resentnE the best thought and the highest
patriotism in Russia, the provisional gov
ernmcnt is nevertheless forced to battle
against reaction. on the one hand and
against democracy run mad with socialism
aud anarchy, on the other.
Germany is exerting every influence to
weaken tho hold of the government on tho
army and the people for Berlin realizes that
once moderate democratic rule is abolished
II VIII be only n question Of short time
perhaps only OF days. before autocracv Is
enthroncd again. And autocracy in Russia
is one OF Germany's fondest hopes 1t was
autocracy, permeated by Teutonism, that
made the millions of Russia's armies virtually
impotent against the German war machine.
In order TO realize this hope. Germany Is
deliberately playing her Socialists as cards
in the game OF nations. and is encouraging
them to raise the cry of brotherhood to appeal
TO their Russian brethren
Within Russia the government is con-
fronted by equally insidious foes-her own
Socialists and the council of workmen and
soldiers. This organization has established
in Petrograd something perilously like a
rival government, which bids for terms with
the provisional government and even calls
on the entire revolutionary democracy of
Russia TO rally round the council Of work
mems and soldiers delegates" Moreover
against the firm protests nf Premier Lvoff
and Foreign Secretary Milukon it has COM
PEELED the provisional government to issue
another note in explanation of its note Of
May to the allied powers.
True. this explanation practically reaffirms
the Russian note of April g. in which were
asserted principles and policies similar to
those of this country, but the important point
in this connection is, not what the note con-
tains, but that 1t was compelled by this
council. 1t is also true that the council has
passed a vote of confidence in the govern
ment but by majority Of only thrty-fve
out of $500 voting. Pctrograd also reports
that demonstrations in support of the gov
eminent eclipsed those in opposition to It.
but it is highly significant that further demon
STATIONS arc forbidden, not by the provisional
government, but by the council of workmcn
and soldiers
Latest reports are mildly encouraging but
II Is still grave problem whether the pro-
Vlsionai government will be able TO continue
itself in power, or be forced to yield 10 the
insensate demands OF reckless radicals II
the latter comes about Russia will soon he
not even an inactive ally in democracv's cause
and Germany will be enabled to withdraw
more than 100000 men from the eastern
front For Russia itself that will mean nm
restrained internal license. out Of which NAV
even grow autocracy again
Yet there are American Socialists who arc
lending aid to Russian radcalism.