Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-06-25
Dcmocracy's War for the Germans

nut OF Russia, and even out of GERMANY
- there comes almost daily news that
strengthens the force of the one great prin-
c1ple which America has entered the war to
sustain-that 1.-The world must be made safe
for democracy" From Russia later and more
intimate reports show that the revolution was
not SO much the uprising of a people against
the tyranny and cruelty of hereditary masters
as the overthrow Of a policy which habitually
exploited the masses for the benefit of the
Classes Without the horrors of Siberia with
out the infamies of the royal family and with
out the sinister activities of the secret police
the revolt of the people was still destined.
That the spirit which caused the downfall
OF the Romanofs and the eradication of the
bureaucracy inspires the thinking men of Rus
STA and is making its way into the souls of
the army TO drive them on to the goal is
aoundantly demonstrated by recent develop
ments. Special Ambassador Bakhmetieff,s
declaration that Russia will not fail to be
a worthy partner in the league Of honor but
voices the thought of awakened Russia It
should be understood that this is the result
OF consideration by the leaders and majority
OF both the provisional government and the
council of Workmens and Soldiers Delegates
VINO represent the students, scholars and
statesmen on the one hand and the laboring
men on the other, who together changed Rus
slas order. Though the peasants were more
harshly oppressed than any other class. thew
did not make the revolution, because as n
class they are not thinkers. The men who
eHected the revolution are-with the execution
Oh the extremely radical or anarchstic element
becoming more and more welded to the
IDEALS OF democracy, and, therefore, becoming
more and more determined to fight the battle
OF democracy to the end
AND In Germany to-day, the Kaiser is con-
tending with the forces of democracy AS
Carl w. Alderman pointed out in the New
lork world yesterday in a convincing state
ment along lines frequently touched on before
the Kaiser is torn between two forces within
the empire On one side is the Pan-German
party which demands complete conquest with
annexations and enlargements: on the otber &c
the mass Of the German people who be,ieye
Germany is wagng defensive war, and who
at the same time, demanding a larger
snare IN the government. To steer middle
course, SO as to retain the hearty support of
ootn elements is the Kaisers difficult task
To-Day. unless he can persuade the Junkers
that he has yielded, will yield none of tho
aims with which he began the war, he viii,
largely ALLEVIATE that class Unless he can
continue TO convince the thinking masses that
they Will be granted real voice in the affairs
OF the empire, he will lose that support of the
people which even Kaiser must possess in
time of war. 80
If Germany were to win it is uncomfortable
that II would omit any demand that would
serve 10 crafty Pan-Germanic ambition and
it is equally inconceiyable that Tho nao.I
wouid be permitted to assume the rights and
privileges they have been led to believe Womb
De theirs From Germany itself comes proof
that 70 make Germany with the rest of tho
world safe for democracy, Germany must be
defeated. oe