The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1917-03-23
A BlOODLESS REVOLUTION
AND AN EMPEROR DEPOSED
Ruler of 200, 100000 People Loses Job
Over Night-RuSSia to Be a
Republic

When the news was flashed to this
country last Friday that the people Of
autocratic Russia had deposed the en-
peror and announced that henceforward
the Russian people would rule them
selves, it was scarcely believed, and re-
-euired confirmation. The most aston
ishing thing about the whole affair was
that the change was brought about
without revolution, and practically with
out blood shed. Along with the many
astonishing things the great war has
brought about this is not the least
astonishing. Never before, in the
knowledge of the writer, has great
government, and Russia is one of the
largest and most populous, made such
a radical change in its system of gov
eminent without bloodshed and revo-
luton. And that it could have been
accomplished, practically over night, is
still more astounding. 1t is now a
week since the decisive step was taken
to give two hundred million people
government based on the consent OF
the governed and there is no indication
of trouble or fear that the wishes Of the
people may be thwarted. At first the
emperors movements were not restricted
but more recent information is to the
effect that be will be imprisoned in his
palace near St. Petersburg, which was
doutless the wise thing to do, as there
must be some hundreds OF thousands
OF people in Russia who have financial
interest in the old order OF things and
if they could have the emperor for
nucleus, around whom to plot, would
start movement TO restore him to
power and thus bring on revolution.
A republican form of government,
formed after the Swiss plan, with a
council of ministers as the chief func-
tionaries of government seems to find
most favor with the people.
Another astonishing thing about this
affair is the fact that the people favor
prosecution of the war against Germany
with increased vigor Indeed, one OF
the grievances against the old gov
eminent was that it was controlled by
a clique that secretly favored German
success.
The old adage, " The last shall be
first" is verified in the Russian move
ment. That there would be changes
in the governments Of Europe as the
result OF the war was generally believed,
but that autocratic Russia would take
the lead was not even thought Of We
can comfort ourselves with the CON-
pensating reflection that in the whirligig
OF time the least expected sometimes
happens.
Late dispatches from Europe in
dicate internal trouble in Germany.
A rumor was set ahoat Monday even
ing that the emperor Of Germany had
been assassinated. This has not been
confirmed, but such rumors as are
permitted 10 escape the vigilance of
the official censor are Of sinister and
thought disturbing kind. That there
will be trouble there, and that the
successful Russion movement will be
powerful stimulent in Germany no
student of the war doubts. A move
ment in Germany like unto the one in
Russia can not come about without
bloodshed, and lots Of it. The German
aristocracy is unalterably opposed to
popular government. A part OF their
religion is "a king" We repeat the
prediction that after this war there will
be few kings and emperors left in
Europe. The reason7 The people will
realize when they get time to think
and consider, that the ambition Of
kings and emperors is at the bottom of
the great slaughter Of the common
people.
State highway building, to promote
the greatest DEVELOPMENT, Of the state