The evening herald. [volume] (Albuquerque, New Mexico) 1914-1922, 1917-07-20

In Ruspia. Il Is necessary TO UNDER
stand the %psycholoky OF the situation.
A nation under "A rule Of absolute au-
tocracy q centuries suddenly found
itself an absolute democracy. Al
most over nlght autocratic Russia be.
came the most liberal democracy In
the world. Liberty. freedom and
equality were proclaimed ana poht-
zeal cNiles aud aeitatoss were ADMIT
ten within her borders FROM Wherever
arriving A nation that had NOT dared
to express is individual feelings or
opinions, either in writing or In
speech. Was released from all re-
ssraint. Years ef repressed ideas and
The government has allowed every
The government IA sallowed every
phase ~ political discussion. and wen
that Of such an extremist a. Lenin. 20
proceed without interference and re-
fused every suggestion of repression.
~ under these circumstances there
should be "A babel Q. conflicting opin-
Ions and some fanatic agitation. Il Is
not only understandable. hut indeed
quite natural. The wisdom of the
policy of permitting Unrestricted as-
samolagc aud discussion vas evil
denced in the quick stamping out Of
anarchistic preaching by the power
Of public opinion.
This was no planned nor oven or
gnnized revolution. II vas a spon-
tanoous outburst or dissatisfaction
and resentment against existing rule
so unanimous hat an empire became
a democracy with the least %bloodshed
that eyer overturned q long estab-
lished reign Keep straight before
YOU the fact that this has been a po-
litical revolution. The problems now
confronting the government are both
social and political. Social evolution
must ollow political revolution. Ia
a nation 50 huge and of such diversi-
lied interests. time, courage and pa.
thence must be allowed Tor clear un'
derstanding and adjustment. The
marvel j. that with restraint and
control absolutely removed. disorder
has been so inconsequential.
The possibilities from the dangers
of Reorganization were enormous, e..
pecially as many criminals were sci
az liberty. and set .here has been nc
vandalism and no Invasion Of per.
sonal riEhts. except the few local In
stances located In the center OF viO'
lence during the dPys of the actua
revolution. The self-restraint ant
moderation shown by the entire ma
ton is the best tribute 20 its sobrlety
solidarity ans .reasonableness and
the best promise of what the future
has in store. The Russian people are
I naturally home-loying and Of peaceful.
disposition. They are neither AFRO
CANT nor quarrelsome. Agitators MAY
temporarily cloud their point of view
by misrepresentation and selfish de-
sign, but just as certainly they vii
return 10 their normal psychology.
"ro understand the demonstration
OF last week ,May ~ which on it'
surface looked menacing and grave
It musi be kept in mind that in Rus
STA such demonstrations are the only
method by which popular opinion car
find expression. There has been n,
suffrage and therefore the ballot was
represented by so-calied demonstra-
lions. Whatever further occurrences
Of this sort take place must he "a IN
t%erpreted. ON the day Of the 2lsl
cMay :. ~Gregoriau calendar. whcr
the government took is positive stand
against the extremists. IL was possibl,
To see IN these demonstrations the