New-York tribune., 1917-06-20
Minister Struggles with
Governmental Problems,
Despite Illness
10000 Workmen Idle
Strikes and Plundering Said
To Be Spreading Through
out the Empire

Ciicdgo. June 19.-"Ihe Chico9o
Tribune" tomorrow 1CU print the
foNowing cable from james ODon-
nell Bennett:
Stockholm, June 1s.-From authentic
sources in Petrograd comes thrilling
picture of VI. Kerensky's struggles, in
the face of heavy physical disabilities,
with the immense governmental prob
lens. Often the Minister of War is
carried on a litter to transact public
business. At times he pulls himself
upright and addresses great assem-
blages with blazing fervor, until sud
denly he swoons.
This" says an observer, produces
terrific emotional effect on the sensi-
tive Russian heart. but the people are
all asking something else-nameiy'
bread and peace"
Strikes and plundering are said to be
spreading. Rich persons in Moscow
and Petrograd are afraid to move to
their country seats because these are
often attacked by plunderers. Forty
thousand workmen are idle in Petro-
grad. and it is predicted the number
will reach hundred thousand IN
fortnight. The paper ruble has shrunk
to 20 cents of American money. Swed-
ish agents Just returned warn against
credit business in Russia, declaring
the threatened counter revolution VIII
be followed by anarchy and bankruptcy.
Nobody will accept the post of Minister
OF Commerce.
Russia Needs Grant
The Swedish observer says:
"Kerensky is doing his utmost, put
what Russia requires Is the will OF a
Grant who can do the Impossible anu
organize. Organized graft IS perhaps
the only organization Russia now mas.
The Russian Minister OF Communl-
cations, Nekrazov, says:
The position is extremely difficult
The most menacing hour OF the kusslaG
revolution is near Russia mas reacheu
the turning point. During the next feW
weeks the question must be DECIDED
not only as to the POWERS, but the fate,
of Russia II the country VIII not
assist the government ard cooperate
with it in reestablishinG order, | see
no way out OF this situation
All other members of the govern
ment are very anxious. "Pravada." the
great Petrograd daily, newly estab-
lished by the Socialist majority, says:
Economic conditions are dissolved
The old order is in ruins and the ne"
not vet established. II this continues
we shall have neither bread, boots
fuel. railway traffic. metals nor credit
One town will war with the next foF
one extra wagon of grain and one
county will have 10 Sight the next about
a cargo of coal or petroleum.
Old system Destroyed
"A new order must be erected The
old economic system is completely de-
stroyed bv the Czarlsts and ghouls be-
hind the fronts, but Russia still has
working powers and resources such
that il need not want for any or lIte's
necessaries. Up TO now the economic c
arrangements have been IN the hands
OF capitalists and great landowners
solely. and. with view 10 their own
profit. they are sending worklngmeh
and products from one place to an
other only in order to get profits from
them and increase their own power
"This system is creating bankruptcy
II is a time of the autocratlc capitalist.
In order 10 save the lives OF millions OF
men we must now go forward TO a new
order of things. The people must take
care of their own economic resources
and use them TO the best advantage OF
the whole"
A neutral observer lately several
things in Petrograd, and trustworthy
makes the following written statement;
"The great country OF Russia is oeihS
carried blindly to its fate Confusion
is gliding into chaos. Russia faces
second revolution greater than the first.
1t will be the forerunner of the tragedy
of Russia falling asunder. The situa-
ton may be described as hopeless. ~
(Copyright Chicago Tribme)