The Washington herald., 1917-11-22
Russian nj. Germ,n,, aia.


Let no one scorn the thought that
Russia might become a very impor-
tant aid to Germany's cause. Con-
gressional leaders who have watched
the developments in the Big Bear
country for months past do not think.
Of course. that Russia will actually
go to bearing arms for the Teutons
but they do believe that Russian
farms and Russian labor will go to
supplying Germany's fighting men
with food products, and that Rus
slams, in fact, may be pressed into
many non-combatant branches of the
service.
If this happens-and with the ma
jority spirit in Russia avowedly pro-
German because Of the successful
propaganda indulged in there. 1t
wouldn't be strange II 1t would-it
will mean the prolongation of the
war to a greater length than anyone
cares to predict at this time.
Men who are seeking the REAL
reason for Russia's desertion might
think over this phase Of the prob
lem: The rank and file Russians,
already chaflng under the govern
mental war debts, saw that debt
growing more enormous each day the
war lasted. By the simple expedi-
ent Of overthrowing the existing gov
eminent, including the government
set up by Kerensky and which was
increasing the Russian debt by its
loans from America. those debts could
be repudifed. Thus the day of finan-
clal freedom and the ultimate own
ership Of land would be nearer. The
russians merely adopted the course
that looked most substantial and
therefore most alluring-the course
that meant freedom from debt and
no further participation in the war
as actuaf combatants.
Ihe moral responsibility did not out
welgh the other considerations. Par
ucularly did the moral side Of the
transaction fail to appeal to the Rus
slams when their very church. in all
its ramifications. was indorsing the
movement to lay down arms, after
overthrowtng the existing government.
with the church effectually prevent
ing the Russians from fulfilling any
oohsations they might feel they had
toward the allies. IL was not only not
oimcult for the Russians to adopt the
course they did, but it was ridiculous
ly easy.
Understanding these things. the
members Of Congress who have given
serious thought to the matter think
they know how hard it will be to
awaken Russia to her real pelil. ana
TO a possible partial participation in
tne war at some future date.
Want Congress to Pay.
-FroVlsions incorporated in the war
revenue bilf putting tax burdens on
the people of the country, and excus-
ing members of Congress from taxa
tlon OF their salaries apparently does
not meet che approval of many people.
AT any rate a collection Of petitions
coming in now. in advance of the ses-
sion, ask that Congress amend the
Diii SO as to make the tax rates ap-
phcaoie TO themselves. The matter
appears to have beeen given consider
apie discussion during the Congress
sional recess, and a large proportion
Oh tne petitions emanate from COM
merclal clubs and other organizations
OF business men who are hit by the
war revenue provisions.
The belief of these business men is
that everyone should pay. The fact
that congressman are earning their
money from the government, and that
compelling them to pay part of their
salaries back to Uncle Sam would
seem like a Paul
process, does not apeal to the busi-
ness men. The latter insist that II
the members Of Congress worked for
nothing but bare expenses-many Of
them contend that they do that now
they would only be doing tnei.
patriotic duty.
Unquestionably, there is something
to be said on both sides of the equa-
ton. But it must be remembered
that most every member Of Congress
pays heavily according to his private
business interests, that he sacrifices
considerable personal gain to come to
Congress. and that many Of them. as
they insist do not come out even
with the board when they conclude
their service in the nations lawmak-