New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-31
SPEED UP RUSSIA,
AIM OF ALLIES
Conference at PetrOgrad
Plans to Lessen Reaction
airy Drag on Armies
BY ARTHUR s. DRAPER
Try Cable 10 The T1hunel

London. Jan. 30.-Tho conference in
Petrograd of the Allied delegates is
expected to result in great improve
ment in the Russian situation, in both
a military and financial way, and to
help to some extent in the economic
reorganization which is going forward
The political situation is another
question. Protopopof remains the DOM
mating figure in Russia, and as long
as that is the case the political out
look for the empire must be considered
most dubious.
Protopopofr's reactionary tendencies
are, moreover, rapidly increasing the
completely of the other problems with
which Russia has to deal, because OF
the alienation of the Liberals, who are
the most vigorous and able Of the Rus
slams.
Look to Miner for Action
The extreme delicacy of attempting
anv influence on the internal affairs Of
tho empire doubtless will prevent any
onen effort to relieve this situation,
but it is hoped, nevertheless, that some
change can be brought about indirectly.
Lord Miner, the head Of the British
delegation, in the short time that he
has been a member of the British gov
eminent. has won the confidence and
respect Of the French and Italians be-
cause of his keen power Of analysis.
He Is expected to meet with similar
success in Russia.
As member of the British trium-
virate he has unlimited power 10 deal
with the perplexing question he has to
face, and can decide the points that
arise on the spot.
Lord Revelstoke, another member or
the delegation, represents great imam
cial interests, and comes of family
which for generations has had part
in all Anglo-Russian financing.
Plan Unity of Army Action
General Wilson, the third of the
British ENJOYS, is considered one OF the
brainiest of Britain's military leaders.
Wilson and General Castelnsu, OF the
French Staff, who is also there TO ex-
plain the plans and views OF the west
ern Allies, will be in a position to
reach a unity of military action with
the Russian high command such as has
hitherto been impossible, because OF
the delays in communication. Inc e1-
feet of this is expected TO show g soon
as the spring fighting gets under way.
The Duma is not scheduled to meet
until February 27, and much may hap
pen before that date. Friends Of the
Allies are hoping that among the hap
penings will be some agreement which
will enable Russia to postpone until
after the war the internal discussions
which are so seriously interfering with
her putting forth her full strength,
since il has become apparent that the
reform movement is checked for the
time being.
Russian Cities Suffer
This has been a particularly hard
winter in Russia-the hardest for many
wears. Because of the economic disor-
eanization the people are suffering real
privations. especially in Petrograd and
Moscow.
There is no actual shortage Of any
essential supplies, and, so far as the
| stock of food in the empire as whole
/ is concerned, no need of even severe
economy, but the rail conditions have
| been such that vast stocks accumulated
| in the wheat countries cannot be taken
| to the cities.
) That Is the reason why the present
| conference is considered so essential, II
| all the Allies are to continue vigor-
Gus prosecution Of the war.
|