Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-06-24

poi1cleS In regard to Seif-dom mat ton
by all people the basic principles OF
new agreements with their allies
and have set in motion movement
for the reframne of all pacts with the
allied powers. The significant feature
of this procedure, however. lies in the
Russian statement that the only pact
which the Russians are not anxious to
revise is the London agreement where.
in all the allies in the present war
against the central powers are sworn
not to conclude a separate peace Here
again is reflected the Russian deter
mination to continue with the allied
cause.
While the provisional government is
doing much to accomplish all that IL
has In mind. the fact nevertheless re-
mains that chaotic conditions have not
been removed completely.
Several ministers in the government
have expressed their fears for Russia $
future in so
Some Ministers far as eco
Express Their Fears. aitian. o.
concerned, Thousands Of workmen are
reported idle in Petrograd and other
cities. 1t is admitted. however. that the
number is not as great as formerly.
The cry for bread continues in many
Of the outlying provinces of the ma
ton as well as in some of the larger
cities-Iransporsation problems continue
to vex, though the American commits
sion sent to Russia for the purpose al
ready is solving many of the trans
portation problems of the empire The
Russians declare that the Americans
VIII have free hand. The movement
RI
flous that the output of factories, in
Guiding those manufacturing munitions,
Is greatly curtailed. The released pris-
oners in the Tomsk region of western
Siberia have inaugurated a reign of
terror marked by pillaging and MUIR
arrested hundreds, and these other dis
cordant elements Of the nation are
being dealt with firmly
Now that the Russian purpose in so
far as international affairs is believed
settled, the entente powers are con-
ment's ability to handle iaterIlal aft
fairs. 1t is believed. however, that
eventually conditions will become so
settled. Notwithstanding the work of
'ierman propa zandists. that the Rus
sian armies will be completely unfet-
tered and able to move forward, rem
defing immense military aid to all en-
tente armies
AS was predicted some weeks ago in
this review of current European condi-
ions, the Austrian government has
found itself beset with many difficulties
since the reconvening of the Austrian
parliament The situation already has
forced the overthrow of one ministry,
and Clam MARITIME. the former premier,
who has been intrusted by the en-
peror with the task of forming a new
cabinet. is meeting with difficulties in
satisfying the many discordant ele-
inents of the empire. while it is not at
all sure that he ever will succeed in
continuing in power because of the
racla! and other antipathies which ex-
list between the Poles, Czechs. Slovacs
and the Germanophile elements In the
dual monarchy,
Ihe Poles. who were supposed to have
been completely coerced by Austrian
and German prom
Poles Leaders of ises of a separate
Austrian Revolt. rane,, 49,; leu ~. me
government and forced the cabinet res
ignations. 1t was pointed out during
the sessions that tens of thousands of
Poles have been hanged by the Ger
mans and Austrians The Bohemians
and thousands of Hungarians not in
sympathy with the war have suffered
similar fate. it is declared The re-
bellion OF the Poles against continued
and their demands for more
equitable understanding with the Teu-
tonic governments We're to be expected
inasmuch as Germany and Austria
promised much while they have given
but little. in every way handicappin1s
the work of the Polish state council and
plainly showing that the offer Of au-
tonomy for the Polish Ipeoples was
simply ruse to obtain military as we'll
as economic support, at the same time
ailaying such opposition and dangers
as might exist at the time of the ac-
ton. Germany has broken faith with
the Poles. as she has broken faith with
all mankind. That the Poles should
strike at Germany in the Austrian par
Lament. the only method at their dis
Dosal at present, is natural sequence
Of events.
The Czechs, Poles and Slovacs con-
troll many votes in the parliament-in
fact. hold the balance of power-and
though the government has if within
its power to dissolve the parliament
when it sees fit. it is hardly likely that
il Will do so when the discordant ele-
ments become unruly, for the reason
that such move would be decidedly i'm
polite in light of Emperor Charles
promises of more demo- 4
tra tic forms of government.
The Poles, Siovacs and Czechs are de-
iSFtnl'lfI lHaI internal reforms snail be
wrought, and the Poles statement that
they Will refuse to sanction the budget
IS hut an Indication of the lengths TO
" hich they will go to gain their ends.
fhe Poles. tEe,h his and Slovac elements
II parliament are working in harmony. /
and any government not in strict ac-
'ord with the purposes of this element
constantly is treading a course leading
over an abyss, and its fate constantly
will be in doubt.
Keen speculation still is being in
lulged in as to the possible weight the !
Poles. Slovacs and Czechs may throw |
into the balance for peace. 1t is be- |
ieved that, owing to the discomfort and !
keenest suffering of these peoples in |!
The Iast two and 4 half years the out
cries for peace Will not be long de- i
ferrcd. Undoubtedly the Austrian cen
sorship has done much to keep the i
facts from the outside world.
1t is needless to say that Germany
Is looking on events in Austria with
little favor. The Poles are being loudly
in the press and in official
circles.
Germany is finding her position more |
difficult daily. There seems to be di-
vision of opinion in Germany as to the |
power America will exert in the pres
emit struggle. and much of the govern !
ment's effort is said TO he direcfed in !