Evening star., 1917-05-20
Radicals Join Ministry When
Chaotic Army Conditions
Are-Made Plain.
DEMANDS OF AUSTRIA
MET BY GERMANY
Bethmann Hollweg's Reference to
Russia Regarded Highly
Significant.
FIERCE BATTLE IN THE WEST
German Armies May Retire Farther.
Gen. Cadorna Delivers Telling
Blows Against Emperor
Charles Forces.
FIERCE BATTLE IN THE WEST
BY OLIVER OWEN KUHN.

CRISIS has been the order of the day
since the czar was overthrown and the
people of the nation took into their
own hands the government of the great
realm. There has been conflict of view
after conflict. Jealousies and divergent
political beliefs frequently have threat
ened to throw the nation into anarchy
and subsequent chaos. But the Russian
peoples and those leaders in Petrograd
who have assumed control of govern
class. always have been thoroughly
cognizant of the cardinal facts
II We divide hopelessly; il we are I'M
able to coordinate the sinews of the
nation into an effective fighting ma
chine against the common enemy; II a
firm hand is not placed over the unruly
elements of the nation. then We will
PERISH. Russia must keep steadfast in
her course and true to her allies. She
must score separate peace, for de-
cades OF international ostracism would
follow. We must not return to the old
monarchial FORMS
With these things in mind, and,
through the wholesome influence cast
into the balance OF good government
and continued endeavor in the present
other allies, the Russians have gone
about in earnest fashion to set their
house in order at the earliest possible
moment. They desire that the present
chaotic conditions be entirely counter
acted and the army re-enthused with
Its task. that the cause of the revolu-
tion ever shall reign supreme and Rus
sia's future history be not blackened
by the conclusion Of separate peace
with the central powers.
Though important fighting has been
going on on practically all Of the bat
tie fronts during the week just closed,
and there have been many interesting
political as well as military events
over the entire world. chief attention
has been focused on Russia, for no one
has felt certain during any prolonged
period OF Russia's future course. As
the week closes. however. 1t is plainly
indicated that the new government.
consisting of six socialists, all repre-
sentative of the council Of workmen's
and soldiers delegates, and several of
the original members of the cabinet.
aside personal beliefs for ones afford
ing a common ground that the nation
may be preserved.
Il
Foreign Minister Milukoff, whose
statements on Russia's future course
brought about
Resignations Show clash with
Danger to Country. sisnsd ~ his nos, e.
Minister Of War Guchkoff. thoroughly
discouraged at the decentralization in
the Russian armies occasioned by the
governments lack of complete con-
troll. also stepped down, sounding a
warning that II conditions were not
i soon changed. then the revolution was
These two designations alone possi-
bly, indicated to the leaders of the
council of workmen's and soldiers dele
gates that the situation was critical.
and their refusal to participate in the
government should be reconsidered as
soon as possible. The designations of
Gen. kornilon, commander of the Petro-
grad garrison. and that of Gen. Alexis
Brusiloff, commander-in-chief Of the
Russian armies. along with that of
Gen. Gurko. commander on the west
ern front, only emphasized the perils
which would continue to surround the
of governmental powers. At any rate,
the council finally accepted the plan to
participate in the government. and
after several days negotiations be-
meeting ground was found. The new
ministry now will set about to work
out those reforms which are imperative
II Russia is to go farther in the strug-
gle.
There is a question as to possible
friction between the two groups in the
government. The problem of foreign
policy largely has been solved. 1t has
been decided to bring every influence
to bear to strengthen the determine
tion of all Russian armies to war to
the very finish. With council participay
tion in the government. it is believed
that the process of disorganization in
the ranks OF the soldiers will be coun-
teracted largely, particularly as NJ.
Kerensky, who Is fast becoming an Idol
of all Russian peoples, has assumed the
war portfolio in the reorganized cabi-
net.
1t is declared that the policy of peace
without annexationa, long preached by
the council of workmen's and soldiers
delegates. has been responsible for the
present unsettled conditions in the Rus.
sian armies. this policy being mistaken
by the soldiers as signal for the aban.
donment OF all offensive warfare Thai
the council now realizes the folly of itt
preachments In this regard Is indicated
sian soldiers that the war must go or
and there must be no thought of a sep.
arate peace. 1t is particularly empha.
sized that the Russians must fight a.
they never have before or the German,
will crush their western enemies, ther
place Russia bneath a CALLING woke
The policy of the council as 1t has beer
amended by current events is indicated
by the speech OF Minshiviki Tseretell
in addressing delegates of the felt
army, who said:
'.As long az the German proletaria,
marches with Emperor William our no
sition Is clear. Should we now stretch
a fraternal hand toward the peopIs O;
central Europe to conclude a separate
peace. it would bean eternal shame
which would lead inevitably to th,
downfall and annihilation of Russia"
x
The Russian armies have been thoroughly
reorganized and have once more begun tc
make theiI
Russian Situation power fell
+.p.-.;. u,x: on the east.
ern from t