Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-04-17

Herald
Washington, April l6.-There is no
longer concealment in official circles
of the apprehension felt over the prog
ress OF events in Russia.
Disquieting news has been reaching
the state department from PetrOgrad
for some days. II backs up the judS-
ment of expert military and naval
officers OF all the Russian allies that
the great country, with its vast re-
sources of men and material, can not
be real contender against the central
powers in the near future.
The duma government lacks the ele-
ments of strength which are absolute
ly essential for the effective supply of
large armies. Officers no longer have
the control of the men which they
possessed under the empire.
Socialists Active.
The socialists are conducting an ac-
tive pr0pa ganda and in this are aided
and abetted by the German socialists.
There is need of food for the people
and the army, munitions for the army,
and, above all. transportation.
SO grave are the problems, so con-
slant the intrigues against the govern
ment which are in part German in
spired that the American people and
the allies must prepare for the eventu-
atty that the Russian troops will no
longer be of much service.
That the present government will
make peace is not believed. II may
!,
in order 10 save Itself from over
| throw.
Fortunately for the Russian armies,
the Germans are prevented from max
| ing vigorous offensive. largely because
Of weather conditions and to minor
extent because Of the heavy attacks
which the British and French are de-
| liyering on the west front.
Danger to Petrosrad.
| When the weather lets up and the
ground becomes dry 1t is possible Won
Hindenburg may direct an advance,
with Petrograd as the objective.
| II such a movement should be in
augurated and crowned with success
Germany would control the railroad
from Archangel. over which war sup
plies are transported during the sum
mer months. This would make the
Russians dependent upon the long
route from Vladivostok, Siberia.
1t is not believed IN certain circles
here. however. that the Germans will
be so foolish as to stir up the fighting
patriotism of the Russian people by
! further invasion of their territory and
| the capture of their capital.
1t would be better politics to retain
their present line and aid, by intrigue
and propaganda, the development OF
| another revolution. The line could be
| held by comparatively small forces.
and the men released therefrom could
be used for a powerful assault upon
Italy.
! Italian Staff Preparing.
! II Is known the Italian staff is pre-
| pairing for such a movement Prac-
| ticaily all the man power of Italy has
been put under arms and is now in
the Trentino district. Deep trenches
have been dug, heavy guns have been
mounted and the Italian forces are
| determined TO resist to the death the
! German -Austro- Hungarian offensive.
Should the Teutonc forces succeed
| in breaking thru. Italy would be at
their mercy and the road would be
open for an advance into southern
| France.
The administration and the military
authorities here have been consider
| ing with the greatest care the possible
Developments in Russia and the pros
pect of an attack on Italy.
BY the end OF the week the president
will be called upon to apportion the
three billion dollar loan, which the
senate will approve unanimously to-
morrow.
| Questions Considered.
! Shall hundreds Of millions Of dollars
be given to Russia when the supplies
purchased thereby may fall into the
hands of the enemy?
| Will the duma government continue
| in power II the money and credit
should be given it?
These questions will be discussed by
the president and Secretary Lansing
with Mr.. Baifour British minister for
foreign affairs, and N. Viviani, repre-
senting the French government, upon
| their arrival here on Wednesday.
1t is realized, of course, that every
thing that can be done to bolster up
the duma government must be done.
| Withdrawal Of Russia from the war
would constitute terrific blow to the