The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1917-12-05
GLOYED HANDS TO
HANDLE THE SLAVS
Allies to Proceed Carefully for Fear
OF Creating Reaction for Germany.
Employ Moral SuasiOn on the Boil
Seyiki.

Employ Moral Suasion on the Bol.
seyiki.
Washington, Nov. Standardization
of the great danger of causing a reac-
ton in Russia favorable to the Central
powers by intervention in the politi-
cal affairs Of the new democracy has
caused administration officials here to
sound note Of warning against hasty
condemnation OF the BoshcvilSi.
Back Of what is described as a toll
Grant policy in dealing with Russia
apparently not only is purpose to
demonstrate faith in the ultimate sta
bilization Of the democracy, but faint
nope that the extremist faction, which
is for the moment in control Of the
seat of government at Pctrograd. will
refrain from violating Russia's treaty
pledges to the entente allies and
make separate peace. So long as
there is a possibility that these over
lures VIII fail because of tho appar-
ent irreconcilablc difference between
the 'Bolsheviki peace scheme founded
on no annexation and no indemni
ties and the German demands for
compensation ana adequate safe
guards for the future" It is regard
ed as bad policy to exert any pressure
from the outside at this stage. TO do
SO, 1t is believed, would only tend to
cause resentment in Russia and to-
solidify the various elements around
the Petrograd regime.
An additional reason for maintain
ing an attitude Of watchfulness and
reserve in Washington is found in the
iact mat TO meet just such situa-
ton as is developing in Russia is one
Oh the purposes of the inter-allied con-
ference assembled in Paris. There are
mtimations that suggestions have
reached Washington from tho French
capital that it would be well to avoid
adverse criticism here of the Russian
tangle. leaving the commissioners in
Parls to deal with it at this stage at
least. 1t is even possible that the
pursuance OF the idea that by moral
persuasion Russia can be prevented
from going TO the extreme Of making
separate peace. Some Of the entente
powers may decide to make some sort
OF acknowledgment Of the recent
OF the Lcnine-Trotzky peace and arm
isticc proposal
No surprise is felt in diplomatic
circles here at tho speedy acceptance
ny Germany and Austria Of the Len
inc proposals. It had been assumed
that with no intention whatever Of
accepting any Of the substantial de-
mands Of the Bolsheviki, the German
and Austrian chancellories would not
miss this great opportunity to elm
mate Russia as an offensive military
force for the many days, weeks or
even months during which th>
skilled German diplomatists m6sl
protract the negotiations for an
armistice and peace. In the mean
time, of course, there may be re-
leased for active service against the
British, French and Italians on the
west fronts hundreds Of thousands OF
German and Austrian, Turkish and
Bulgarian soldiers maintained on the
eastern front.
1T Will be for tho inter-allied con-
ference in Paris to devise some
means Of neutralizing this German
scheme, possibly by influencing the
Bolsheviki element itself through an
exposition Of the duplicity and real
aims Of the Germans or by recourse
TO the elements in Russia represent
ed by General Kaledines and other
leaders who have refused to ack-
nowlcdgc the control OF the Maxi
malists. The letter OF the Lord Lang
downe gest moderation of allied
war a.. which has aroused such a
bitter feeling in England, in the opin-
ion OF some Of tho diplomatic officials
here, prove a powerful factor in keep
Ing the Bolsheviki within the entente
allied circle by letting them prcccivc
that their own doctrines regarding
facts are not lacking in support
among entente statesmen.
#tH