New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-17
Betrayal of Country to Ger
many Planned by For
mer Minister
Aid for Army Stopped
DISCRIMINATION Work Begun
After Bargain for Sepa-
rate Peace
By ARTHUR S. DRAPER
tBy Gable to Tho Tribune

~ tdDie 20 LIDO l4luAHt-l
London, March l6.-The story Of the
rise and fall of Protopopof is amazing
almost unbelievable. II could have hap
pened in no other country but Russia
II is interesting at this time. because
it gives a clear understanding OF the
events leading up to the great revolu
ton. Though well known for many
months. because Of political reasons II
has been impossible to tell it before.
ProtopopOf, never strong leader
proved ready tool. Just year age
he visited England and France as
member Of mission arranged to see
what Russia's Western allies could do
10 assist her in the pros ecrtion OF the
war. IN that party were Professor
Nliukof and other progressive lead
ers. who are now taking part IN the
reconstluction and reorganization OF
Russia
Protopopoff was then considered a
friend of the Allies and man Of lib
eral views. Returning to Russia. he
suddenly switched over to the reaction
aries. not because Of his desire for
money. as he had gained wealth as a
manufacturer. but because of his lust
for influence and power. Sturmer was
then Premier. and Protopopof soon be-
came his right hand man.
Czarina's Motives
Here we must digress for moment
TO explain the motives actuating the
Czarina. Her love for the Czarevtch
amounts to an infatuation. Ever since
his birth her whole life has centred
around him, her whole ambition to see
him on the throne with power equal
ling or surprising that of his father.
This ambition explains the power Ras-
putin held in the Russian Court. He
was able to help restore the Czareyitch
TO health, and the Czarina's gratitude
knew no bounds.
The Czarina's influence over the Car
was admittedly great; he was bound to
follow her judgment in all matters, pri-
vate and public The bureaucratic re-
dictionaries have been accused OF pro-
German sentiments, but actually those
sentiments we're only incidental. What
they feared was the weakening OF
their power and the undermining Of
their influence by the ever growing
ranks of liberals and socialists.
German defeat, .me downfall of the
Uohenzollern dynasty, would mean that
Russia would be the last of the auto
cratic countries on earth; 1t woulo
mean that the power of the Czarevitch
would be greatly weakened when he
mounted the throne. For internal rea,
sons. then. the bureaucrats supported
Germany, and for personal reasons the
Czarina helped them.
Conferred on Separate Peace
Now TO return 10 Protopopoh's part
I'm September of last year he went 10
Stockholm with German representatives
concerning separate peace between
the two countries. There he met War
burg. chief councillor of the German
Embassy, who urged him TO begin
negotiations at once, promising that
Russia should have Galicia. Bukowina
and the Dardanelles, and that Germany
would attempt no anneXations Of Rus
sian territory.
What Protopopoff promised only
Warburg and the German government
know, but there is good reason to be-
lieve he concluded the bargain. One
big obstacle stood in the way Of fulfil
ment on his part, however That was
the army. Generals such as Brusilof,
Rubsky, Alexieff Baratof and the
Grand Duke Nicholas had been fighting
with the sole object of defeating the
enemy. Time after time they had been
handicapped or recalled
II is we'll to remember that Protopo-
poif's interview in Stockholm took place
about the same time the Rumanlan
debacle began. The connection is not
difficult 10 see. Just who was RESPONSE
Bile and how much blame attaches TO
the various allies of Rumania cannot
be stated now, but it was not the fault
of the Russian commanders that they
were unable TO give the needed as
sistance at the crucial moment.
Reactionaries Hampered Army
All through the war the Russian sol
diers and generals had given of their
best, and all through the war the re-
dictionaries had tried TO restrict their
activities and tie their hands. Follow
ing his interview, Protopopof united
with Sturmer and other leaders of the