The Leader, enterprise and press. (Fitzgerald, Ga.) 1915-1921, 1917-05-23
EYES OF WORLD
WATCH EVENTS
AT STOCKHOLM

Stockholm, May 22.-Here in the
capital of one of Europe's minor king
doms viii, occur shortly, at the in
stance of the Russian revolutionists,
an international conference Of Social
lists, to consider not merely means to
peace and revival of the Interna-
tionale that broke down at the begin
ming of the war, but rising of Eu-
ropes united proletariat.
A survey of the Socialist situation
in Europe discloses some remarkable
features. First, there is Russia. The
extreme Socialists practically control
the empire of 10000, 900, holding in
their hands the fate of the provisional
government and, to- certain extent
OF the allies. The Russian army does
not obey the provisional government,
it needs to the appeal of the Duma
chiefs, but it would almost to a unit
rise at the command Of the council
and execute its orders, whether for
war or peace.
German Situation.
In Germany the situation is poten-
tious, either from the point of view of
the Hohenzollerns or that of the al
lied governments. The Socialists in
Germany, who are the progenitors of
/ n
Russian Socialism, are practically the
dominating power. Since the Russian
revolution the prestige of Socialism
has enormously increased in Germany
so that today Bethmann- Hollweg is
virtually vassal of the Socialists. in
the hope that they may bring peace.
The strength of the extreme, interna-
tional Socialists, who are the CO.
tional Socialists, who are the CO.
thinkers of the Russian radicals. is
greatly underestimated outside of
Germany. The hundreds Of thous-
ands of workmen who struck recent
ly in spite of the urgings of the labor
unions and the Schiedmann faction
are internationalists. 1t is known that
the latter are rapidly gaining influence
IN German Socialist circles, and that
if the Kaiser does not appease them,
even the Scheidmann followers will
Join the radicals led by Haase and
Ledebour.
In France the Socialist extremists
have rallied their forces in a surpris-
ing manner, threatening the control
Of the party by the more conservative
wing. Last January practically the
entire party demanded that the gov
eminent restate its war aims, in ac-
cordance with President Wilson's
doctrine, propounded in the Senate
speech, that all peoples have the right
to settle their own destinies. 1t will
be recalled that one of the first aims
of the Russian Workmen's and Sol
diers' Council was to have the allies
| restate their aims in the war.
The invitation to participate in the
Stockholm conference was rejected
by the French Socialists by major
ity of only one. There is no doubt
now that the Russian Council expects
the participation of the French radi-
Gals.
Finally, there is the munition strike
in England. The strike is taking
place in spite of the fact that it was
unauthorized by the trade unions.
There can be no question that it is
largely the result of economic condi-
tons, utilized by Socialists for agita-
ton against the existing methods of
government. A strike in England to-
day is perhaps more significant of the
spirit let loose among the European
labor classes by the Russian revolu-
ton than any similar event in Ger
many.
1t is clear that new factor has
entered the international situation
since the Russian revolution, and it
is factor to be reckoned with
Theoretical Socialism is being trans
lated into practical terms. The mass
es of both belligerent groups are pro-
foundry dissatisfied. They feel that
their respective governments have
been unable to. release them of the
net which enmeshes Europe. AS a
matter of fact, they have been feeling
so for some considerable time. The
Russian revolution has only suggest
ed to them possible solution Eu-
ropean revolution of the masses.
Russian Radicals Hostile.
1t is no secret that the Russian
Radicals are hostile toward Great
Britain and even the United States
as capitalistic nations. England's in
timacy with the car, its treatment of
Ireland, and queer as it may seem,
its imperialistic designs in Persia in
collaboration with the old Russian