New-York tribune., 1917-12-11
Kaledine Revolt
Story May Be Trap
Set by Bolsheviki
Importance of Move May
Be Purposely Exaggerated
by Lenine and Trotzky

Il is very probable that the Bolshev-
Xxi have deliberately exaggerated the
importance of the Kaledines-Korniloh
revolt for two interesting reasons. One
is that they hope the development VIII
betray the Allies into an attitude
which. b. seeming to be reactionary'
will offend all the Russian revolution
lists. The other is that they nope, py
making the most Of the revolt, to con-
solidate the various parties behind the
rule Of Lenine and Trotzky.
A strong weapon in the hands OF the
Russian extremists has always been the
argument that the Allies were opposed
70 the revolution and ready to encour-
oqe every counter revolutionary move
ment in Russia. The stand OF Britain
and France during the horniloh revolt
injured the Allied cause in Russia. Inc
Rolsheviki in this case have antlcl-
mated that the Allies, in their ignorance
Of the true Russian situation, would
assume a sympathetic attitude toward
the Cossack rebels. And this IS Just
what they want. It would enable them
further to discredit the Allies and
weaken the forces Of the moderates ad-
yocating a readiustment of Russo
Allied relations.
Bolshevikis Position
Il is very important for the Boishe-
Wiki to strengthen their waning power
The fact is that the Constituent As
sembly. it is pretty clear now, will not
be dominated by the Bolsheviki' al
though the pacifist elements are likely
10 be in the majority there.
The dissatisfaction with the MaXimaI-
lists in the ranks Of the revolutionary
elements has been increasing as Le-
nine's reign Of suppression has gained
momentum. The position of the Boishe-
Wiki has been further undermined ny
ne arrest OF the central election com
mit,ee for the Constituent Assembly.
as the authority Of the latter is uni
yersally respected in Russia. 1t rs be
cause they feel the ground slipping
from under their feet that the Bolshe-
wiki have seized hilariously upon the
Cossack movement as a godsend.
That there is truth in the Bolshevik
report cannot be doubted. but it is
greatly diffused and exaggerated truth.
The greater the counter revolutionary
peril is made TO appear, the stronger
the response 20 the Bolshevik colors TO
defend the revolution.
On the eve of the Kornilof revolt, the
positiou Of Kcrensky and his support
crs was stronger than ever. The Bol.
sheviki were under control. Many OF
their leaders of dubious character were
in iail But the Korniloff bugaboo i'm
bridged the gulf between the
moderates Of kerensky's school and the
Of Leninc's.
Defended the Revolution
The Bolsheviki very zealously applied
themselves to defending the reyolu-
ton" Those of them who were i'm
prisoned, including Trotzky,. were set
free, for the revolution was in danger.
But the Bolshevih was not sstished
with the failure of the Korniloff ven
tlTc. lntN lOuIb SNithkhh
il to undermine kerensky himself and
the Provisional government, which
called upon them TO help suppress the
counter revolutionary attempt.
A similar situation has now arisen.
The Bolsheviki use the korniloh-
kaledine movement to further their
propaganda. This movement is more
formidable .han that of Kornilof last
August. but it is nevertheless doomed
and sure to end in collapse. Yet it
gives the Bolsheviki an opportunity to
raise their favorite cry; The revolu-
tion is in danger!"
That this cry will meet with wide
response and bring to the banner of
Lenine and Trotzky even those ele-
ments Of the revolutionary democracy
that now oppose them may be taken
as foregone conclusion. Ultimately
such a mobilization may even prove
beneficial, as it would increase the
numbers Of the moderates in the Maxi
malst councils. However, rs the Boil
sheviki now play hourly with the
dostinies Of Russia. any increase Of
their strength enhances the menace
that thoV reDresent