New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-07-29
World's Peace Waits on Russia;
Her Recovery May End War
New Republic Losses Have Given Heart Teutons but
Check to German Advance Will Put Into
Motion Many Pacifst Efforts

but | cannot see, from what has re-
Gently occurred in Berlin. any real ap-
Proclamation of a practical kind to the
AIMS and objects of the Allies"
Here is the most tangible difference
between the Allied and Teuton war
Gins obtainable 1t Is the indemnifca-
ton and restoration of Belgium. This
difference, it should be borne in mind,
has been extracted by Great Britain,
not by Germany. What are the rea-
sons for the sudden conciliatory atti-
tude of John Bull? They are Italy
and Russia
The Allies original programme for
the reconstruction of Europe, especial
" the Balkan map, has been blocked by
ltaly's aims in the war. Italy appar-
emily wants nothing less than the en-
tire Austrian Adristic littoral. Italy
some weeks ago declared protectorate
over Albania without consulting the
Allies, although such an act should
never have been promulgated, accord
ing to the Allied viewpoint, unless APP
proved by the peace conference at the
conclusion Of the war. But Italy also
makes claims 10 Dalmatia, 81 per cent
Of whose population is Slav.
The Allies, of course, cannot fight
for international justice on such a
basis. To satisfy Italy's demands
would amount to a reputation of their
purposes in the war. However. if
Russia had not broken down, Britain
and France would have disregarded
ltaly's aspirations. But with Russia,
TO say the least, in a state of uncer-
tainty bordering on continued revolu-
ton, there was nothing left for Great
Britain to do but announce that the
object for which she originally entered
the war, the inviolability of Belgium,
is the chief obstacle in the way of an
understanding with Germany.
Central Powers Revived
Peace therefore depends on Ger
many's attitude toward the Belgian
problem. A short while ago there was
every prospect that Germany would be
compelled to come out with pledge to
restore Belgium. But then Russia be-
gan to disintegrate. The depressed
Teutons regained their lost spirit. Aus
tria-Hungary, on the verge of collapse,
made another effort TO regain its equi-
librium. Wavering Turkey and Bulgaria
have again found faith in Prussian in
vincibility.
Now three things may happen TO Rus
STA. Russia may collapse. In that case
the Allies, with the help of the United
States, will continue the war until Ger
many is at least willing to fully restore
and indemnify Belgium. That would
mean not less than another year OF
war. Russia may come back sufficiently
70 make the Central Powers realize the
hopelessness of their cause. Then peace
would probably follow within a few
months, perhaps before winter. Finally,
, Russia may regain her striking powers
to such a degree as to cause the quick
Gisintegration of the Central Powers
and make possible revolution in Ger
many.
In case Russia soon rallies so much
as TO hold her own, several ways 70
peace would be opened. A separate Al
lied peace with either Bulgaria or Tur-
key, or both, would be distinct possibil-
ity. There is no reason why such peace
should not be concluded if the Allies
only choose to make sacrifices. Russia's
remuneration of her claim to CONSTANT
nople makes an understanding with
Turkey possible. Such an understand
ing might have been reached already
had the Allies sought il. The recovery
of Russia, it is safe to assume, would
make them seek the splitting up of the
Central Powers, as they would not rely
on Russia longer.
Russia's recovery would also mean
the continuation of her effort to bring
about peace through an international
labor and Socialist movement. RUSSIA
Council of Workmen and Soldiers IS
sued some time ago an invitation 10
the Socialists of the world TO meet 70
discuss peace. For the time being, De-
cause of the critical military and po-
htical situation in Russia, the counclls
invitation has been forgotten. HOW
ever. it should not be imagined that
the idea has been dropped. As soon as
Russia recovered il would be picked up
with greater energy than ever. And
that would mean that the Socialists and
labor organizations Of the world would
convene in Stockholm to arrive at a
common programme and launch uni
versal peace movement.
Objects of Conference
The Russians, who initiated the
movement, have sent out delegates to
arrange for the conference. These dele
gates outlined as follows their objects
and those of the proposed conference:
"First-The securing from Entente
Socialists recognition OF the Russian
Leace aims, which are no annexation,
no indemnities and the right Of small
nations to choose their own govern
msnt.
"Second-To secure the attendance OF
delegates from the Allied nations at
the international conference.
"Third-To draw up at that confer
ence a peace programme to be sub
nitted 10 the governments OF the war
ring nations, and to procure a binding
agreement Of ell international Social
lists to stand together for these de-
mands and to act concertedly, using
any means decided upon to compel the
governments to take steps looking tow
ard a peace conference"
To realize the first two OF the above
objects it has been decided TO hold a
preliminary conference Of allied Soci-
alists' representatives. This prelimi-
nary meeting is to be held shortly. Its
decisions will largely depend on the
course of events in Russia. IL Russia
RECEIVERS, IL is almost certain that it
will adopt a resolution binding the
allied Socialists to attend an interna-
tional conference.
Would such conference bring peace
appreciably nearer? Undoubtedly yes.
All It's participants would be bound by
its decisions, il must be remembered
And the majority Of the countries have