Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-03-13

pathetic message to Russia, forwarded to
the A. 'can-Consul-Gcncral ut Moscow,
tol 4 delivered to the Pan-Russian
Co * hich assembled to that city,
v, take action on the German
D, ct made by Lenine and
II intimated that the govern
men, ...e United States stands ready
to offer recognition TO the right KIND oil
government of Russia, and especially to
aid il against any form of japanese
occupation The action taken by the
President was a surprise to the country,
as there was no expectation that he even
contemplated such "A move.
The situation in Russia is incOmprehen-
sible to most people in this country, and
il is not surprising this should be the case
Events have followed rapidly since the
amazing and complete revolution OF year
ago. which entirely tore down the empire
and put up a republic in its place. Not
much of a republic, it is true, but 1t was
sufficient to annihilatc autocracy Tor the
time being and send the Gar into exile
in Siberia
But it cannot be said the presumed
republic thus suddenly started by sur
prisingly successful revolution has thus
far succeeded in becoming real form OF
republican government. For awhile the
hopes of Russia's friends were pinned TO
Kcrcnsky, and it seemed he would he able
TO establish government that could claim
recognition from othcrgovcrnments friend
" to Russia. But those mountcbanks r.
Trotzkv, the New York City waiter and
Socialist, and I.cninc aided by German
intrigue and German money in abundance,
succeeded in ovcrthrowing kercnsky and
establishing themselves in power. Then
came their negotiations with Germany
| and their shameful attempt to surrender
the country entirely to German influence.
Now they have apparently lost their grip
at least Leninc has dismissed Trot3ky-
| and Russia seems on the verge OF anarchy.
With much that has happened IN Rus
sia during the past fateful year the rest
Of the world is we'll acquainted. But there
| is much that is not known outside OF that
country. or indeed to all its people. II Is
of vast territory, with limited means OF
| intcrcommunlcation, and nearly All tho
| news that is received cmanatCs from
| Pctrograd and other largo cities Md a
great deal Of thus news is vague and unin-
forming.
| But. viewed in tie light Of all the known
| facts. it is not surprising that President
| Wilson should have felt impcllcd 20 send 70
partly representative body Of tho
Russian people message q sympathy,
| coupled with the assurance that the
| government N the United States will
avail itself Of every Opportunity to secure
| for Russia, once more, complete sovereign
tv and independence in her own affairs, and
| full restoration TO her great role IN the
life of Europe and tho modern world
And no doubt he is correct in his asSur-
ance that THE great heart OF the people
Of the United States is with the people OF
Russia in the attempt TO free themselves
forever from autocratic government and
| become the masters Of their own life.
| Between our country and Russia a
generous sympathy has long existed
mt least since our Civil War Il i admitted
that in the critical days Of that epoch
when the fate Of the Federal mon was IN
doubt and tho Confcdcracy seemed 70 he
| gaining the asccndcncy, the friendly VISIT
| of Russian war fleet To New lork harboI
was an event Of significance one that
expressed sincere friendship for the Union
/ and also gave IntlmatIon to uniHcndl2
| foreign Powers. that We would not lack Al
least ono friendly foreign ally should there
be any attempt Ut interference.
| There Is no doubt, therefore, 1t i
| the hope OF most Of our people that Rus
sia may soon rc-cstablish her nationa
integrity and succeed in erecting :
real republican government.