Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1918-02-23
WHAT, ABOUT RUSSIA?

The Russian situation is worse tangled than at any
time since the begun. Everybody is guessing and
MANY theories advanced but what is really happening
and what will be the final outcome shrouded in uncer-
tainty and doubt.
Why have the Germans forced the upon Russia,
after that country had laid down and quit? What is the
real attitude of the Bolshevih faction?
These are the leading questions and few VINO pose as
experts agree in their answer.
We cannot get away from the belief that the Bolshe
Wiki leaders, Linene and Trotsly paid German agents
They have played into the hands Of the kaiser ever since
the overthrow Of Kerensky and have accomplished
wonders The nation is demorazed and its armies scat
tered so that Germany may work her will in the East
Even now these leaders in favor of accepting the
humiating German peace terms and if their followers
refuse to accept their leadership they will no doubt
divide the Russian people completely that any resist
ance offered the invaders will be abortive.
Is it reasonable to believe that Germany would have
precipitated war on the East 'front.' when the West
front situation critical had assurance not been given
that no serious fighting would ensue?
The United Press European expert j. W. I. Mason,
gives view Of the situation that worthy OF consider
aon viz: the explosive possibilities that center about
any large bloodshed the eastern front, which, he
thinks are alone capable of explaining the enormous dis
parity between the German announcements OF RUSSIAN
guns and captured Less than ten thousand Russian
soldiers have been made prisoners OF war since he pres
ent German movement began while the guns captured
number nearly l4OO.
This dsproportion is unprecedented in warfare Dur
ing the recent drive against the Italians the eutons cap
tuned only about double the guns they have seized in
Russia while the number of Italian prisoners exceeded
100000 The Russians cannot retreat more precipitaey
than did the Italians while the Recommendations nature
of the Russian fighting makes it possible for the
Germans to forward faster if they wish to do So
The reason for the essential difference between the
Russian and Italian campaigns says Mason is undoubed
ly Won Hndenburgs fear of driving the Russians into
corner where they might turn and change the whole com
pexon Of the This uncertainty upon the part of the
German mitarsts must continue whether Petrograd Is
captured or not if paper peace is signed with
the Savs The Russian soldiers have not yet recovered
their morale. But morale is mental state that may be
gained instantaneously through number of causes
WHAT'S going on in Russia may be but the prelude
to new democratic nsurrecton. little of German rule
seems certain to exact violent reaction from the nation
that has just overthrown czalism
The continued preparations for the defense of Petro
grad and other military movements further confirm the
fact that the United Press correspondent properly
described the situation at the outset.
The Russian government is preparing to fight, appar-
entity the proper organization is completed
but there remains the outstanding fact that Lenne and
Trotsy are counseng acceptance of the German terms
The crusade against the w. w. organization should
not be regarded merely as a measure No matter
when the ends this organization should be outlawed
in hiS nt1vf all Ia Its whole aim