The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1918-02-07
THE "HoLY WAR" IN RUSSIA.


The prospect of a holy war" in
Russia opens a vista of appalling
bloodshed and disorder to those even
slightly familiar with the conditions
in that country, either through per-
sonal observation or study Of Its
modern history.
The state church Of Russia IL the
Greek Catholic church, which is en-
tirely distinctive from the Roman
Catholic church, Of course. It's head
was the Russian Car, who was, look
ed upon as the direct representative
Of the Almighty on earth.
For generations the ignorant peas
ants Of Russia have enshrined the
car. Those Of them who know that
he has been dethroned, probably are
now praying for his restoration, de-
spite the bitter oppression which was
their lot under his rule. over these
people the hold of the church is
tremendous. The threat Of an inter-
dict would arouse them to desperate
fanaticism.
Among the revolutionists, the
spread Of irreligion has been rapid in
the extreme. The men who are rul-
ing Russia today, and the classes
they represent, have very unorthodox
views on religious matters. The
threat of an interdict would move
them about as much as the curses Of
their dethroned car.
But holy war would bring a
third party into the field. On the
one hand are the BolshevilHi seeking
to establish q universal proletarian-
ism. They are not Socialists in the
strict sense Of the term, nor are they
seeking a national entity for Russia,
or even a democracy. They seek a
worldwide dominion for the
proletariat, without national bound
aries.
Then come the followers of Keren-
sky, or perhaps it would be more ac-
curate to say the parties Kerensky |
for he has few follow
ers left, although the parties be
are a majority Of the |
They seek a national |
on democratic principles, |
with strong Socialist leanings.
The third party would be the |
church party, led by the heads of the
church and composed Of the peasants
Of Russia. For the time being they |
probably would not dare to openly |
advocate a restoration Of the mon
archy, but It is difficult to see how /
that issue would ultimately be avoid
ed, as the monarch was head Of the
church.
The situation would be further
with many states seek
ing independence, as for example the
Ukraine. The Cossacks will never
be wholly rsconciled to the new
rulers, for under the old monarchy
they enjoyed special privileges, but
the word Cossack is anathema to the
Russian peasant and to most Of the
for they were feared
and hated. 1t is doubtful if they can
ever be a strong factor in themselves,
although they would be a valuable
ally from a military standpoint.
The Bolshevili are now ruling
Russia with an iron hand, suppress
ng all newspapers opposed to them,
stamping out any adverse discussion,
md enforcing their orders with the
Red Guard.
But IL that iron grip ever relaxes,
,r Is broken, Russia will see a reign
II terror that will eclipse that Of the
French Revolution.
From a purely selfish standpoint,
he best hope for the Allies is held
tut by the Bolshevilzi, for they viii
rot consent to a separate peace. But
heir dominion b just as surely class
ule as was that Of the car. There
> no more democracy I'm Russia to-
lay than there was year ago. but
nhnftefv more talk OF IL