Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-03-16
EVENTS OF A WEEK

81 ANSS"SA Va "s &S fS"NS SSAAHo Va Llama AoN
actually been accepted by the soviets at Moscow. such
ify the agreement was either made by the full assemblage
or adopted by the Bolshevik element which is in control
Of the gathering. AS a result of this agreement Russia,
in so far as the gathering at Moscow can speak FOR the
nation, loses entirely the provinces of Finland, Courland,
Poland, Lithuania, Esthonia, Livonia and Ukraine in
Europe. and Batourn, Kars and Erivan in the Caucasus;
she agrees to vacate all foreign territory now occupied
by her; to grant favorable trade agreements to- Germany
and her allies; and to denobilize her army and permit
her fleet to be interned.
F.. F.. =
These terms, which are supposed to be carried into
effect as the basis for permanent peace, will leave a large
portion of what was Russia directly under the control Of
the central powers, and the remainder in such condition
that whatever government is established there must rely
on Germany for support. At this distance it is impos-
sible to know much of the conditions under which this
ratification has been reached, or of the steps by which
the Soviet assembly was constituted. It goes without
saying that the complexion of that gathering has been
managed by Germany in her own interest, so that the
result was beyond question.
The Bolshevik element appears to be more firmly
seated in the saddle than appeared to be the case a few
days ago when the character of the German demands
and the reception given them caused the withdrawal of
Trotzky from the factional government, leaving Lenine
in sole charge. Lenine has moved his government to
Moscow, which from this time will be the seat of ad-
ministration, and this ransfer is taken as an indication
of Bolshevik control. There is at present no indication
as to what popular reception will be given the terms of
peace as agreed upon, and there is no basis on which
to estimate what will be the further course Of the Boil
shevik faction. .
No arrangement made between any factional ele-
in pusc;o n h control pouyore mill ha racoo
nized by the United States and the European allies. From
the standpoint of these nations Russia is now a country
without a government. Earlier in the week President
Wilson addressed a note to the Soviet gathering, en-
phazing the concern which the United States and her
associates felt for the future Of Russia, and the purpose
which these nations entertained to aid Russia when II
became possible to extend aid in establishing a real de.
mocracy. In a comment on the Russian situation Score.
tary Balfour, of Great Britain, spoke of the future pos.
abilities, and pointed out that in all probability German
plotting would presently turn toward the re-establish'
ment of the old autocratic system in Russia, and thu
people in what will then remain of the Russian empire
will find their country despoiled of some Of its mos
valuable provinces and themselves saddled with a form
Of government which they have sought to overturn
That government, moreover, because of the circum
stances attending its re-establishment, would be de
pendent entirely on the will Of Germany for its existence
and the last condition Of Russia will be infinitely wors
than the first.
While her negotiations with Russia have been il
progress Germany has apparently had peace negotiation
with other nations under way. Montenegro and Serbia
have both rejected peace offers. 1t has been reported
that certain peace proposals had been made to Grea
Britain, but this lacks confirmation. In reply to q ques
ton one of the high government officials said that sue
proposals as were reported to have been made had no
been and would not be considered. There was nethe
confrrnation nor denial Of the report that proposals hal
been made.
There are signs all along the western line Of an earl
resumption of hostilities on a large scale. The sprinl
s@oAensiye is near For months it has been given out ,pa
NGSEnnanyS was preparing for the greatest blow Of the war
nsAsJf for some dime Il has Ct different times been report
tsx1gaAsy ~ about 70 besin.S6sssThuis sfar the blow
~ NOT bssn struck. and II spite of me declarations q
Al111e4snburE = dssLudsndes6 that Thy. saiiies must nov
30A66s thslr punishinent. No barge movement has peens ~
NJ d Il certain which side Is to begin Il. Botf
24l411Ss haye been alert, ana day by day recently there hal
51ntnsssFeassd acisttys n ~ way of french raids artl
800 And sainor snSassnsntA 81 KAns thsrs = IN.