Republican farmer., 1918-03-01

Cupy l1lS CI1C Olty Win u o1IICN
frankly refuse to fight and say:
ing. If the Germans come, let
There is a sitter attitude among the
workmen from whom, if at all, resist
ance to the Germans must come. Even
though for lack of training their re-
sistanae should prove of little value,
they are said to be enrolling with en-
thusiasm in response to the call of the
Bolshevik leaders. The correspondent
of the Daily News, writing Sunday
says:
Russian troops, almost without ex-
ception, have refused fatty to fight.
A division which was supposed to be
defending Narva has arrived in
CATCHING. Ensign Krylenko protest
ed. They replied that they did not in
tend to fight.
Immediately the first few German
troops appeared the Russian peasant
soldiers, who being peasants, not in
dustrialists, were interested merely in
the land question and cared nothing
for the revolution, started eastward in
an uncomfortable way, threatening to
sack all the towns on the way.
1.-THE Russian army was Germany S
strongest weapon. In driving 1t to-
ward Petrograd they were driving a
herd of stampeding cattle which would
trample down everything in its way.
The revolutionary workmen could
have put up a real fight against the
Germans, but they could do nothing
against the Russian army, which must
disappear before the revolution can
begin to create any real military force
for itself. The workmen of the towns
are eager to fight"
Some correspondents, describing
the bulk Of the population as lost in
bewilderment and apathy, think such
resistance as may be offered will
amount to little. They say no amount
of talk by the Bolshevik leaders can
cover the plain facts of the situa-
ton.
Luga, half way between Pskov an6
Petrograd, has been occupied by the
Germans, according to an uncon
drmed rumor, Reuter- dispatch from
Petrograd says.
The Bolshevik government has no
vet received a reply from the Ger.
mans to the message of Ensign
Krylenko, asking whether Russia's
acceptance of Germanys peace terms
renewed the previous armistice.
A German detachment has appear
ed at Savage, half way between Luga
and Pskov. This is the nearest the
Invaders have approached to Petro.
grad, where factory workers, meI
Ind women, are enrolling for the de-
tense of the capital.
The Exchange Telegraph Co. says
Germans operating in the region O
Pskov inquired of the German gen
eral Hoffman whether, in view o
Russia's acceptance of the German
peace terms, they should continue tt
advance. Gen. Hoffman, the dis
patch says, replied in the aftirma
tive.
1t is uncertain whether the Ger
mans or the Russians now hole
Pskov. An Exchange Telegraph Co
dispatch from Petrograd, dated Tues
lay, but bearing no time, says thu
Bolsheviki announce that Pskov ha
Ieen recaptured.
All reports confirm the Garlic
tatement that the town frequent!
hanged hands.
Another telegram says Borisoff g.
niles northeast of Minsk, has beel
aptured by the Germans, and tina
Drsha and Smolensk, northeast o
Hinsk are being evacuated.
Fighting at Rostov on the Do
leased Monday night. The Cossack
etired and are pursued by Bolshevik
orces. Ger. Nazaroff, the Cossacl
eader. has been arrested by Bolshe
Tiki troops who now are attackin
Eovo Tcherkask, which is resistin
trongly.
London, Feb. 27.-The Russian rev
lution will defend itself against Ger
many says an official Russian state
nent sent out by wireless and whic
announces that Germany has refuse
o grant an ar1nistice. The announce
nent reads:
"a peace delegation now is on tn
way to Brest-Litovsk. We expect an
moment news that it has arrived &
he place appointed for peace negc
iations but there is no armistice. Th
German government has formally re
used an armistice and German de
nchments continue to advance.
I'VE are prepared to sign the
eace of usurpation. We have aIread
declared this, but there are many il
locations that the German Imperia
SITS do not desire peace at the presel
moment, but rather an immedia-
trangling of the workmens and pea
nts' revolution.
Resistance to the German hordt
hus becomes the principal task of IL
northumberland heroic, obstinate ar
itiless resistance. Every positio
very railroad station, every LOGON,
I've must be defended. Every poss
lie obstacle must be put in the way
he enemy.
"Our greatest strength is in o.
hide territorieA Enemy detac
nents still very small. have occupi,
keval and 'Pskov. Even Petrogr;
eself, which is still far distant, CO
10 way decide the destiny of the rev
ntion. The government of the pc
lies commissaries can and, if nee
Ie, must retreat must gather
brces and must appeal to the cou
~ to use its whole strength for t
lcfense of the revolution. Shou