New-York tribune., 1918-06-13
Allies Ready to Act if
u. S. Agrees, Is Report
in Washington
Climax Expected
Within Few Days
Administration, With Many
Advisers, Said To Be Still
Hesitating
By c. w. Gilbert

Mon usually we'll informed assert that
!, is only question of days before in
convention is decided upon, with the
snproval of this government. 1t Is
;r,nossible to tell how much of this
a;pside information" is propaganda, di-
vscted toward the end of securing the
.am;nistra.ion's approval of interven-
.;on for there is undoubtedly strong
ssort being made just now to secure
,hs adoption of constructive policy
toward Russia
This effort will reach a climax in
few days. There is no telling what its
success may be, but this much is clear,
4be Administration remains uncon-
v;nced, or better, perhaps, still hesi-
tstes. being unable to make UP its
mind among host of counsellors, and
faced with huge difficulties, apparent
ar real. At any rate, there is now no
policy toward Russia.
You hear this from men who are
close to the President. The Admins
trstion is drifting, or, to employ
classic phrase, is practising "watchful
waiting" Destiny, providence, or the
inevitable reactions OF democratic
people, exposed to rude contact with
brutal German imperialism, may solve
problem that bristles. or appears to
brstle, with difficulties.
Russia Sheds
No New Light
Destiny, providence. or inevitable
democratic reactions did nothing to-
dsy. Russia shed no new light on her
self. Washington does not know what
is going on there. Is there counter
know Is the invitation from the
Cadets sufficient invitation? Wash
ington does not know. Is the Bolshe-
visit rule near its end? The guess is
/ that it is, for everything passes quick
ly in Russia. But Washington does
not know
II the truth were known it would be
found that the Administration has
many sources of information in Rus
sia, but no information. The parallel
OF Mexico, with its many investiga
tory high commissioners. paramount
PERSONAL representatives. tentacles of
the White House, in the days of watch
lui waiting, occurs painfully to mind.
Many informers, but no information.
Certainly right here in Washington
!he counter part of that situation ex-
iS1s. There are many counsellors, but
no counsel. A multitude of people
Knows what to Go with Russia and no
one knows what to do with Russia.
Inc probability is that Mr.. Wilson
issens to the multitude of people and
@ certainly does nothing. Decides
coming And that way lies indecision,
aaniormstlon and inaction.
Reports of Advice
Giyen to President
II you stir the Russian situation as
exists In Washington, and go in
such relatively informed quarters as
ah De entered you are asked, "Have
you heard of Mr.. Creel's solution of
.ae Russian question? He is pressing
II upon the President for all he is
worth. He says the White House has
W W poi'cy. And he is Offering the Pres
.oeht his policy. You know (in a lower
@ae OF voice. he publishes three news
papers IN Russia. sends tons of propa-
ahda there. and has many agents
mere; He knows he is trying to get
we President to adopt his policy"
aereiy quote. | do not vouch for these
sxsertions sx.', regarding the extent to
sn,eh the source of all public infor-
nation pervades Russia.
another says. "Of course, you know
T. Lady So and Sos policy. She has
;sss come from Russia. The President
much impressed" And again, "Pro-
ssso ,ssor This and That. who has lived
sasq OF ais life in Russia, has told
ae President thus and so. His advice
certain to prevail"
s%icles run all the way from waiting
W nussia to find herself lf-revolutio
- france did find herself with a ven
s.snse under Napoleon, and historic
Mlaileis enjoy much favor-to com
L'ss'onng Japan to enter Russia and
.sp Iermany busy in the East, from
W ~ intervention to intervention in it's
aAedest and most Objectionable, if
@sss impracticable, form.
Much l. Heard
fMr. Creel
~. Creel, of whom as a policy maker
sn Is heard, is an interventionist,
mtefventionist of mild and dena-
Ss.; NV sort. He would collect an expe-
H. sSn OF Russians living in this coun-
=, a. men who know both lands, who
~ Vary moral suasion to the people
sss. are following, if they still are
nowing, Lenine and Trotzky. The
s;ss % rot new. 1t is important in the
oi many intelligent observers
o., ,uecause it has as it's advocate Mr..
hssu;, And that fact is important as
~ are, :" what s'a'e u'pioh'a'ica'iy
-, ,au IN u what state automatically are
4krs ,Who will make the Russian pol
Ad;.. resident Wilson, of course. The
ir.ss are agreed to that. Having re-
she Allies policy with respect
Sas a' dissolving empire, the obliga-
tests upon the President to offer
eer substitute. The situation
a. =, ior something more immediate
ass;.s1 saat destiny or Providence or the
Ma reactions Of democracy ex-
term. 20 The evil communications of
Tasn militarism may offer.
k,psss balkan debacle recalls what may
III Ht from too much faith in destiny
&tnass wholesome reactions of native
nj ssaey And to be fair it lis only
Is y remind ourselves that the Bal
Ri. scacie lies at the doors of Mr.
ise ps diplomatic partners in Lon
4 tdtSi.as ssis and Rome. The Balkan
tke brought on in slow sequence
aIeluf;c catastrophe and the dis
u lahs % Eastern opposition to Ger
81 = ~. similar mishandling of Rus
81 ~ nay bring on-~-well, anything
= ss q k4oomy Imagination may CON
sasssuarding Us! Who arc