The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-27
SAVING RUSSIA.

DlSPdlNhS5 4iolA "dSAih6tOtt
cate that there is now great hurry and
a rushing to and fr, among allied
statesmen, in an effort to save Rus
STA from German domination. 1t is
the old story OF locking the barn door
after the steed is stolen. Germany's
grip on Russia is unlikely to be 1oos-
ened until it is shaken off by force of
where. The Huns once more have
proven themselves too swift for their
enemies, as they have done in nu-
merous instances since the war began.
The separate treaty made by Russia
has not eliminated the eastern front
in this great war. It has changed 1t
from a military to political and eco
homie one. The outcome of the pres
ent economic struggle in Russia will
affect the peace of the world in
hardly less degree than the outcome of
the military activities In the west.
Russia is becoming the center of grav-
ity of the war. Peace will follow the
victory of the allies on the western
front. but unless the political hold of
Germany in the conquered parts of
Russia be loosened and unless the eco
nomic aggression of Germany in the
other parts of Russia be checkmated
the allies will have won a doubtful
victory.
To avoid the future war for which
the Germans are openly planning, the
decisive victory by which the terri
tories of the central powers shall be
limited to their original boundaries
must include an economic victory over
the German attempt to monopolize
financial, Industrial and commercial
Russia. Were Germany not exhaust
ed by four years of war, before now
she would have mastered Russia in
this respect, because that country has
collapsed economically as she has in
a military way.
Two plans have been proposed to
meet the conditions. both having in
view the safeguarding of the cause
Of the allies and the rehabilitation OF
Russia. The first plan Is armed in
PREVENTION by the allies in Siberia. An
observer OF the play of international
politics cannot have failed to notice
the persistence with which cables from
! many Of the principal capitals to
American newspapers have urged
upon the American people the impor-
lance and necessity of this plan.
The second plan involves the re-
Mobilization of Russia by rendering
| economic assistance in a broad way, in
the first instance by opening UP the
| channels of communication and trans
portation and lifting the embargo upon
the free movement of those things
which are elemental and necessary for
| the existence of a large population
such as foodstuffs, clothing, agricul-
tural implements, etc. Then 1t has
been proposed with government en-
couragement TIC maintain the present
American business and financial inter-
ests in Russia and by the extension OF
| these interests to forestail the activi-
| ties of German industry and finance
The reduced state of German finance
and industrial productivity and Rus.
sia's desire for American assistance
would facilitate this plan. This latter
plan appears to be the one most in ia
vor just now.
The arguments in favor of armed in
PREVENTION in Siberia are based for tn,
most part on the conception that Rus
STA may be rehabilitateG thru the revo
lutionary overthrow of the Bolsneviki
brought about by the sane element
of the population joining the advanc
ing allied army of liberation. The en-
terprise would be directed against tn
Bolsheviki. the reputed allies OF Ger
many. Military activities in Easter
Siberia are also proposed to offset tn
reported uprising of Teutonic prison
ers and to ward off the menace o
Germans.
The recent wreck on the Michiga