The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1918-12-05
If Country Had Germany's S
Present Opportunity, 1t
Might Now be a Great
Democracy.
KERENSKY EXPLAINS
Former Premier Tells of Difficulties
Revolution Faced With Ger
man Propaganda Al
ways at Work.
LBy Edwin Hullinger. ]


copyright, 1918, BY United Press.]
LONDON, Dec. 5.-"H Russia had
Germanys present opportunity it
should now be a great democracy
like America Alexander Kerensky,
former Russian premier, declared In
an interview with the United Press
today, in which he drew compari-
son between the Russian and the
German revolutions.
"I believe the German revolution,
although started under similar con-
ditions and with similar aims to the
Russian revolution, will be able to
avert bolshevism.
There are three striking features
in which the two differ.
First, owing to peace having been
attained, Germany can devote her
entire effort to internal reconstruc-
ton instead of being compelled, like
Russia, to defend herself simulta-
neously from the foe.
Second, Germany is subjected to
no powerful, hostile internal propa-
ganda
Third, if starvation actually
threatens, Germany can get the al
lies to help. Russia has nobody to
aid her.
These spell the difference be.
tween success and failure and tell
the story of Russia's tragedy. Ii
Russia had Germany's present op
portunity, she would now be a great
democracy like America.
when the old regime was over
thrown, Russia had to fight an out
side foe with one hand and do the
best she could to build up herself
with the other. AS result she was
unable to perfect new economic
and political structure sufficiently
strong to withstand the strain.
"The Russian army was worm
eaten with German propagandists..
AS an example Of this, every time l
issued an order while preparing for
the July offensive, Rupprecht ap-
pealed to the Russians not to obey.
These appeals were widely clrcu-
lated. At the same stime German
unhiles we're active Internally, and
their cumulative impact against Rus-
sian morale was tremendous.
Russia faced starvation single
handed and fell down because it was
physically impossible for her to meet
the situation unaided. If a similar
food crisis arises in Germany, the
latter has the right, under the arm
istice. to appeal to the allies. in
which event the allies should re-
spond for their own protection
against bolshevism.
Therefore, Germany is not OBJ
structed by any of the great oD-
stacles which caused Russia's fail
ure."
The former premier, sitting in the
parlor of a friends house in the Sc
GUIDED Cambridge Stairs terrace and
speaking in French, paused Tor
moment. He had greatly aged In
appearance since / last saw him IN
June. When he resumed speaking
his voice was tense with earnest
ness.
germany probably has turbulent
daz-s anead and may split up, but
| ! do not believe she will be subject
ed to the supreme tragedy, like Rus
sia," he said.
IT believe the German revolution
is sincere. do not believe it is pos
sible to 'hippodrome' (the nearest
translation of his term) on such a
scale. Furthermore, it must be re
nembered that the personnel of the
German army has been completely
altered since 1914, when eighty per
cent of the officers were aristocrats
Now there is only twenty per cent
Again he paused. Then, smiling
quietly, he said:
"Of course, it is difficult for me
to speak dispassionately of Ger
many. which wronged the entire
world. then supremely wrongeo
Russia by robbing her of chance
to become new nation.
NO, | do not desire to return to