Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1918-02-23
EVENTS OF WEEK
The Russian k]aleidoscope continues 4

EVEVl0 VF a WEEA
The Russian kaleidoscope continues TO present to
the view of the observer new and interesting conbina-
lions, and the changes are so rapid that it is ute ly i'm
possible for the outsider to do more than glance hur-
nedly at each as it comes into view. At present nothing
IN Russia appears to be even fairly continuous except
war and disorder. The ending Of the arnistice with
Germany was followed Immediately by the advance of
German troops on various sections Of tho Russian front.
This brought forth a hurried capitulation by the Boil
shevik leaders. who. wired their acceptance of all the
terms which Germany had demanded. Germany re-
fused to accept assurances so transmitted, and continue
her military progress, and according to. late reports,
while a messenger is on his way with the formal ac-
ceptance OF the German terms, the German forces are
menacing the approaches to the Russian capital, and
the boishev1k government has set it's soldiers at work
tearing up railroad tracks and performing other acts to
impede the German progress, and has drafted the Bour-
geotsie for the work of digging trenches. Defense to
the death is the latest Bolshevik slogan.
According to late reports from Prussia the ru.e If
Trotzky and l.enine is fast nearing its close. The Rus
SLAMS were betrayed and exploited under the rule of the
car. The kerensky government was powerless to bring
about peace and had not the resolution to stand squarely
Tor war, and it was overthrown. The radical group
promised peace. 1t has succeeded in reducing the coun-
try to a state of absolute helplessness, and the peace
which it promised has proven elusive The populace is
reported to be disguised with this broken reed upon
which it leaned, and to be on the eve Of turning to the
moderate group for aid. Trotzky and Lenine, accord
ing to some of the reports, are about to resign, and
there is again talk Of a new meeting of the constituent
assembly and Of efforts to gather together the conserva-
tive forces of the nation into a body devoted to the re-
organization Of the government on a new basis, and for
the purpose of coming again into contact with the allies
from whom they have been separated within these past
few months.
The disorders in Germany appear to have subsidized,
for the present, at least. 1t is probable that the attcn-
ton of the German public, which has become weary of
waiting for the promised victory, has been distracted
from more important affairs by the renewed German
activity of the Germans on the Russian front. The adj
vance OF even small bodies of Germans into Russian ter
ritory can easily be distorted into the appearance of
great victories for the present entertainment of the
Germans at home, and thus another breathing space
may o. gained. AT the same time the eastern situation
has in it elements of danger, for Austria looks with
Jealous eye on the fresh German activity, and notice has
been served that Austrian troops must not be used in
any Of these movements without the specific authority
Of the Austrian government.
= =
There is also an element of friction in the incidents
attendant on the conclusion of peace with Ukraine
There has been much talk of an autonomous poanl
Out when 1t became necessary to outline the boundaries
q 'he new okralnlan state a slice was calmly taken
or what was Russian Poland and handed over to
Ukraine, greatly to the digust of the Po1es, MANY of
whom have had all they desire of autonomy under Ger
man domination. In consequence of this and other
grievances there have been signs of great disafection
among the Polish troops that have been organized by
Germany, and these troops are not at all unlikely to ar
ray themselves against the German authority.
=
The supreme war council at Versailles energies
from recent discussions with largely increased powers.
and the Lloyd George government comes out Of the
scrimmase apparently stronger than ever. The British
premier has twice staked the existence Of his admins
X fration on the supreme war council. At the time of rne
creation Of thAt council he was bitterly assailed, but he
energed triumphant. This time, after he had approved
4rlans for the extension of the powers of the council,
he was again attacked. but he said fatty that if parlia-
& Anent did not approve Of his course it. was at liberty to
Fetire his administration and organize another. His
very dehnit4 and incorporating attitude on this
aAuestion was not seriously CHALLENGED, and parliament
N taassd to the regular work Of its new session without the
TT vote which the premier invited.
+ =
u y interesting TO Americans to note that Lloyd
81 AesosgA ~ outlining the need for the enlargement Of
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