New-York tribune., 1919-06-14
Russia, Friend or Foe

Russia, Friend or Foe
At last Russian policyl Two and
one-half years of shilly-shallying! Lloyd
George, Wilson, Clemenceau and Maxine
have joined in declaration that means
something. If the governments and
their peoples do not allow themselves
to be again confused and deeds are in
accord with words, then danger to the
worlds peace, comparable to that which
existed when Germany was armed, may
be regarded as in process of removal.
So far as concerns world relations the
problem is whether Russia, chiefly
through the acts of Russians, is to be
restored to full standing among honor
able, justice loving and freedom main
tanning democratic nations. The revolu-
tion came through democratic influences,
when it appeared that the Gar, de-
spite good intentions, was not strong
enough to defeat the Vaccinations of a
German court party plotting for Rus
sia's dishonor through deserton of
her allies and abandonment of the cause
of civilization.
Milukof saw clearly, but he fell, and
power centred in Kerensky, the rheto-
rician. He saw the abyss that yawned
and personally was pro-Ally but he fall
tered. He proposed conference to dis
cuss a possible withdrawal. To discuss
such a matter was to concede everything.
The meeting could not occur, yet the
Allies, partly because confused and partly
because the Germans held the gates to
Russia, gave no active aid to their
friends.
Germany then shot her second poisoned
arrow. She financed Bolshevism to dis
organize the Russian armies. Playing on
weaknesses normal in the human breast,
Lenine and Trotzky persuaded the peas
ant soldier that the war did not concern
him, and that he was at liberty to quit.
Russia sinned. There is no use blink
ing the fact. One can sympathize with
the sinner, but the sin remains. Griev-
ously Russia has paid, and no one thinks
{ of holding the ignorant responsible for
their hasty detection. AS good raw
material of manhood exists in Russia as
elsewhere.
While the tragedy marched on moth
ing was done, or what was done was to
the enemy's. advantage. The great be-
trayal was almost condoned The way
to Russia was opened by hero;sm at
Archangel, by the romantic achievements
of the Czechs and by the clearing of the
Dardaneles; but Paris held back. The
absurd Prinkipo invitation went forward ;
there was talk Of assisting the Bolshe-
wiki with food; such as Bullitt and
Steffens we're asked for advice. Not un-
til the Siberian Russians had reestab-
lished liberty over half the empire did
reason return.
Russia is to march with .the civilized
world or against it. Her $50 900 900 are
to be regmented by the new kaisersm
or are to be educated into democracy.
Little doubt exists as to what the vast
majority of Russians prefer, but the land
is accustomed to minority rule We play
for great stakes-for the future peace
for as long as tyranny controls Russia,
malignant cancer whose roots perme-
ate nearly half of the Eastern Hemi-
sphere, it is idle to agitate for disarma-
ment The attitude toward Russia
affords, as the President has truly said,
an acid test of the integrity Of our pro-
fessions.
There is basis for great hope. "Me-
thinks l see in my mind a noble and a
puissant nation rousng herself like a
strong man after sleep, and shaking her
invincible locks; methinks l see her as
an eagle mewing her mighty youth, and
kinding her undazzled eyes at the full
midday BEAM"
The majestic words of Milton, with all
their inspirting power, summon us not
to despair. The great Russian people
accorded the aid and sympathy which is
their due, are to remember Boshevism
as they do czarism, as an ugly dream
which filled their minds just before the
night lifted.
To the new Russia, not only for her
sake but for our own, every generous
thought goes out. To misdoubt the ulti-
mate victory is to indulge wicked skep-
ticism If the bogs and msts are gone
from our brains, they will not long lnger
over the Russian plains, where brave men
fought for the worlds great cause.
Tho 1uiro cf,,ilfo ;e 60; A..