Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-04-12

somewhat similar state of affairs exists with reference
to coal prices, and a very undesirable condition Of uncer-
tainty is created in consequence.
Occupation, Abandonment, or What?
The problem Of what to do in Russia seems to be-
come more complex every day. The mutiny, or threat
ened mutiny, of American soldiers in the Archangel dis
trict adds to the complications from the American stand
point. These men are said to have refused, or at least
to have shown great reluctance, to a further advance into
Russian territory, except upon the distinct understanding
that they were to be brought home at the earliest oppor-
tunity.
The problem is that which always exists In the deal
ing Of civilized governments with populations which are
disorganized, and demoralised. There is no authority
sufficiently recognized at home and with q sufficient
appearance Of stability to be suitable for the recogni-
ton of outsiders. At the same time the presence Of for
eign troops in any country is likely to be distasteful to
the inhabitants of that country as their presence is quite
apt to be interpreted as a hostile invasion.
Among the methods Of treatment Of the Russian situa-
ton which are theoretically possible is that Of the or
ganization Of the country in force by the United States
ana the associated powers, and the administrations Of
affairs under their supervision until the Russian people
can establish a government of their own. The opposite
Of that. is the complete abandonment Of the country By
those powers. leaving the people to work out their own
salvation in their own way. The first plan involves at
least an apparent violation Of the independence Of the
Russian people, and on that account there has been a
great reluctance to adopt it. The other plan would mean
the abandonment Of the entire population to the terror
ism Of those who have lifted the nag Of anarchy, and vine
are maintaining themselves in power over it by force.
Whether. in case the latter method be adopted the ma
tiors should recognize the Red government, and thus give
ctvilisation's seal Of approval to anarchy. or should sim
ply ignore the existence of Russia Until a real government
Iont1d n a Aafah1iohAd Il rns,,l<u pau1 IA ~ ~eroA p{yAra
of blood would flow throughout the entire country as they
are now flowing in communities, and a reign Of terror
such as the world has never before seen would sweep over
that country. to continue until riot and destruction had
worn themselves out. This prospect is not a. pleasing one
for any civilized people to consider.
A very few years ago we had a problem Of somewhat
similar character right at our doors. The dictatorship OF
Pornrio Diaz in Mexico was overthrown by Madero and
mis- associates and steps were taken for the formulation
of a constitutional democratic government. The progress
of this effort was arrested by the violent assumption OF
power by Huerta under whose administration Madero
was murdered, and who assumed the role Of military die
Htator. The United States government refused to recognize
Huerta, not only because he had not established a govern
ment possessed >of sufficient power to maintain Itself
but because such power as he possessed had been OBJ
tanned by violence, and not at all through the act or with
the assent of the people of Mexico, and President Wilson
made it known very distinctly that SO long as he was at
the head of the American government, no government OF
Mexico would be recognized which was based only vio-
lence. Thefe was a great deal of criticism of this attitude
and many people insisted that it was not for us to con-
slider how a government of Mexico was established blu.
merely whether or not it existed and was performing gov
rnmentalfunction But Mr.. Wilson remained firm in his
attitude. Huerta was not recognized and ultimately he
country.
1t has some times been stated that President Wilson
is in favor OF recognition Of the Lenine-Trotsky cabal
as the de facto government. Of Russia. That attitude II
1t exists, is an entire contradiction Of his attitude with
reference to Mexico. because the Bolshevik combination
came into existence, and exists only by virtue of violence;
it represents only an insignificant minority OF Russian
people: it has no warrant in law or ir fact for it's author
ity; and it's methods are more pictorial, more oppres:i i've,
more bloody and violent than anything that Mexico has
ever experienced.
It is usually easier to state a problem than to solve it,
What has been written nbove is neither statement nor So
luton Of The Russian problem. It l.. merely a passing
reference t. some Of the pertinent facts out OF the vast
multitude Of such facts which compllcate the Russian git
uaton. But 1T is well that these facts be remembered be-
cause they must be taken into accoun. before any proper
conclusion can be reached. The solution Of the Russian
problem 10 not in sight. What its eolution must he we car
only guess, and in the meantime it is the business Of every
lAmerican vho>thinks on public questions to inform HIM
self - we'll - he can before becoming a party to the
tfornulation 81 policies which mayor may not prove to be
Desirable.
-----------------
rornadoes are becoming .uhnc.enly frequent in
the south TO warrant the belief that spring IS here.
F1sT So
The Germans are aEainl telling the world that they
win anA VIII not sign. The Germans VIII sign what IL
placed before tsem----or fight. S
- 7--------- III
% y y not clear just why Kat. o.Hare, ! convicted
lfssen. should have bssn allowed prtyelsses not usually
lsraateds e feIona sa#.s ls