The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-03-31
SITUATION WORSE
IN SOUTH RUSSIA
Bolshevists, Using Propagan-
da, Halt Victory Of Vol
unteer Army.

da, Halt Victory Of Vol
unteer Army.
by EDMUND GAMBLER.
Noted EnoitsA Trupsfle, and Author.
Special Cable DsspafcA to THE sus from tAs
London Times serpice.
COPYRIGHT. 1919: oil rohn rsserped.
EKATERINoDAR, via Constantinople,
March so.--The situation in Southern
Russia has changed for the worse with
startling rapidity. At the beginning Of
January prospects were bright; volun-
teer army was carrying out a brilliant
offensive north OF the Caucasus the Don
army was threatening Tzaritzi; their
morale was good and unity OF command
had been obtained by Geh. krasnov's
recognition of Denekin as chief OF all the
forces in Southern Russia The Bolshe-
Wiki. on the other hand, mostly unwilling
conscripts. kept In the ranks by methods
or terrorism. were rapidly becoming de-
moralized.
There was Wholesale shooting of de-
serters and their families. whole regi-
ments deserted and after short period
Of training fought in the ranks OF the
prospect OF Tzaritxin and Aslachen fall
ing and of Denekin Joining hands with
Admiral Kolchak. thus establishing q
solid anti-Bolshevist bloc from Vladi-
vostok 10 Crimea, which would have
spoken with authority at the Peace Con-
ference.
Propa sandists Active.
Tho Bolshevists realized the danger
OF this. Their plans for a winter cam
paign included a most determined mill
tary and political offensive against the
Cossack forces from Orenburs to the
Don The military offensive consisted
in massing troops OF vastly superior
numbers from the Donetz basin to- tho
Volga. but the physical superiority alone
could not have brought about tho col
lapse OF the Don army.
The Bolshevist troops failed to effect
their purpose by arms they tried to
achieve It by propaganda. weapon
which the Bolshevist understands and
uses better than any one else in the
world
The present grave situation is due
partly to these propaganda articles and
partly TO encouragement owing to the
failure or delay OF the expected allied
aid. The Cossacks and peasants are
persuaded Germany has become Boil
shevist and state the worlumen and sol
diers of Europe will soon be fighting on
the Bolshevist side against tho I'M
perialists OF Krasnoff"
It is pointed out to the Cossacks as
proof that Germany has become Bolshe-
visit and that their left flank hitherto
held by Germans Is now open, leaving
them 800 more versts to hold against the
enemy.
stiu Hold Donets River.
Despite this accumulated discourage
ment and the fact that the Cossacks
have fallen back. leaving more than half
the Don territory In the hands of the
enemy, they are now holding tho line OF
the Donetz River with the help OF the
volunteer army and in tho Donetz basin
small force OF Krasnoff battalions is
still holding the coal area against eight
times their number OF Bolshevists, liv-
ing In trucks rushed from one point of
the front to another wherever pressure
IL greatest
The Bolshevtst political propaganda is
expanding with their military offensive.
The word Bolshevist Is discouraged now
in the army and they style themselves
Communists. They are abandoning the
policy of terrorism for one OF cajolery
and bribes
They have impressed several thousand
officers and Bourgeois N the Ukraine.
Officers are paid 1000 rubies month.
liberal rations. separation allowances
for wives and families and an insurance
scheme for their families In event of
death. The fighting capacity Of the
Boishevist troops has benefited by the
infusion of this element
The chief encouragement to the Cos
sack army has been the absence Of the
allied support
Allied Support Fails.
Since the armistice they have believed
the Allies, freed from other fronts.
would come TO their aid. There is no
doubt Krasnoff rallied the spirits OF his
troops by telling them the British and
French forces would be fighting by their
side in a month, In q week or in few
days.
For months they have been counting
on material help In the form of guns,
tanks, airplanes, armored cars. and
moral support in the presence OF allied
troops The very word tank" has
acted like q tAlisman II has been on
everybody's lips and there 10 no doubt
the appearance of few of these engines
or low flying airplanes bombing and ma
chine cunning the enemy would have
spread CONSERVATION in tho Bolshevist
ranks, but vital as In the question OF
supply OF munitions, the appearance OF
allied troops in whatever small numbers
Is essential II confidence 10 TO DO msin-
tanned In the Alliea OF sympathy with the
allied cause,
The presence OF British or French
uniforms 10 needed moro as q symbol Of
the power behind them than for the
actual physical value OF the force de-
spatched. The real reason OF the Cos
sacks retirement Ii the feeling they
have been left to their fate. Both SOL
diers and peasantry have lost heart and
the Bolshevists are trading on the doubt
and depression left in their minds by the
Allies in action.
Bolshevtsts Take Heart.
Their propaganda has gained strength
by the allied invitation to send delegates
TO Princes Islands, which naturally has
been interpreted by the Cossack army