The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1919-01-21
THE PROBLEM OF RUSSIA


The Russian problem presses for solu-
ton. In the midst of the tumult and the
shouting over the Presidents visit to for
eign shores and the preparations for the
Peace Conference, it looms upon the hor-
lion, perplexing and ominous. It's exist
ence cannot be denied; Its urgency cannot
be ignored. Every day makes it more
complicated and more difficult of solll-
ton, yet every day makes it the more i'm
perative that it snail be solved For the
Peace Conference is approaching, and if
the Russian problem is not solved before
1t meets there will be perplexity and
trouble unspeakable
TO put the matter plainly, the whole
vast region formerly embraced in the
Russian Empire, from the Pacific to the
Baltic, is In state verging upon anarchy.
Nowhere is there any organization that
can be properly regarded as legitimate
representative and efficient government.
Nowhere is there body which could
worthily be represented in the Peace Con-
ference as an equal and authoritative
power AT various places there are var
lous organizations claiming government
la authority and exercising it to limited
degree over limited areas; but not one of
them can be regarded as entitled to speak
or to act for all Russia.
Nor are we quite sure whether there
is now any "all Russia" in the sense of
political entity, Granted that Finland
and Poland are set off as independent
states, as they should be; what of the re-
mainder? The Ukraine, under German
manipulation, set up independence So
did Lithuania, and the Baltic Provinces.
Do we recognize those acts as valid? We
have repudiated the bastard treaty of
Brest Litovsk, but do we insist upon the
undoing of all its results; or of all the
conditions which it recognized? We are
committed to maintenance of the right of
self determination. But do we consider
that right to have been legitimately exer-
cised by these various provinces which
Germany inveigled into secession?
These are questions of urgent gravity,
because at the Peace Conference Russia
either will or will not be represented If
the former, who are to represent her, and
how much of her will they represent. and
who will sign their credentials? If the
latter, how will the conference adjust the
relations between Russia and the rest of
the world, in the absence of Russian rep
resentatives? 1t is quite obvious that the
/ Powers cannot, for their own selfish sake
as well as for the sake of humanity af-
ford to ignore Russia and to let her re-
main in her present state of anarchy.
That might suit Germany,s book, giving
her the opportunity of exploiting Russia
which she has long been seeking; but it
would be stultifying and disastrous to
the civilized powers.
1t is so desirable as to be practically
imperative shat before the assembling of
the Peace Conference there shall be an
authoritative solution of the Russian pro-
blenl; at least to the extent of determin-
ing RGssia's status in or toward that
body There must be definite agree
ment among the powers as to what terri
tory is to be regarded as still composing
Russia, and as to what persons or body
is to be recognized as its responsible gov
eminent. If any such agreement has been
reached, the fact is still hidden in secret
diplomacy. Yet the date for the ASSEMBLE