Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-01-04
Forcing the Issue

THE kolchak government in Russia is In a
state OF collapse. The Red forces have
practically paralyzed it and have spread their
regime far into the heart of Siberia DENT
kline is in no better circumstances He has
suffered defeat. He has failed miserably in
his effort to rescue Petrograd and his forces
seem 20 be dissolving. In other words, the
Boshevist government in Greater Russia is
stronger today than it has been at any time,
having overcome most Of it's domestic
enemies.
Secretary Of State Lansing in commenting
upon these facts gives warning that Lenine,
now that the latter is practically supreme In
Russia, may be expected to turn his attention
TO Poland. There is inherent hostility be-
tween Poland and the Bolshevists. The Poles
nave realized for a long time that their prox-
unity to Russia was source of great danger
ana they have appealed repeatedly to the
allies for support in the organization and
equipment OF Polish army which could hold
the Russian Reds in check if the time should
ever come. Poland, as the Secretary of State
observes, is an allied government. 1t has
signed the treaty of peace with Germany. 1t
is member Of the potential league of ma
tons set up by that treaty AS a nation 1t
was reborn at the hands OF the entente, and
IL it is to survive it must have the continued
support of the powers which brought about
the defeat OF Germany.
What is Americas position with respect to
this situation? This is question which Mr..
Lansing docs not ask directly, but he shows
that it is clearly in his mind The United
States has failed to ratify the peace treaty.
1t has remained aloof during the whole
period since the signing at Versailles 1t
refuses, through majority in the Senate to
accept any obligation toward Poland or any
other small nation of Europe. This country
is not member Of the league OF nations. 1t
mas incurred no responsibilities such as arc
imposed in Article y. Of the league covenant
1t is conceivable, as Mr.. Lansing points
out. that the allied powers within n brief
time Will be in direct conflict with the Russian
keds. II tho latter organize an assault upon
roland, az undoubtedly is contemplated and
IL roland finds it difficult to resist the forces
thrown against them, the allies must act in
Polands behalf or prepare themselves for
dissolution Of the buffer states which have
been created between the frontiers OF the
central powers and those Of Russia
America aided in the re-esabishment of
Polish autonomy. II aided in the creation OF
Czecho-Slovakia 1t has given aid and com
fort to the patriots in Ukrania and is sympa-
theticaly inclined toward tho independent
Baltic states. 1t seems impossible that this
country should fail to stand with the govern
ments which it has helped set up and with the
weak peoples which 1t has supported in their
efforts toward liberty
How the Senate in it's further consideration
of the peace treaty can fail to take cogni-
Zance OF the conditions which are being
created in Europe at this time, is difficult to
understand. And it must feel ashamed as it
realizes how much it has contributed to the
confusion and chaos which prevail through
out the world at this time