The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1920-09-25
HOPE OF RUSSIA HER WEAKNESS.

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For many decades Russia with her vast population
constituted a constant source Of apprehension to the
nations OF Eurpe. Russia's desire for a warm water
port and the means she might take TO obtain 1T caused
a fear to Turk in the mind Of every head Of government.
When Russia defeated Turkey in TITS it was a con-
cert Of powers that prevented her from reaping the
fruits Of her military victory because it would give
her a predominance that was disturbing.
Great Britain feared for India, though almost in
superable barriers would needs be surmounted before
Russia could really threaten that country. In fact every
great nation Of Europe kept is eyes on Russia because
IL was believed she had the strength 70 accomplish any
thing she might undertake. II was her enormous man
power that constituted the menace. Her upwards Of
200. o00,Ooo OF people was thought to be an inexhausti-
Bile reservoir from which to draw strength for her
armies.
It has been shown, however, that much or the
fear that Russia inspired was groundTess Japan Is
years ago demonstrated that Russia had weaknesses
that sapped her vitality Her failure in the Great
War was another illustration that she was much less
to be feared as an enemy than had been suspected. Rus
sda had and still has the man power. She has album
dant undeveloped resources. But man power without
~capability in guidance is without It's proper force. Rus
sia could put many men in the field. but men not prop
'erly equipped, munitoned and rationed are ineffective.
Corruption in her government wrought the ruin Of ter
cause. Her authorities lacked honor. They enriched
themselves al the expense OF their countrys life.
Russia need never have been feared had those who
dreaded her power looked beneath the surface. They
should have seen that she lacked in transportation, she
lacked the developed resources that enable a nation to
prosecute a successful war, her authorities lacked hon
esty. She had potential force, but efficiency in direct
Ing that force was wanting. That Russia today is fee
ing before the war-weary soldiers Of Poland shows that
Russia has not improved under the rule of the bolshe-
visits. It's government heads are still of the unscrupu-
lous type that led the Russian armies to defeat in other
conflicts.
That out Ct the hundred and odd millions the boil
Sheyfsts are able 10 put in the field. no greater arnies
shows that they represent not the aspiration OF the
real Russian people. We're the heart of Russia with
the holshevists like the Poles stand for thir national
restoration the Russians would be able to overwhelm
Poland BY mere numbers without making great use OF
the implements Of war. Russia as a military power f.
still weak because she is not capably led in a cause in
which she has no zeal.
Yet Russia possesses potential force that would be
well-nigh irresistible were her millions unified in a
cause and capably and honestly directed. If the time
ever comes when Russia secures an efficient, honest.
upright and equitable government. il it rises TO the
place where its people enjoy the blessings OF a just gov
eminent under law. II il progresses to the point where
its population is lifted out OF its ignorance, II its re-
sources are developed in keeping with twentieth cen
fury progress, then may Russia be feared by any nation
or coalition that arouses her anger. II is true that her
disordered state Is now a menace and a great one, but
a menace slight compared with what 1t would be did
the bolsevists represent more than a small minority CT
the Russian people.
1t is we'll, indeed, for civilization that the boishe-
visits are handicapped by Russian inertness. Were they
backed by the entire man power OF the former empire
tn outlook for the world would be dark. 1t is well
that the same influences that prevailed to neutraltze
the power Of Russia in the wars in which she engaged
operate now to stay the progress Of the barbarous doc
trines that are recognized as essentially Russian. Rus
sta weakness despite her number may prove the safe
~ Of civilization.