Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-05-06
The Bo1shev;sts at Genoa

IN ELGIUM's seeming intransigence at the
H Genoa conference is better understood
in light of recent remark by LA Ma
TION BEIGE, published at Brussels and as
sumed to reflect both official and popular
opinion. eff reconstructing the Soviets on
pretext of reconstructing Russia" says that
journal, "stops the breakup of Bolshevsm
that is now going on, the proposal is one that
we find difficult to support, even out Of love
for Mr.. Lloyd George.
Under this construction Of the current
parleys between the Allied and the Russian
embassies at Genoa, many a mind in America
and, doubtless, in Europe will find itself in
agreement with the Belgians. Bolshevism
has proved thousandfold curse to the land
that tolerated it; and, according to the best
information, is destined to collapse at no
distant day if unaided by intervening luck.
Processing to bring freedom, it has tyran-
nized and despoiled. Supposed to stand for
the rights Of the many, it has set up vicious
oligarchies and robbed the very proletariat
it was pledged to serve. Never strong with
the mass of the peasantry and now, it would
seem, losing grip upon it's followers in cities,
Bolshevism is bound for the inevitable end
/
To prolong it's tenure in Russia and thus
multiply it's hazards to Europe would be
disservice to civilization. Furthermore, those
who play with Bolshevist fire need not be
surprised if they are burned Lenine and
his clan are no more truthful, no more honest
no more responsible than it suits their de-
signs to be. Judged by their record, as well
as by their philosophy, they may be expected
to live I'D to contracts if by so doing their
own interests are served, but not otherwise.
Those with whom they negotiate at Genoa
will have no moral assurance of the agree
ments' being fulfilled.
It is with good reason, then, that Belgium
is circumspect toward plan OF Russian re-
construction which might give new lease of
life to virulent and mayhap contagious dis
ease Yet, some plan of Russian reconstruc-
ton there must be if the economic balance
of Europe and of the world is to be restored.
Markets are now fettered, industries are now
depressed, divers channels of trade are now
stagnant, which will be opened and ener-
gized and made to brim with prosperity when
Russia again produces and buys and sells.
This naturally is kept in mind by the states
men at Genoa, and naturally they wish con-
structive action. Moreover, inasmuch as the
only representatives of government in Rus
STA are the Bolshevist authorities it is with
the Bolshevsts that they must deal, ii at all,
But rightly they are admonished to deal with
utmost caution. The very promptness and
sangfroid with which Lenines spokesman at
the conference waived their own claims and
acknowledged those of the Allies is as sus
picous as it was surprising. They did so,
of course in hope of recognition and finan-
cial help. But suppose a substantial loan
is allowed them, what assurance is there OF
it's being repaid, or of it's being employed for
the rehabilitation of Russia rather than for
the further intrenchment of Bolshevism?
There is much truth of life in the New York
Worlds Characterization which represents
them as saying: why should we, not sign
any amount Of promises to pay that cannot
be paid for many years at best?. The Ger
mans have signed for the Allies. The Allies
have signed them for the Americans. Well
add to the pile and take our chances in the
future. In the meantime the Allied politi-
clans at Genoa can take our paper home,
show it to their constituents, and give us
recognition. With the recognition their
financiers will lend us money. AS a result
of the arrangement real wealth will coma
into Russia and only paper wealth will go
out. When the paper comes due we shall
see what we shall see."
Thus, while it is admittedly important that
Russia be helped back to economic sound
ness and vigor, it would be extreme risk
to entrust the means to that end to those
who stand for economic folly and decay. The
breaking reed of Boshevism must be util-
lied, no doubt, by friends Of Russian recon-
struction, but it's real nature should be kept
keenly in mind