Evening star., 1924-08-17

armies and not loud protestations or mere
desirability. And there Is every indication
that the test Is at hand.
What OF Itusxias Next Question
Paradoxical it may seem. in the face or
desire on the part of the large western nations
to curtail armies, rumors OF war and dangers
to the peace of the continent prevail In the
eastern section of the continent, when con-
tinues to be the stamping ground OF Soviet
Russian mechanitions.
Cnquestionably one of the great questions
to be solved, and, possibly. concurrently with
other remaining issues, is, what shall be done
in regard to Russia? The Macdonald govern
ment in London has gone long way in set
tling this question, insofar as England alone
Is concerned. treaty between England and
Russia has been signed. 1t provides favored
nation treatment for England. and. in turn,
Russia gains a degree of recognition from
England and promises of large loans that will
enable Russia to remedy in large measure,
extremely evil economic condition. The
next question naturally arises, will France,
without Soviet recognition of the czarist debts
follow England's steps, and will other nations
effect agreements with Moscow that event
ually will bring Russia into direct and
favorable contact? Or will Russia continue
to be ostracized by various powers in the hope
of weakening the bolshevik grip this once
great empire, and then restoring Russia to a
semblance Of its one-time greatness?
Necessary to ProEresA.
Upon sort of working arrangements
with Russia will depend much of the future
prosperity of the continent. Bolshevik not,
Russia is essential unit in the general con-
tinental scheme of things from any standpoint
wishes to view the question. and particu-
1arly in economic way. If agreements
eventuate with any existing government in
Moscow, and these agreements are abided by
by all signatories. then Russian "perils."
"menaces" and dangers" to the political fab
ric Of other nations will cease. There is
question but that all would profit handsomely.
All have recognized this. but political ques-
tions have stood In the way. The Soviets
ample of government and its threats to extend
this form to other nations through persistent1y
diabolical efforts since Russia got out of the
World War always have stood in the way of
everything but extremely cautious attempts
to sound out the Sovets in regard to trade
relations recognition. The Soviet has
insisted on recognition. beyond all things. in
asmuch this not only would mean accept
ance OF the peculiar forms adopted by Lenin
and Trotsky. but would up the way for
facilitating the general scheme of bolsheviz-
ing the world. This never has been out of the
minds of Moscow leaders, and it is a thing
they cling to today.
How to approach the general question of
bringing other national policies in line with
the bolsheviks SO to restore a portion of
the trade that flowed into and out Of
Russia is one of the vital questions that must
be solved by all. and which England seems in
fair way OF doing. The general test will
come in Soviet good will. If good faith can
be proved by Moscow, and If agreements with
England carried out in measure, it may
be expected that other nations will fall into
line. not that they desire to recognize the
perfdy Of bolshevik principles. but merely
because trade relations with the Soviet will
bring closer the day of general economic
stablization.