Evening star., 1926-10-30

For the first time since the founda-
ton of the Soviet regime IN RUSSIA
there is a split in the party, with a
pronounced difference in policy. The
ultra. Radicals are ousted. and the
Moderates disclaim all sympathy with
the old slogan Of Lenin and Trotsky
demanding world revolution. Inc
Moderates confess that the original
doctrine Of communism, to dispiace all
capitalism, is an utter failure, ana tney
are advocating a return to normal con-
ditions of industry. reform OF laws
affecting agriculture, SO that peasants
NAV retain rewards for their work
and a general building up OF credits
with the world.
There are two views Of this alleged
change of heart: One credits 1t to an
opening Of the eyes OF the Moderates
to the folly of communism: the other
quotes the classic:
When the devil was sick. tho devil saint
When r. *. dsy{i T. got WELL the devil saint
That Russia Is economically sick
today, all parties agree. With that
fact conceded, one must investigate
the sincerity Of Premier Stalin's pro-
fessions Of peace and good will toward
men Of all nations. particularly OF
the nation most able to supply capital
with which to stimulate the country's
dying powers.
AS to Trotsky, the original partner
Of Lenin. there can be no question Of
his determination to carry out, so far
as possible, the original Marx-Lenin
program of world revolution, over
turning Of all organized governments,
through war Of the proletariat against
society. He boasts 1t, and all his
course confirms the boast. He Is one
Of the leaders in Zinovieff's party Of
Radical Communists, and, therefore, he
has been dismissed from hts Office of
chairman Of the concessions commit
tee by order Of Chairman RykOff, head
Of the Soviet commissars, and Stain,
the premier and actual dictator Of So
Wet Russia.
Trotsky is the best known leader
so far as the outside world goes, but
he has never been so influential since
the death Of Lenin as have some
others who were not so close to Lenin.
His personal fall appears of less con-
sequence than the question Of the real
principles Of the persons now &C
tually in the leadership Of what they
so anxiously profess Is a new regime
Of the Soviets.
Last year, Rykoff brought about
the dismissal from office of other
members Of the Zinovieff Opposition
Party"-Kamenoff, head Of the Soviet
Labor and Defense Department, and
Of Finance, on the ground that they
were opposing the new policies Of the
party in power.
X X X X
Russia is bankrupt, financially and
industrially. Stain so confesses, when
he says in public speech:
without the assistance of the out
side world, whose credit, good will and
products we need. Russia cannot ex-
list much longer" He blames the cri.
sis upon Trotsky and zinovieff.
The important thing Is Russia's
present bankruptcy, following Ave
years Of attempted modified commu-
nism, known as the new economic
policy, adopted by Lenin.
In 1918, the output Of Russia's in
dustries was 7,011, 100000 pounds
sterling and in 1925 only 100000, 900
pounds, or about 37.7 per cent OF her
production under the reign OF the
Car, when capitalism" held out In
centives to the individual workman.
And yet, for the last five years. the
original monstrosity Of absolute COM
munism, with the abolishment of all
money, and confiscation by the state
Of all crops and products Of industry
(allowing only tokens" Of labor to
the individual industrialist and
barely sufficient amount Of the peas
ants crops to sustain life), has been
superseded by the new economic pol
icy" of state capitalism" and greater
freedom to the individual producer.
In spite Of that concession by Lenin,
confessing his original failure, Rykoff
announced last year: Russia meets
only a third Of the country's peace
time requirements. Every
hour we are drawing nearer TO Q
complete crisis" And Miiiutin, head