The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-10-14
That Red Menace
(St. Paul DiSpatch)

OSt. Paul DiSpatch)
Secretary of Interior Wilburs prophecy Of a great
struggle between America and Russia was probably not
intended to be SO alarming as it sounds. It certainly
belongs in a different class from much of the Red bait
ing that has gone on in America and other western coun-
tries since the Soviet government came to power in Rus
sa IL years ago. The Red menace" has provided a
convenient DOGGY for every political jack who has wished
to frighten conservatively minded persons out of their
better judgment at election time.
1t Is only comparatively recently that America has
made its real discovery OF the new Russia and the sort
OF dangers 1T holds. if any, for the capitalst;c system
under which the greater part OF the world exists. Russia
can De a menace only as the theories under application
there now, through practical operation, r~eestabliSh that
country as a factor in world affairs. Such consideration
as this undoubtedly is what Secretary of Interior Wilbur
sia. that q great struggle must take place between two
differing and fundamental philosophers in the world. He
means that capitalistic economics must either displace
communism or be displaced by 1t.
The Russian system is potent only as an example,
and what that example is to be is undetermined. AS yet,
certainly, nothing has been accomplished in Russia to
cause any change in the confidence existing In America
from the beginning of the experiment that the final ont-
comc will be to make the capitalistic system Of private
property stronger and more solid than ever. Russia cam
not conquer the world by arms. It cannot demoralze
world economics by speculation or trade conspiracies.
It's propaganda and intrigue In foreign countries Is the
most futile and absurd foreign policy any government,
ever pursued. for 1t cannot persevere and has only the
n national relations eetens'o which, tGe s seso.n cs OF smose nG Fa,ss,. m %ish
the most favorable conditions for its serious domestic
experiment.
But this theory of an inevitable contest for supremacy
between capitalism and communism Is itself open to
suspicion. Already communism has become a misnoner
IN application to what exists in Russia. What Russia
really has is state capitalism. with government there
taking the place occupied in America by private enter
prise. The exaggerated claims being made by and for
Russia on basis of the Soviets tremendous five-year pro-
gram OF industrial and agricultural expansion are yet
to be proved by the test of actual results.
Russia Is undergoing change. not only from year tc
year but from day to day. Where it will finally come
to rest no one can say. But there is no warrant at the
present time for concluding that the ultimate economy
and culture being developed in Russia will be so incom-
patible with that Of the western nations that 9 great
struggle for possession of the world must take place
beween them. 1t Is even more likely that the two will
be easily able to exist side by side without important
conflict.
Too much emphasis is placed in these calculations OF
Russias future on the Importance Of doctrines. systems,
forms OF government. Those have their Importance but
much more telling for the final outcome will be the In
%telligence energy and effort of the Russian people In
working out their own problems. just as in America the
success OF this political and economic system has fol-
lowed from the fine qualities OF mind and character OF
the people. who are the real nation.