The Dominion. FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1916. RUSSIA'S NEW SPIRIT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2810, 30 June 1916, Page 4

The Dominion. FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1916. RUSSIA'S NEW SPIRIT

Ihb statement by tho Secretary of tho Russian Duma that it is posafter tho war is over, that Russia may make a present of tho Aland Islands to Sweden may be regarded as an indication of the remarkable change that is taking place in the spirit of Russia. Tho war has prepared the way for a new era in Russia's history.' People who are in a position to speak with authority tell us that a new Itussia is coming into existence. Liberal and progressive ideas aro abroad in the land. During his recent visit to Itussia, Stephen Graham noticed that tho people had become kinder to one another. Naturally kind, they have become still gentler since the war began. The relationship between the political parties has 'also become less bitter, and a chango for the better has como over tne whole system of government, ■riiis now spirit is exerting its influence on foreign policy. Russia "is inclined to bo moro neighbourly, and to put an end to ancient feuds. The fact that a responsible statesman should suggest the possibility of giving the Aland Islands to Sweden is merely one of many indications of Russia's desire to win the goodwill.of the smaller nations with which she is brought in contact. Sweden has been living in constant dread of Russian aggression, and Germany has been endeavouring to add to this fear by creating the impression that Russia intends to seize a portion of Scandinavia in order to secure an outlet to tho Atlantic Ocean. The Aland Islands, which have belonged to Russia for over a hundred years, lie between Finland and Sweden, and separate the Baltic Sea from the Gulf of Bothnia. Until rccoritly Russia has left them unprotected, l«it sinco the war began it has, of course, been found necessary to take measures to safeguard them from Gorman attacks. Tho agents of Germany have been striving to create trouble by suggesting that these precautionary measures are in reality preparations for an attack on Sweden. In days gone by Russia may have entertained the idea of expansion at the expense of Norway an Sweden, but tho spirit and the aims of her foreign policy aro now much loss aggressive than formerly. Whatcvor may bo the future of the Aland Islands, the seaward route she seeks is not through Scandinavia, but through tho Dardanelles. The changes in the domestic politics of Russia will inevitably result in important modifications in her external relations. The' closeness of her Alliance wifTi such democratic countries as Britain, France, and Italy will also have a moderating influence on her foreign policy. M. Nabokoff, a leading Russian journalist, who recently paid a visit to Britain, sont a valedictory letter to the British Press, in which he makes some striking remarks on this .point, "Our close union with Great Britain," lip writes, "may be regarded as an external Alliance for an external purpose, and unconnected with the internal life of cither country"; but he prefers to view it as an intimate rapprochement necessarily leading to'mutual influence—intellectual, moral, and aesthetic. He goes on to say that "if, as the result of such influence, the political and social ideas which form tho basis of the greatness and power of Great Britain are to be more. widoly recognised and adopted in Russia, all true frieuds of liberty can but hope and pray that this influonco may grow and spread." Russia seems to have reache.d ono of the turning points of her history. She is on tho eye of remarkable political and social developments. She has resolutely turned her back on German tutelage, and is now inclined to welcome British ideas and to follow British models. The two nations arc beginning to understand, one another, and aro finding that they have much to learn from cacli other. In his recent book, entitled "Victory in Dofeat," Me. Stanley Washburn gives us a sympathetic picture of Russia as a nation finding itself. In the midst of her reverses new elements in the character of the people asserted themselves. She rencwod her strength with a rapidity that struck terror into the hearts of her enemies, and her latest exploits are astonishing the world. After tho war the destinies of a number of young nations will probably be largely determined by Russia. There are signs that she will carry out her new responsibilities just and conciliatory way. The removal of many of the social barriers which in the past have estranged various sections of her own people may reasonably be expected to result in more amicable relations with her smaller neighbours. At peace at home she will be more likely to seek peace abroad. When she has secured a safe outlet for her commerce through the Dardanelles she will have no need or desire to tamper with tho integrity of Norway or Sweden. Tho development of her own vast resources, together witli the work of political reconstruction, will provide ample scope for her energies, and tho fact that she has been able and willing to settle her long-standing difficulties with Britain and Japan is a good indication of a real desire to return good-will for good-will in her dealings with other countries.