RUSSIA'S CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1918, Page 2

RUSSIA'S CRISIS.

UNLIMITED BOTHER. (United Service Telegrams). PETROGRAD, January 27. The sudden metamorphosis from temperate orderly Russian masses to lawless pillaging and murdering mobs is due to the unlimited manufacturing of Vodka. The revolution lias swept aside the Czar’s decree, and distilleries have started everywhere.

UKRAINIAN STATEMENT. TAUSTRALIAN & X.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] PETROGRAD January 27. Owing to Maximalists arresting the leaders of the Polish military organisation, tlie PoliMi Legionaries have occupied several railway stations in tlie Maghileff district and disarmed the Russian Garrisons.

The Ukrainian Rada has proclaimed the complete independence of the I" rainian republic, and declared that it desires friendship with Roumania, Turkey and other neighbouring powers. It will support no war.

SERIOUS FIGHTING [■'REDTEIt’s” TELEGRAM.] PETROGRAD January 27. Serious fighting is reported from Brest Litovsk between Russians and Roumanians on the 20th. In the vicinity of Galatz the ninth portion of the Tenth Siberian Diviiou attempted to break through in order to regain Russian territory whence they were cut off by the Roumanians. Heavy artillery and monitors on the Danube were engaged and the attempts have so far failed. The fighting continues.

A CRITICAL POSITION. A CORRESPONDENT’S VIEW. OF INTERNAL RUSSIA. (Received This Dnv at 11.23. a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 28. Mr Ransome, telegraphing from Petrograd, insists that the position of the Bolsheviks is critical.

A conference of the Soviet is discussing the question of peace, or a holy war against the bourgeoises of the world on Saturday night. Mr Ransome urges the Allied Governments to join Trotsky, so as to prevent the Central Powers making a separate peace with Ukrafne. If the Allies join Trotsky at the peace conference it will have an overwhelming effect on the German people. Meanwhile a hand of idealists, who are striving to overcome the apathy of the masses, and the active resistance of the privileged, propertied classes, has forced an impossible position.

Owing to n6n-recogni tion by the Allies it has put' a weapon into tlie hands of the antiißolsheviks.

The weakening influence of the Bolsheviks upon the proletariats and the Central, Efmpire’s non-recognition lias strengthened the Ukrainian Rada, which the bourgeoise fears more than the Austrians. Tlie Rada, unhampered by uncompromising ideals, is ready to conclude a separate peace with Austria on business terms, opposed to idealistic terms of the Petrograil Bolsheviks. Mr Ransome is of opinion that there is‘a spirit in the Bolsheviksk. Some now believed Russia is compelled to make peace, owing to military weakness. Nevertheles the majority of the leaders are still ready to take up Germany’s challenge. The ultimate decision will be with Trotsky, who will do what is best to serve, the universal revolution.

Trotsky is ready to sacrifice Riussia to save Europe, or to sacrifice Europe to save the world.

The whole question now depends whether the Rada succeeds in securing, peace f with Austria before the evergrowing Soviet movement in Ukraine displaces it, and brings Ukraine into line with the rest of Russia, in support or Trotsky’s policy. Trotsky asked ’ for an interval in the negotiations, in order to allow the Soviets to conquer Ukraine. If the Rada makes' a separate peace, Ukraine corn, which would prevent starvation in Petrograd, where already spotted typhus has appeared, will he diverted to Austria.

This will bring Trotsky’s downfal and anarchy of an appalling kind.