Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27th, 1918. THE RUSSIAN BREAKDOWN.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 February 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27th, 1918. THE RUSSIAN BREAKDOWN.

There are those who beleive that the breakdown of Russia following the revolution, from which so much was hoped and which lias given results so diametrically opposed to expectations, will have far more.serious effect on the world’s history than the course of events now immediately transpiring in connection with the present great war. The situation is changing very rapidly, and the future always obscure, is more than ever difficult to penetrate just now with the crucible seething as it is. The alternatives of the preI sent situation centring round Russia are being described as constructive ami destructive. The more cheerful outlook depends upon Russia emerging triumphant from the present throes, and being in the position once again to affect the destinies of the whole world. That ■ aspect does not bear any promise of realization just now. If it did, it would mean that |a great rejuvenated power had recovered control of its far-spread-ing empire, and under truly democratic rule, was casting a benign political influence, not only over Eastern Europe, Imt over Central Asia also. The Russian government would ho the neighbouring partner of British anile in India and the result would he a tremendous gain for a future world’s nonce. The influence of a once united Russia shattered, (as the present out--1 >ok indicates) the gravity of the situation occurs to the mind. The disruption of Russia will lead to depths unfathomable. There are vast regions of country nominally under the Russian regime. What is to become of these The territory spreads far across Asia and includes many differing races. Between the Indian frontier and the European countries, the'region would break np into particles again, and chaotic results would follow. Turkey, though, in sore straits in Europe, is far from being extinguished in Asia, where differing races might be co-

ordinafed to some extent under that Power which will have learnt something of dominating diplomacy from the present European war. These wjll bo a new patient as the sick man of Europe ,nnd it will not he Turkey. Russia will become the invalid, and after the unworthy behaviour of the nation in the present war. is not likely to have many ready friends to assist in the davs of dire distress, and dis-

momberment. If Turkey were to assume a truly national position in her own sphere in Asia, and were barker! hv Germany, as if is not unlikely, a new seat of trouble would be created in the Orient. This possibility might not arise, or at best would he long nostponed, if the war now waging were to end in the absolute defeat of the Central Powers. This little, but high-

ly important “if’’ suggests anotiher 1 reason why the present war should l»e waged to a definite conclusion so that the Entente Allies will be in the position to enforce absolutely a world’s peace and create a force in the League of Nations which will have the power to see that peace is respected for all time. The great issues at stake as affecting the future of the world, instance what really hangs upon the decision of the heavy fighting which is to mark this period of the colossal campaign.