SOVIET RUSSIA.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1924, Page 2

SOVIET RUSSIA.

- AUSTRALIAN AMI) N.Z. CAULK ASSOCIATION. TROTSKY MOST POPULAR. MODERATION EVIDENT. LONDON, Feb. 17. Tho Daily News’ correspondent at Berlin after a lortniglit in Russia, states he was impressed with the Soviet regime. There was much discontent especially among the peasants, who object to the high taxation, but it is difficult to believe any force in Russia could overthrow the Government. The Communist Party was less hateful than in 1918, the moderates in its ranks working for milder rule. Trotsky had caused dissention by advocating greater democracy in the party, and the freer admission of the middle class. In tire higher administrative posts, non-Communists were displacing Communists. M. Stalin has denounced Trotsky as a, rebel and a traitor to the Communist ideals, and tho party machine was mobilised, and it resisted Trotsky successfully. hut- doubtless Trotsky’s

standpoint will slowly mould the party’s policy. Trotsky is the most popular man in Russia; at his slightest nod an army would march on Moscow and scatter the vast official machine, but it is unlikely Trotsky will prove false to his post. He and Radek and Krassiu, favour moderation, including general liberty for 11011-Coin-muuists, and the modification of the system by which a small minority exploit the Russians.