Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 7 March 1929, Page 4

Recent caliles show that Stalin has not succeeded in crushing the opposition in Russia, in spite of the decisive victory he and his followers gained over Tjratsky faction in December, -1927. This victory at the time was generally interpreted as a triumph of the moderate policy. The Trotsky Opposition had figured as exponents of the pure

doctrines of Communism, and had demanded a more rigorous restriction of capitalism in the industrial and mar-

keting system of Russia, and the suppression of private enterprse among ii.o peasant population. When Trotsky was expelled, and his colleagues, Zinoviev and Kamenev, surrendered to Stalin, it was expected, says a contemporary in analysing the position, tha, Uiissia would develop along lines ot modified capitalism and some measure of private initativo in agriculture. But iStalin, by suppressing the TVotsky faction, brought himsell under the

suspicion of lukewarmness in the Com. munist faith, and to clear himself of this he introduced a new peasant tax law last April. This law exempted from taxation the poorest peasantry, and re•l uced the rates for the middle classes, lo compensate for this the “kulas,” or rich peasants, had to pay 02 per cent, of the entire tax, although they numbered only 12 per cent, of the peasant population. Stalin also pressed forward a relentless drive upon the rich peasants t.o compel them to surrender their stocks of grain at prices fixed by decree. The quarrel between Stalin

and Trotsky seems now to have developed into a contest of two strong and masterful leaders, and it is difficult to find any definite political differences between the two. Stalin accused Trotsky of preparing for an armed struggle against the Soviet, and Trotsky says flint it is Stalin who is trying to provoke an armed rising in order that be may have an excuse for exterminating it with the sword The attemp; at Communism in agriculture in 1920 1922 was frustrated by the passive resistance of the peasants, who reduced uie area under cultivation. They are now opposing the tax law of last April y voluntary restriction of sowing.