RUSSIA AND THE WAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 45, 24 February 1915, Page 4

RUSSIA AND THE WAR.

According to the Imperial Russian Consul in Sydney, Mr T. A. "Welch, the war is very popular in Russia, perhaps even more so than in England. Mr Welch'says that people are thoroughtly roused, and, so far as Russia was concerned, there would be o cessation of hostilities until Germany had been completely beaten. He emphasised the word beaten. There was no need for him to speak of the fighting qualities of the nation; they had been proved over and over again in the present war, and bore out the assertion that the Russian was the finest fighting material in Europe. Added to this was the fact that Russia had Tieen subjected in times past to Teutonic snubs, until she had risen in her might, “and,” added Mr Welch, “Germany has not even yet experienced Russia’s might.” He did not agree that the war would soon be over. He recognised Germany’s great resources, but was confident that at last her power was drawing to a close. Mr Welch was indignant at the idea' being so prevalent that there might in years to come be a 1 serious Russian menace. Ho repudiated the idea that, with Germany beaten, Russia would exercise an influence almost as pernicious as Prussian militarism. The idea to him was absurd. He knew tho temper of the people and the character of the rulers. Russia must develops her enormous resources, and where could she look for help better than to Great Britain? Russians had the most kindly feelings towards England, their Ally, and the bonds of friendship would now be cemented in the lives sacrificed by both nations. As the result of over ten years’ experience, lie was convinced that the Britisher and the Russian had much in common, and their natures were not by any means dissimilar. !